"Nintendo Switch 2: Some Game Cards to Feature Download Keys Only"

Nintendo has announced an innovative shift in their approach to physical game cartridges for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch in June. In a recent customer support post following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the company revealed that some of the new game cards will not contain actual game data but will instead serve as keys for game downloads. This means that when you insert these game-key cards into your Switch 2, you'll need to download the game online. To ensure transparency, these cards will be clearly labeled on the front lower portion of their packaging, helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

This news has sparked discussions among fans of physical gaming, who value the ease of plug-and-play without the need for internet connectivity or long download times. Some worry that these game-key cards might eventually replace traditional cartridges entirely. However, early indications from the Switch 2 box art suggest otherwise. While some games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster feature the game-key card disclaimer, others such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not.

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

During the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo emphasized the enhanced capabilities of the new red game cards, which boast faster data reading speeds than those of the original Switch from 2017. This suggests that not all cartridges will be mere key containers. Nintendo's history with game cards, such as LA Noire and NBA 2K18 on the original Switch, which required additional downloads, shows their willingness to adapt game card functionalities.

As the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 approaches on June 5, 2025, the full extent of the game-key card usage will become clearer. For a comprehensive overview of all announcements from today's Direct, click here. To delve deeper into the new technology featured in Nintendo's latest hardware, click here.