Nintendo: Switch 2 Game-Key Cards Enable Deeper, Larger Content for Third-Party Publishers

Nintendo's introduction of Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 has undoubtedly stirred up a passionate reaction within the gaming community. When Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 last month, they revealed that some Switch 2 game cards would not contain the actual game, but rather a key for downloading the game. Nintendo later clarified that Switch 2 Edition games would indeed include both the game and any upgrades directly on the cartridge.

Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cards that serve solely as a key to download your chosen game. This means that no game data is stored on the card itself; you'll need to download the game after inserting the card into your Switch 2. These cards are clearly labeled on the front of the box, ensuring consumers are aware of what they're buying.

Games such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster feature this game-key card disclaimer, whereas others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, which takes up 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, comes on a full cartridge.

The reaction to Nintendo's Game-Key Cards has been mixed. Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick expressed disappointment, stating, "Seeing Nintendo do this is a little disheartening. You would hope that a company that big, that has such a storied history, would take preservation a little more seriously."

In an interview discussing the opening of the Nintendo San Francisco store, IGN asked Nintendo of America's Doug Bowser about the future of physical media and the role of Game-Key Cards. Bowser emphasized, "In the immediate future, physical games are still a key part of our business. And we value our relationships in particular with our retailers, and want to make sure we have products available for them to sell to their consumers."

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Bowser further elaborated on the purpose of Game-Key Cards, stating, "When you look at Game-Key Cards, for us, our goal with Nintendo Switch 2 – similar to what we were able to accomplish on Nintendo Switch – is to have the broadest and deepest library of content we possibly can. And that includes our publishing partners. And Game-Key Cards are a way that our publishing partners are able to bring more content onto the platform, deeper and larger, more immersive content on the platform."

CD Projekt opted for the highest capacity Switch 2 cart (64 GB) for Cyberpunk 2077, confirming that 64 GB is the maximum size for Nintendo Switch 2 cartridges. Meanwhile, Nintendo has kept its first-party game sizes relatively small.

Nintendo Switch 2 game storage sizes:

Mario Kart World: 23.4 GB
Donkey Kong Bananza: 10 GB
Nintendo Classics: GameCube app: 3.5 GB
Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Jamboree TV: 7.7 GB
Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Star Crossed World: 5.7 GB

Almost all physical third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games revealed so far are Game-Key Cards. Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, pointed out that this focus on Game-Key Cards could put extreme pressure on the eShop around the Switch 2’s launch in June as fans rush to download their games. Ahmad added, "Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs (+ increases with each GB). It takes time to ramp up production of multiple storage capacity game cards. Digital games / lower capacity cards offer higher margins for publishers. Digital is the majority of sales."

Christopher Dring, Editor-In-Chief and Co-Founder of The Game Business, likened Game-Key Cards to "basically Christmas/birthday present boxes for wrapping up." He further noted, "Ultimately, with fewer games retailers, rising manufacturing costs, the fact that younger generations just don’t care, plus the drive for sustainability, all points in one direction for physical media."

For more insights on the Nintendo San Francisco store and the Switch 2, check out IGN's full interview with Doug Bowser.