Nintendo has announced a new approach to its game distribution for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch in June 2025. In a recent customer support post following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the company outlined that the new Switch 2 game cards may not always contain the full game. Instead, some will act as game-key cards, which only include a key to download the game from the Nintendo eShop.

When you insert a game-key card into your Switch 2, you'll need an internet connection to download the actual game data. Nintendo assures that these cards will be clearly marked on the front of the packaging, so you'll know exactly what you're getting before making a purchase.

This news has sparked a conversation among fans who value the convenience of physical media. While some worry that game-key cards might eventually replace traditional cartridges, early indications suggest otherwise. For instance, games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster feature the game-key card disclaimer, whereas Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not.

It seems Nintendo intends to use game-key cards primarily for larger games that could benefit from this approach, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. However, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will ship with a full 64 GB game card on the Switch 2’s launch day.

Nintendo also highlighted the advanced technology of their new red game cards during the Switch 2 Direct, boasting faster data reading speeds than those of the original Switch. This suggests that not all games will shift to the game-key card format, as the company continues to innovate with physical media.

As we approach the launch date of June 5, 2025, more details about the use of game-key cards will likely emerge. For a comprehensive overview of everything announced in the Direct, click here. To explore the new technological features of the Nintendo Switch 2, click here.