Nintendo Switch 2’s New Game Format Sparks Collector Uproar

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Summary

  • Majority of third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games revealed thus far are on Game-Key Cards, not cartridges, raising concerns for physical copy collectors.
  • Only Cyberpunk 2077 will have game data on cartridge, while other titles like Street Fighter 6 will be on Game-Key Cards.
  • Concerns are raised about physical copies not containing game data, leaving collectors with useless boxes and potential future playability issues.

People who prefer buying physical versions of games might find themselves disappointed when the Nintendo Switch 2 launches, as indicated by the pre-order listings for third-party games on the console. Many of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 games that are currently available for pre-order will not include the game data on the cartridge itself.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a tinge of frustration when I hear about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. It appears that the hype surrounding its release in Japan has exceeded the initial supply, leaving many eager gamers like myself in a bit of a lurch. Even though it’s unlikely to affect the overall number of consoles eventually made available, the fact remains that this development might dampen the spirits of those who prefer to own a tangible game cartridge.

In the full disclosure of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, it was unveiled that certain physical editions of games will come as Game-Key Cards instead of regular Game Cards. Unlike standard Game Cards, these Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Cards do not store game files themselves but merely provide a license access key for users to download the game directly from Nintendo’s servers onto their Nintendo Switch 2 devices. This practice is not new in the gaming industry, but it appears that most upcoming third-party games for the Nintendo Switch 2 are shipping with Game-Key Cards, with very few exceptions.

Majority of Third-Party Nintendo Switch 2 Games Aren’t on Cartridge

According to Gematsu, some third-party games for a potential Nintendo Switch 2 have started popping up on Japanese retail sites. Out of the several titles that have been previewed with box images, only Cyberpunk 2077 appears to be physically included in its game cartridge. Other games like Bravely Default: Flying Fairy, Street Fighter 6, and Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut are shipping as Game-Key Cards, which merely provide the license for their respective games. It should be mentioned that this observation is based on the game boxes, not all third-party games have shown their full box art yet, so it remains uncertain if the current trend will continue when all third-party games are fully listed.

On Nintendo Switch 2, game cartridges can hold up to 64 gigabytes of information. This implies that certain upcoming games might not be able to fit onto a single cartridge. However, given that Cyberpunk 2077 was successfully accommodated within this limit, it seems plausible that many of the games being released as Game-Key Cards were originally intended to include the game data in the box itself instead.

It’s becoming more frequent for game discs to be sold without the actual game files, which leaves collectors feeling disappointed. While downloading a game isn’t much of a hassle if you have fast internet speeds, it essentially makes the physical copy redundant because its main function is to grant access to the digital game files and verify ownership of the title. Some people have expressed concerns about the future, suggesting that digital distribution platforms might one day shut down, while others are worried about the present, noting that some games can’t be played offline due to their digital nature.

For those eagerly waiting for the Nintendo Switch 2, it’s unlikely that they should expect its release anytime soon, as the situation might differ in other areas. To fully enjoy the potential new console, users may want to focus on having fast internet speeds for downloading games and securing ample storage space for any future downloaded titles.

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2025-04-24 04:14