Nintendo has confirmed that the new Switch 2 game cards will not always contain an actual game. Instead, some will simply include a key for a game download. This update was detailed in a customer support post following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct held earlier today. As the Switch 2 is set to launch in June, fans can continue purchasing physical Switch games, but there are important details to note.
The post emphasizes game-key cards: physical cards that only contain a download key for the game. This means that no actual game data will be on the card you insert into your Switch 2, requiring a download after insertion. Each game-key card case will be clearly labeled on the lower front of the box, providing a heads-up to buyers about what they are purchasing.
The introduction of game-key cards for the Switch 2 has sparked discussions among physical gaming enthusiasts who value the simplicity of plug-and-play. There is a concern that these cards might eventually replace traditional cartridges, but current indications suggest this is not the immediate plan.
Observations from social media highlight that while some Switch 2 game box arts, such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster, feature the game-key card disclaimer, others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. This suggests that the game-key card approach might be reserved for larger games that could benefit from this strategy, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Notably, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will come with a full 64 GB game card on the Switch 2’s launch day.
During the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo highlighted the advanced technology of the new red game cards, which boast faster data reading speeds than the original Switch from 2017. This emphasis on improved technology suggests that not all cartridges will be mere key containers. Nintendo has previously experimented with game cards requiring additional downloads, as seen with titles like LA Noire and NBA 2K18 on the original Switch.
It is still too early to determine the extent to which Switch 2 games will use game-key cards. However, all will become clearer as the launch date of June 5, 2025, approaches. For a comprehensive look at all the announcements from today's Direct, click here. For more details on the new technology in Nintendo's latest hardware, click here.
