For those who love adding physical copies of games to their collection, the upcoming launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 might come as a bit of a letdown. Initial pre-order listings suggest that a majority of third-party games for the console will not come with actual game data on cartridges. This shift toward Game-Key Cards instead of traditional cartridges could be disappointing for enthusiasts who value the tangibility of physical game copies.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is already seeing overwhelming demand in Japan, which far surpasses the initial supply, indicating that the console will be in high demand during its launch phase. While this issue of game data not being on cartridges might not significantly impact demand, it does pose a problem for those collectors who prefer their physical copies with actual game data included.
When Nintendo detailed the Nintendo Switch 2 in its Direct presentation, it was made clear that some games would be released on Game-Key Cards. These cards don’t hold game files; they merely provide a key to download the game from Nintendo’s servers. This isn’t an unprecedented approach in the gaming world, however, current third-party pre-order listings show nearly all these games are set to ship with these Game-Key Cards, with Cyberpunk 2077 standing as the sole title confirmed so far to include data on its cartridge.
Reports from Gematsu highlight that Japan’s retail sites have started listing early third-party titles for the Nintendo Switch 2. Looking closely, Cyberpunk 2077 emerges as the exception, being the only title confirming full game data on the cartridge. Others, such as Bravely Default: Flying Fairy, Street Fighter 6, and Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut, are distributing only Game-Key Cards, leaving collectors with merely the rights to download—rather than own—a game’s physical copy. It’s worth acknowledging that these conclusions come from early images of box art, which means the full scope might alter as more titles are announced or detailed.
Switch 2 cartridges boast a capacity of up to 64 GB, enough space for even content-rich titles like Cyberpunk 2077. This capability suggests that many games releasing as Game-Key Cards could technically fit fully on a cartridge, leading to questions as to why more aren’t choosing this route. The industry trend toward offering physical cases without data puzzles collectors, who value having their games fully contained. Downloading might be convenient, assuming strong internet connections, but it strips the physical edition of its practicality, leaving behind only licensing information.
Speculations about the longevity of digital platforms fuel concerns, as the potential for future inaccessibility looms if these platforms ever close. Moreover, the current requirement of an internet connection to play certain digital versions underscores the fragility of such formats. While regional variations might offer slim hope for reverting this trend, Switch 2 users might do well to prepare, ensuring they have robust download capabilities and ample storage for digital game libraries.
