Nintendo's introduction of Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 has ignited significant discussion among gamers and industry experts alike. When Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 last month, it revealed that some Switch 2 game cards would not contain the actual game but instead a key for downloading it. To clarify, Nintendo specified that Switch 2 Edition games would include both the game and any upgrades directly on the cartridge.
Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are essentially physical cards that serve as keys to download your selected game. These cards do not hold any game data themselves, requiring a download upon insertion into the Switch 2. To ensure transparency, each Game-Key Card case is clearly labeled on the front, informing consumers about the nature of their purchase.
Notable titles such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster use this Game-Key Card system, while others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. On the other hand, Cyberpunk 2077, with its hefty 64 GB size, comes fully loaded on a cartridge for the Nintendo Switch 2.
The response to Game-Key Cards has been mixed, with strong opinions from industry leaders like Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick, who expressed disappointment over the move, citing concerns about game preservation.
During an interview at the opening of the Nintendo San Francisco store, IGN questioned Nintendo of America's President Doug Bowser about the future of physical media with the advent of Game-Key Cards. Bowser emphasized that physical games would continue to be a vital part of Nintendo's business model, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong relationships with retailers.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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Bowser further explained that Game-Key Cards are designed to enable third-party publishers to bring larger and more immersive games to the Switch 2. He emphasized Nintendo's goal to offer a comprehensive and diverse library of content on the platform.
CD Projekt confirmed that it opted for the largest available Switch 2 cartridge size of 64 GB for Cyberpunk 2077, indicating that this is the maximum capacity for all Nintendo Switch 2 cartridges. However, Nintendo has chosen to keep the sizes of its first-party games 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
The majority of third-party games announced for the Nintendo Switch 2 have been revealed as Game-Key Cards. Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, noted that this trend could lead to significant pressure on the eShop at the Switch 2's launch in June, as fans scramble to download their games. Ahmad also mentioned that game cards are more expensive than discs, and digital distribution offers higher margins for publishers.
Christopher Dring, Editor-In-Chief and Co-Founder of The Game Business, described Game-Key Cards as essentially serving as decorative packaging suitable for gifts. He pointed out that the decline in game retail outlets, increasing manufacturing costs, the preferences of younger generations, and sustainability concerns all suggest a shift away from physical media.
For more detailed insights into Nintendo's plans, including the San Francisco store and the Switch 2, check out IGN's full interview with Doug Bowser.
