Almost All Physical Third-Party Nintendo Switch 2 Games in Japan Are Game-Key Cards — and It Looks Like It’s a Similar Situation in the West

Recent developments have shed light on the distribution format of third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games, particularly in Japan and the West. It appears that the majority of these physical games are being released as Game-Key Cards, which require an internet connection to download the full game upon insertion into the console.

In Japan, all pre-ordered physical third-party games for the Switch 2, with the exception of CD Projekt's Cyberpunk 2077, are Game-Key Cards. Titles like Ys X: Proud Nordics and No Sleep for Kaname Date fall into this category. Similarly, in the West, Sega's games for the Switch 2, such as Sonic X Shadow Generations, are also being released as Game-Key Cards. Notable exceptions to this trend include Cyberpunk 2077, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, and No Sleep For Kaname Date.

Nintendo has confirmed that certain Switch 2 game cards will not contain the full game but will instead hold a key for downloading the game. This approach was clarified to differentiate between Switch 2 Edition games, which include both the game and any necessary upgrades on the cartridge. Game-Key Cards are clearly labeled on the front of the box, ensuring consumers are aware of the need for an internet connection to access the full game.

Examples of games utilizing Game-Key Cards include Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster, whereas Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not use this format. The large file size of Cyberpunk 2077, at 64 GB, necessitates a full game cartridge.

The shift to Game-Key Cards has sparked concerns about the strain on the eShop servers, particularly around the Switch 2's launch date in June. Daniel Ahmad from Niko Partners pointed out the potential pressure on the eShop as fans rush to download their games, noting that all Switch 2 bundles come with download codes. He also mentioned the cost implications of game cards versus discs, suggesting that digital distribution offers better margins for publishers.

Christopher Dring from The Game Business likened Game-Key Cards to gift boxes suitable for wrapping, highlighting the broader industry trend away from physical media due to rising manufacturing costs, the preferences of younger generations, and sustainability efforts.

Switch 2 pre-orders, which began on April 24, sold out quickly, leading to a surge in fake auctions on eBay as fans attempt to counteract scalpers.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes