Recent reports indicate a significant shift in how third-party titles for the Nintendo Switch 2 are being distributed, with nearly all physical releases in Japan arriving via Game-Key Cards. This trend appears to be mirroring in Western markets as well.
As noted by Gematsu, pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 launched in Japan have revealed that almost all third-party physical games—with the exception of CD Projekt’s *Cyberpunk 2077*—are delivered via Game-Key Cards. This means players must go online and download the full game after inserting the card into their system.
“Ys X: Proud Nordics” and “No Sleep for Kaname Date” are also Game-Key Cards in Japan. Retail descriptions for “Split Fiction” list it as a code-in-a-box.
In the West, Sega has already confirmed that its Nintendo Switch 2 titles will follow the same model. For example, the Walmart listing for *Sonic X Shadow Generations* clearly states that it is a Game-Key Card requiring an internet connection to access the full game.
To date, only four third-party physical Nintendo Switch 2 games have been identified as full retail versions (not Game-Key Cards): *Cyberpunk 2077*, *Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition*, *Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition*, and *No Sleep for Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES Aiba Edition*.
What Are Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Cards?
When Nintendo officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2, it confirmed that some physical game cards would not actually contain the full game data. Instead, they function more like digital keys that allow users to download the game onto their system.
Nintendo later clarified that titles labeled as “Switch 2 Edition” do include both the base game and the enhanced version on the same cartridge. However, standard Game-Key Cards only provide access to the digital copy, which must be downloaded separately.
Each Game-Key Card is clearly marked on the front packaging, giving consumers a visual cue about what they're purchasing. These cards contain no internal game data and simply serve as activation keys.
For example, titles such as *Street Fighter 6* and the *Bravely Default* remaster prominently feature this disclaimer on their packaging. Meanwhile, other games like *Mario Kart World* and *Donkey Kong Bananza* do not use the Game-Key Card format and instead include the full game on the cart itself. Notably, the large 64 GB *Cyberpunk 2077* release does come on a traditional game card.
Potential Impact on Nintendo eShop at Launch
Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, raised concerns over the potential strain on the Nintendo eShop during the Switch 2 launch window. With many titles requiring downloads post-purchase, he warned:
“All the Switch 2 bundles come with a download code. Mario Kart World is 24GB. Most games come on a game key card and require a download. The Switch 2 launches globally on the same day. I am not a religious man, but I ask you all to pray for the Eshop servers on June 5.”
Ahmad further explained that game cards are significantly more expensive than digital alternatives, especially as storage demands increase. He pointed out that producing high-capacity cartridges takes time, and digital distribution or low-capacity cards offer better profit margins for publishers.
The Decline of Physical Media in Gaming
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,” highlighting their symbolic nature rather than functional value.
He added that multiple industry trends—including fewer physical retailers, rising manufacturing costs, shifting consumer habits among younger audiences, and sustainability initiatives—are collectively pushing the gaming market toward digital-first or digital-only models.
Switch 2 Pre-Orders Sell Out Fast
Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 launched on April 24, 2025, and quickly sold out across major retailers. In response, some Nintendo fans have taken matters into their own hands by posting fake Switch 2 auctions on eBay, aiming to flood listings and prevent scalpers from profiting off inflated prices.
