"Nintendo: Switch 2 Game-Key Cards Enable Deeper, Larger Content"

Nintendo's introduction of Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 has ignited a fervent response among gamers and industry experts alike. When the curtains were lifted on the Switch 2 last month, Nintendo revealed that certain Switch 2 game cards would not contain the actual game but instead hold a key for a game download. This was later clarified to note that Switch 2 Edition games include both the game and any necessary upgrades directly on the cartridge.

These Game-Key Cards are physical cards that merely contain a download key for the chosen game, requiring players to download the game data after inserting the card into their Switch 2. The packaging for these cards is clearly labeled at the bottom of the front of the box, ensuring buyers are aware of what they're purchasing.

Games such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster feature this game-key card disclaimer, whereas titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, with its hefty 64 GB size on the Switch 2, is available on a physical cartridge.

The response to Nintendo's Game-Key Cards has been mixed. Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick expressed his disappointment, stating, "Seeing Nintendo do this is a little disheartening. You would hope that a company that big, that has such a storied history, would take preservation a little more seriously."

During an interview about the opening of the Nintendo San Francisco store, IGN posed a question to Nintendo of America's boss, Doug Bowser, about the future of physical media and the role of Game-Key Cards. Bowser affirmed, "In the immediate future, physical games are still a key part of our business. And we value our relationships in particular with our retailers, and want to make sure we have products available for them to sell to their consumers."

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Bowser further elaborated on the purpose of Game-Key Cards, suggesting that they are a means for third-party publishers to bring larger games to the Switch 2 platform. He stated, "When you look at Game-Key Cards, for us, our goal with Nintendo Switch 2 – similar to what we were able to accomplish on Nintendo Switch – is to have the broadest and deepest library of content we possibly can. And that includes our publishing partners. And Game-Key Cards are a way that our publishing partners are able to bring more content onto the platform, deeper and larger, more immersive content on the platform."

CD Projekt confirmed that they opted for the highest capacity Switch 2 cart (64 GB) for Cyberpunk 2077, indicating that 64 GB is the maximum size for all Nintendo Switch 2 cartridges. However, Nintendo has kept its first-party game sizes relatively small.

Nintendo Switch 2 game storage sizes:

Mario Kart World: 23.4 GB
Donkey Kong Bananza: 10 GB
Nintendo Classics: GameCube app: 3.5 GB
Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Jamboree TV: 7.7 GB
Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Star Crossed World: 5.7 GB

Almost all physical third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games revealed so far are Game-Key Cards. As pointed out by Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, this focus on Game-Key Cards might put significant pressure on the eShop around the Switch 2’s launch in June as fans rush to download their games. Ahmad further explained, "Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs (+ increases with each GB). It takes time to ramp up production of multiple storage capacity game cards. Digital games / lower capacity cards offer higher margins for publishers. Digital is the majority of sales."

Christopher Dring, Editor-In-Chief and Co-Founder of The Game Business, likened Game-Key Cards to "basically Christmas/birthday present boxes for wrapping up." He added, "Ultimately, with fewer games retailers, rising manufacturing costs, the fact that younger generations just don’t care, plus the drive for sustainability, all points in one direction for physical media."

For more insights on the Nintendo San Francisco store and the Switch 2, you can watch IGN’s full interview with Doug Bowser.