Cyberpunk 2077 Dev Blasts Switch 2 Key Cards, Calls for Real Cartridges and Plug-and-Play

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Summary

  • Cyberpunk 2077 dev from CD Projekt comments on the Nintendo Switch 2 key card controversy.
  • CD Projekt’s Jan Rosner advised other studios to “not underestimate the physical edition.”
  • The dev also noted that releasing Cyberpunk 2077 on the Switch 2 as a “cartridge with a plug and play experience” was “the right thing to do.”

As a passionate movie-goer and video game critic, I find myself drawn into the ongoing debate surrounding the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Recently, a team member from CD Projekt Red, creators of Cyberpunk 2077, has voiced their opinion on this matter, emphasizing the significance of preserving physical media in our digital age.

During Nintendo’s Direct presentation in April, we got a sneak peek at the new console and learned that for some games, the Nintendo Switch 2 will utilize physical game key cards instead of the traditional cartridges found on the original Switch. However, it’s important to clarify that these cards do not contain any game data per se, but rather serve as proof of purchase.

The Direct recently unveiled some thrilling updates about the upgraded Nintendo Switch console. Among other things, they confirmed its release date of June 5, 2025, and announced “Mario Kart World” as a game launching alongside it. Following the Japanese publisher’s presentation of the Switch 2, Nintendo has achieved a significant financial achievement – doubling their market value since 2016. A major part of this success can be attributed to the initial Switch console, as well as Nintendo’s expansion into movie production and theme parks.

In an interview with The Game Business, Jan Rosner, the VP of business development at CD Projekt, emphasized that other studios should not undervalue physical editions, particularly when considering Nintendo’s key cards. He explained why releasing their game as a “playable cartridge” was a wise decision. The Ultimate Edition of Cyberpunk 2077 is slated to launch on Nintendo’s upcoming console, joining a lineup that includes Elden Ring, Split Fiction, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and FromSoftware’s new IP, The Duskbloods. Rosner mentioned that CD Projekt intended to release a physical cartridge version of Cyberpunk 2077, and Nintendo players seemed to appreciate the “plug and play” experience.

Cyberpunk 2077 Devs Respond to Nintendo Switch 2 Key Card Controversy

In response to the CD Projekt developers’ debate about the Switch 2 key card issue, Nightdive Studios also voiced their opinions. The CEO of the studio criticized Nintendo for insufficient game preservation and emphasized that physical media still hold value, particularly for Nintendo players who appreciate well-made physical editions. Additionally, the Vice President predicted a potential increase in third-party titles on the Switch 2’s lineup, with some unexpected games potentially making an appearance.

Beyond CD Projekt’s anticipated appearance on Nintendo’s next-gen system, many gamers speculate that Cyberpunk 2077 should not be the sole title on Switch 2; rather, it could mark the beginning of a larger presence. Given the technical capabilities and voice chat feature of the new console, the developer’s Project Orion, rumored to be the code name for the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, appears to be a strong candidate to make its way onto Switch 2, potentially leveraging these advanced features to maximize the game’s potential.

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2025-05-07 16:45