Nintendo has announced that its new Switch 2 game cards may not always include the full game, sometimes serving solely as keys to unlock digital downloads.
The renowned Super Mario Bros. developer outlined its updated approach to physical game cartridges in a customer support post released shortly after the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. The post clarifies that, starting with the Switch 2’s launch in June, players can continue buying physical Switch games as they have for the past eight years, though there are key details to understand.
The support post highlights game-key cards: physical cards that contain only a download code for a selected game. These cards hold no game data, requiring players to download the game after inserting the card into the Switch 2. Each game-key card case will be clearly marked on the lower front of the box, ensuring buyers know what they’re purchasing upfront.
The introduction of game-key cards for the Switch 2 has sparked discussion among fans of physical media, who value the convenience of instant play without lengthy downloads or internet requirements. Some worry these cards could eventually replace traditional cartridges, though there’s little evidence to suggest this shift is imminent.
Social media users have noted that while some Switch 2 game box art, such as for Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster, includes the game-key card label, others, like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, do not.
It seems the game-key card approach will likely be limited to select high-data games that benefit from this method, such as titles like Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Meanwhile, developer CD Projekt Red has confirmed Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will include a 64 GB game card on the Switch 2’s launch day.
During the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo emphasized the advanced technology in its upgraded red game cards, boasting faster data read speeds compared to the original 2017 console. This focus on enhanced cartridge tech suggests not all cards will be mere download keys. Notably, Nintendo has previously stretched the definition of game cards, with titles like LA Noire and NBA 2K18 requiring additional downloads on the original Switch.
While it’s too early to know how many Switch 2 games will use game-key cards, more details will emerge as the June 5, 2025, launch approaches. For now, the Nintendo Switch 2 is set to make its debut. For a full rundown of today’s Direct announcements, click here. To explore the new tech behind Nintendo’s latest hardware, click here.
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