The introduction of Nintendo's Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 has ignited a fervent debate among gamers and industry insiders alike. When Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 last month, it revealed that some of the new Switch 2 game cards would not contain the actual game data but instead serve as a key for a game download. To clarify, Nintendo stated that Switch 2 Edition games would include both the game and any upgrades on the cartridge itself.
These Game-Key Cards are physical cards that only provide a key to download the game you've purchased. Upon inserting the card into your Switch 2, you'll need to download the game data. The packaging for these cards clearly indicates this on the lower front of the box, ensuring consumers are aware of what they're buying.
For instance, games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster come with the game-key card disclaimer, whereas titles such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. The hefty Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a physical cartridge.
Reactions to this move have been mixed. Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick expressed 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 questioned Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser about the future of physical media in light of Game-Key Cards. Bowser responded, "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, noting their role in allowing third-party publishers to bring larger games to the Switch 2. "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," Bowser explained. "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 using the maximum 64 GB Switch 2 cartridge for Cyberpunk 2077, while Nintendo keeps its first-party game sizes smaller. Here are some examples of Nintendo Switch 2 game storage sizes:
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 third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games revealed so far utilize Game-Key Cards. Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, pointed out that this could strain the eShop around the Switch 2's launch in June as fans rush to download their games. "Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs (+ increases with each GB)," Ahmad added, explaining the cost considerations for publishers. "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, described Game-Key Cards as "basically Christmas/birthday present boxes for wrapping up." He further stated, "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 a more in-depth discussion, check out IGN's full interview with Doug Bowser about the Nintendo San Francisco store and the Switch 2.
