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

Nintendo has announced that the new Switch 2 game cards may not always contain the full game. Instead, some will feature a game key for a digital download. This was detailed in a customer support post released following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, which took place this morning. With the Switch 2 set to launch in June, you can still buy physical Switch games as before, but there are some important updates to consider.

The post specifically addresses the use of game-key cards: these are physical cards that only contain a download code for your chosen game, without any actual game data. Upon inserting the card into your Switch 2, you'll need to download the game. These cards will be clearly labeled on the front lower part of the box, ensuring you're aware of what you're buying.

Nintendo Switch 2 game-key card warning. Image credit Nintendo Customer Support.

This news has sparked concerns among fans of physical gaming who value the ease of plug-and-play without the need for downloads and an internet connection. There's a fear that these game-key cards might eventually replace traditional cartridges entirely. However, current evidence suggests that this won't be the case immediately.

Observations from early Switch 2 box art reveal that while some games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster do carry the game-key card disclaimer, others such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. This indicates that the use of game-key cards may be limited to larger games that could benefit from the download approach, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Notably, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will ship with a full 64 GB game card on the Switch 2’s launch day.

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

As the launch date of June 5, 2025 approaches, it remains to be seen how prevalent game-key cards will be. For a comprehensive rundown of everything revealed in today’s Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, click here. To explore the new technology featured in Nintendo’s latest hardware, click here.