Switch 2 Game-Key Cards to Boost Third-Party Games

The introduction of Nintendo's Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 has certainly stirred strong reactions. Last month, Nintendo revealed the Switch 2, confirming that some physical game cards won't include the full game, but instead provide a digital download code. Nintendo later clarified that select Switch 2 Edition titles come with the complete game and any upgrades already on the cartridge.

Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical products that only hold a download key for your selected game. This means the card itself contains no actual game data; you must download the title after inserting it. Each Game-Key Card package is clearly marked near the bottom of the front cover, so shoppers can quickly understand what they're buying.

Games such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster display this game-key card notice, while others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. The massive Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB on Switch 2, is available on a physical cartridge.

Response to Nintendo's Game-Key Cards has been vocal, with Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick expressing disappointment: "It's disheartening to see Nintendo take this approach. You'd expect a company with such a rich history to show more commitment to preservation."

During an interview about the new Nintendo San Francisco store, IGN asked Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America's president, whether physical media remains a significant part of their strategy or if Game-Key Cards represent the future.

"For the foreseeable future, physical games remain essential to our business," Bowser responded. "We deeply value our retail partnerships and want to ensure they have products to offer consumers."

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Packaging

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Bowser further elaborated on the purpose behind Game-Key Cards, noting they help third-party publishers deliver more substantial games on the Switch 2.

"With Game-Key Cards, our objective for Nintendo Switch 2 – much like with the original Switch – is to build the most extensive and diverse game library possible," Bowser explained.

"That includes supporting our publishing partners. Game-Key Cards allow these partners to bring richer, larger, and more immersive experiences to the platform."

CD Projekt confirmed using the maximum 64 GB Switch 2 cartridge for Cyberpunk 2077, which is the highest capacity available. However, Nintendo's first-party titles maintain relatively small file sizes.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game File Sizes:

: 23.4 GBDonkey Kong Bananza: 10 GBNintendo Classics: GameCube app: 3.5 GBSuper Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Jamboree TV: 7.7 GBKirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Star Crossed World: 5.7 GB

Nearly all disclosed third-party physical Nintendo Switch 2 games so far use Game-Key Cards. As Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, highlighted, this reliance on download codes could strain the eShop during the Switch 2's June launch due to high demand.

"Game cartridges are considerably more expensive than discs, and the cost rises with each additional gigabyte," Ahmad explained, outlining publisher motivations.

"Manufacturing multiple cartridge storage capacities takes time to scale. Digital games and lower-capacity cards yield higher profit margins for publishers. Digital sales already dominate the market."

Christopher Dring, Editor-In-Chief and Co-Founder of The Game Business, described the Game-Key Cards as "essentially gift boxes for holidays or birthdays."

"Ultimately, factors like fewer game retailers, increasing production costs, declining interest in physical media among younger audiences, and sustainability efforts all point toward a digital future," Dring added.

Read IGN's full interview with Doug Bowser for more details on the Nintendo San Francisco store and the Switch 2.

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