Nintendo's introduction of Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 has ignited a fervent 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 full game but instead a key for downloading the game. Nintendo later clarified that Switch 2 Edition games would include both the game and any upgrades directly on the cartridge.
Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cards that contain a key to download the game, requiring an internet connection to access the game data. These cards are clearly labeled on the front of the box to inform consumers about their contents. Games such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster come with this disclaimer, while others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. For instance, Cyberpunk 2077, weighing in at 64 GB, is available on a full cartridge.
The response to Nintendo's Game-Key Cards has 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 new Nintendo San Francisco store, IGN asked Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser about the future of physical media. Bowser affirmed, "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, explaining, "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. 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 opted for the maximum 64 GB Switch 2 cartridge for Cyberpunk 2077, confirming that this is the largest size available for Switch 2 games. Meanwhile, Nintendo has kept its first-party game sizes 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
Almost all third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games revealed so far are Game-Key Cards. Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, highlighted the potential strain on the eShop around the Switch 2's launch in June due to the rush to download games. Ahmad noted, "Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs (+ increases with each GB). 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 added, "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 look, check out IGN’s full interview with Doug Bowser, covering the Nintendo San Francisco store and the Switch 2.
