Nintendo has announced an innovative approach for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, revealing that the new game cards might not always contain the full game. Instead, some will act as game-key cards, which only include a download key for the game. This news came directly from a customer support post released shortly after the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct this morning. With the Switch 2 set to launch in June, fans can continue buying physical games, but there are key details to consider.
The customer support post elaborates on the game-key cards, explaining that these physical cards will not have the actual game data. Instead, upon inserting the card into your Switch 2, you'll need to download the game. To ensure clarity for consumers, Nintendo will label game-key card cases clearly on the front of the box, helping buyers understand what they're purchasing.
The introduction of game-key cards has sparked discussions among fans who cherish the traditional plug-and-play experience, fearing these cards might eventually replace standard cartridges entirely. However, early indications from Switch 2 box art suggest this might not be the case. While games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster feature the game-key card disclaimer, others such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not.
It seems that game-key cards may be utilized primarily for larger, more demanding titles that could benefit from this approach, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Yet, it's reassuring to know that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will launch with a full 64 GB game card on the Switch 2's launch day, as confirmed by developer CD Projekt Red.
During the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo highlighted the advanced technology of its new red game cards, boasting faster data reading speeds compared to the original Switch. This focus on improved performance indicates that not all game cards will be mere key holders, echoing past instances where games like LA Noire and NBA 2K18 required additional downloads.
While it's too early to determine the extent to which game-key cards will be used, more will be revealed as the launch date approaches. The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to hit the market on June 5, 2025. For a detailed look at all the announcements from today's Direct, click here. To explore the new technological features of Nintendo's latest hardware, click here.
