"Nintendo Reveals Switch 2 Game Cards to Feature Download Keys"

Nintendo has recently announced that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will introduce a new type of game card: the game-key card. These cards won't always contain the actual game data but will instead provide a key for downloading the game. This shift in approach was detailed in a customer support post released following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct this morning. When the Switch 2 launches in June, fans will still be able to buy physical Switch games as they have for the past eight years, but there are some key differences to be aware of.

The game-key cards are essentially physical cards that include a download code rather than the game itself. Once inserted into the Switch 2, the game will need to be downloaded. These cards will be clearly labeled on the front lower portion of their packaging, ensuring consumers know exactly what they're purchasing.

The news has sparked concerns among fans who value the traditional plug-and-play experience of physical games. There's a worry that these game-key cards might eventually replace all standard cartridges. However, initial box art reveals that not all games will use this method. Titles like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster feature the game-key card disclaimer, while Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not.

It seems that the game-key card strategy might be reserved for larger games that could benefit from this approach, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Yet, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will be released with a full 64 GB game card on the Switch 2's launch day.

During the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo highlighted the improved technology of the new red game cards, boasting faster data reading speeds than those of the original 2017 console. This suggests that not all cartridges will be mere key containers. Nintendo has previously adjusted what game cards offer, with games like LA Noire and NBA 2K18 on the original Switch requiring additional downloads.

While it's too early to determine the full extent of game-key card usage on the Switch 2, more details are expected as the launch date of June 5, 2025, approaches. For comprehensive coverage of today's Direct and a closer look at the new technology featured in the Switch 2, click here.