Nintendo's introduction of Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 has certainly stirred up a lively debate. When Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 last month, they confirmed that some of the new Switch 2 game cards would not contain actual game data, but rather a key for downloading the game. Nintendo later clarified that Switch 2 Edition games would include both the game and any upgrades directly on the cartridge.

Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cards that only contain a download key for the game you choose. This means you'll need an internet connection to download the game after inserting the card into your console. The packaging for these Game-Key Cards clearly states this on the lower front portion, ensuring that consumers know exactly what they're buying.

Notable titles like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster come with this game-key card disclaimer, whereas games such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. The expansive Cyberpunk 2077, which occupies 64 GB on the Switch 2, is available on a traditional cartridge.

Reactions to Nintendo's Game-Key Cards have been strong, with Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick expressing 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."

During an interview at the opening of the Nintendo San Francisco store, IGN asked Nintendo of America's president, Doug Bowser, about the future of physical media and Game-Key Cards.

"In the immediate future, physical games are still a key part of our business," Bowser stated. "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 behind Game-Key Cards, emphasizing that they enable third-party publishers to bring larger games to the Switch 2. "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," he explained. "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 confirmed using the highest capacity Switch 2 cart (64 GB) for Cyberpunk 2077, noting that 64 GB is the maximum size for all Nintendo Switch 2 cartridges. In contrast, 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 third-party physical Nintendo Switch 2 games revealed so far are Game-Key Cards. Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, highlighted that this could lead to significant pressure on the eShop around the Switch 2’s launch in June as fans rush to download their games.

"Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs (+ increases with each GB)," Ahmad added, explaining the rationale behind publishers' choices. "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, described Game-Key Cards as "basically Christmas/birthday present boxes for wrapping up." "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," Dring added.

For a more in-depth look at Nintendo's strategy, check out IGN’s full interview with Doug Bowser, covering the Nintendo San Francisco store and the Switch 2.