Nintendo has officially announced that not all physical game cards for the upcoming Switch 2 console will include actual game data. Instead, some of these new cards will function solely as download key holders, requiring an internet connection to retrieve the full game.
In a recent update shared via Nintendo’s customer support page, shortly after the latest Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation, the company clarified its new policy regarding physical game media. Although buyers will still be able to purchase physical copies of games when the Switch 2 launches this June, the experience may differ slightly from what they’ve come to expect over the past eight years.
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What Are Game-Key Cards?
These new game-key cards resemble standard Switch cartridges but only contain a code that allows users to download the game from the internet. There is no game data stored on the cartridge itself. Upon inserting the card into the Switch 2, the system will prompt the user to download the full game. Nintendo has assured customers that these download-only cards will be clearly marked with labels on the lower front portion of the packaging to help consumers identify them before purchasing.
Fans Voice Concerns About the Shift
The announcement has sparked unease among fans who prefer the traditional convenience of inserting a cartridge and playing immediately, without the need for an internet connection or waiting for large downloads. Some fear this signals the beginning of the end for fully-loaded physical cartridges.
However, early examples suggest that not all games will adopt the download-key format. Observers have noted that certain titles, including Street Fighter 6 and a remastered version of Bravely Default, do carry the download-key card label, while others, like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, do not. This indicates that the approach may be limited to select titles rather than being universally applied.
Likely Reserved for Larger Games
It seems likely that this method will primarily be used for games with larger file sizes, where the physical storage limitations of cartridges become a concern. Titles such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake are considered good candidates for this format. Nevertheless, some developers are still choosing to use large-capacity cartridges. For example, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will be available on a 64 GB game card at launch, showing that full-sized games can still be distributed physically.
Improved Game Card Technology
Despite the controversy, Nintendo has emphasized advancements in the new red Switch 2 game cards. These upgraded cartridges offer faster data reading speeds compared to the original Switch, a feature that would be unnecessary if all cards were simply download keys. This suggests that Nintendo still values and supports physical media beyond just download code distribution.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Nintendo has blended physical and digital experiences. Previous titles like L.A. Noire and NBA 2K18 for the original Switch also required substantial downloads even when purchased physically.
While the transition to game-key cards introduces new considerations for physical game collectors and offline players, it appears to be a selective strategy rather than a sweeping replacement of traditional cartridges—for now.