Nintendo has recently announced a new feature for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch in June 2025. In a customer support post released following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the company revealed that some physical game cards for the new console will not contain the actual game data. Instead, these "game-key cards" will only include a download key, requiring users to download the game after inserting the card into their console. These game-key cards will be clearly marked on the front of the packaging, ensuring that buyers are aware of what they are purchasing.
This news has stirred some concern among fans who prefer traditional physical media for its ease of use. Some worry that game-key cards might eventually replace all standard cartridges. However, evidence suggests that this might not be the case. While certain titles like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster have been confirmed to use game-key cards, others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will not.
It seems that game-key cards might be reserved for larger games that could benefit from the download approach, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Additionally, 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 highlighted the advanced technology of its new red game cards, which boast faster data reading speeds than those of the original Switch. This emphasis on improved hardware suggests that not all cartridges will be mere key holders. Nintendo has previously used a similar approach with games like LA Noire and NBA 2K18 on the original Switch, which required additional downloads.
As the launch date of June 5, 2025, approaches, more details about the use of game-key cards will likely emerge. For a comprehensive overview of everything announced during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, click here. To delve deeper into the new technology featured in the Nintendo Switch 2, click here.
