Nintendo has announced that the upcoming Switch 2 will introduce a new type of game card known as a game-key card. These cards will not contain the actual game data but instead will include a key for downloading the game. This change was highlighted in a customer support post released following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event this morning. As the Switch 2 is set to launch in June, fans can continue to buy physical Switch games, but it's important to be aware of the new game-key card system.
The game-key cards will be clearly labeled on the front of the packaging, ensuring consumers are informed about the type of product they are purchasing. Once inserted into the Switch 2, these cards will prompt a download of the game, requiring an internet connection. This shift has sparked some concern among fans who value the traditional plug-and-play experience without the need for downloads and internet access.
Reactions on social media have been mixed, with some users pointing out that not all Switch 2 games, such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster, will use the game-key card system, while others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will retain traditional game cards. It seems that Nintendo may reserve the game-key card approach for larger games that could benefit from the download strategy, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will launch with a full 64 GB game card on the Switch 2's release date.
Nintendo emphasized the enhanced technology of the new red game cards during the Switch 2 Direct, boasting faster data reading speeds compared to the original Switch. This suggests that not all game cards will transition to the key system, as Nintendo continues to innovate with physical media. Historical examples like LA Noire and NBA 2K18 on the original Switch, which required additional downloads, show Nintendo's willingness to experiment with game card formats.
As we approach the Switch 2's launch on June 5, 2025, the extent to which game-key cards will be used remains to be seen. For more details on the announcements from today's Direct, click here. To explore the new technology in the Switch 2, click here.
