Nintendo Reveals Switch 2 Game Cards May Only Offer Download Keys

Nintendo has announced a significant change for the upcoming Switch 2: some of the new game cards will not contain the full game data. Instead, they will include a key for downloading the game. This new approach was detailed in a customer support post released shortly after the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event this morning. As the Switch 2 is set to launch in June, gamers can continue purchasing physical Switch games as before, but with some important considerations.

The customer support post elaborates on the use of game-key cards, which are physical cards that contain only a download key rather than the actual game data. This means that you'll need an internet connection to download the game after inserting the card into your Switch 2. To ensure transparency, these game-key card cases will be clearly labeled on the front lower portion of the packaging, allowing consumers to know exactly what they're buying.

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

The news about game-key cards for the Switch 2 has sparked concerns among fans who value the traditional plug-and-play experience without the need for downloads and internet connectivity. There's a fear that these game-key cards might eventually replace all traditional game cartridges, but evidence suggests this might not be the case just yet.

Observations from social media and early looks at Switch 2 box art reveal that not all games will use the game-key card system. For instance, games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster feature the game-key card disclaimer, while others such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. This suggests that the game-key card approach might be limited to larger games that could benefit from a download strategy, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Notably, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will come with a full 64 GB game card on the Switch 2's launch day.

During the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo highlighted the new technology supporting the upgraded red game cards, boasting faster data reading speeds than the original Switch from 2017. This emphasis on improved hardware capabilities implies that not all cartridges will be mere key containers. Nintendo has previously used a similar strategy with games like LA Noire and NBA 2K18 on the original Switch, which required additional downloads.

While it's unclear how widespread the use of game-key cards will be for the Switch 2, more details are expected as the launch date approaches. The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to be released on June 5, 2025. For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from today's Direct, click here. For more information on the new technology features of the Switch 2, click here.