Switch 2 Owners Rejoice: Marvelous USA’s Shocking Move Saves the Day

by

Summary

  • Marvelous USA confirmed its Switch 2 physical releases won’t require downloads, easing gamer concerns.
  • Not all Switch 2 third-party games have the full game on their cartridges.
  • Switch 2 cartridges have 64 GB capacity, which may limit larger games’ full physical releases.

Marvelous USA has assured customers that when they purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 physically, there will be no need for additional downloads. The physical media industry has been grappling with an uncertain future as some companies release incomplete games on disc or opt out of a physical release altogether. However, Marvelous Entertainment’s decision to avoid this trend with their titles for the Switch 2 offers some reassurance to those who prefer traditional physical copies.

On April 2nd, when Nintendo unveiled details about the Switch 2, it was disclosed that certain games on this new system will be “Game-Key Cards” instead of traditional cartridges. These cards are essentially software keys for downloading a digital version of the game. Therefore, they don’t represent physical copies of the game itself. Unfortunately, when third-party developers announced their Switch 2 games, it was discovered that most would come as key cards in their physical releases, which has left many gamers who prefer tangible media feeling let down.

In the midst of increasing debate, Marvelous USA has made clear their stance regarding Bluesky, stating that the physical editions of their upcoming Switch 2 games will come with the complete game on the cartridge. Although not all studios are adopting this method, fans can take comfort in knowing that at least three games – Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, and Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion – will be available as physical copies on the platform. Notably, the Switch 2 cartridge for Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma includes both versions of the game, which is also playable on the original Switch. Other games might follow suit, but at present, only a few have disclosed plans for cross-functionality in their physical releases.

Upcoming Marvelous Switch 2 Physical Releases Will Contain the Entire Game

We’ve seen some confusion about our upcoming #NintendoSwitch2 releases. Our physical editions for Rune Factory, STORY OF SEASONS, and Daemon X Machina in the West will feature the full game on the cartridge. Hope that helps clear things up. 👍 — Marvelous USA (@marveloususa.bsky.social) 2025-04-24T18:50:05.890Z

It’s important to mention that all games may not be able to fit onto the cartridge of the upcoming Switch 2 console, as Nintendo has announced that these cartridges will have a storage capacity of 64 GB. While this is larger than the original Switch’s physical copies, it’s still not sufficient for some larger AAA games. Even companies like Marvelous can fit all their game files onto the cartridge and still have extra space, but many modern games now exceed 100 GB, so even if they were to release on the Switch 2 physically, they would require additional downloads. This isn’t a problem exclusive to Nintendo consoles either.

It’s uncertain if every future Marvelous Switch 2 physical version will contain the entire game on the cartridge, but for now, all announced titles will do so, which is a welcome convenience. Much like many Nintendo-developed games, upgrades for the Switch 2 won’t necessitate a download with the physical Switch 2 versions, instead offering both the main game and the Switch 2 upgrade pack on the cartridge itself. Other developers might adopt this approach, but how they choose to implement it could differ.

Read More

2025-04-25 21:35