Nintendo's introduction of Game-Key Cards for the highly anticipated Switch 2 has ignited a wave of reactions across the gaming community. During the unveiling of Switch 2 last month, Nintendo disclosed that some new game cards wouldn’t house actual game data but rather a digital key for downloading the title. Subsequently, the company clarified that Switch 2 Edition games integrate both the game and the upgrade directly onto the cartridge.
These Game-Key Cards are physical cards containing solely a digital key to unlock a game. This means no game data is stored on the card itself—you'll need to download the game post-insertion. Each Game-Key Card box clearly labels the contents at the bottom of the front panel, ensuring buyers know exactly what they’re purchasing upfront.
Notable titles like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster include this Game-Key card notice, while others such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. On the other hand, the hefty Cyberpunk 2077, which clocks in at 64 GB on Switch 2, comes preloaded on a cartridge.
Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick expressed his disappointment, stating: “Seeing Nintendo do this is a little disheartening. You’d hope that a company with such a storied history would prioritize preservation.”
In an IGN interview regarding the opening of the Nintendo San Francisco store, Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser addressed whether physical media remains a priority. He affirmed that physical games continue to be crucial to Nintendo’s strategy and emphasized maintaining strong ties with retailers.
Bowser elaborated on Nintendo’s vision for Game-Key Cards, emphasizing their role in enabling third-party publishers to deliver extensive content to Switch 2. “Our goal with Nintendo Switch 2 is to provide the broadest and deepest library of content possible, including our publishing partners. Game-Key Cards allow our partners to bring more substantial, immersive experiences to the platform.”
CD Projekt confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077 utilizes the largest-capacity Switch 2 cartridge (64 GB), indicating that this is the upper limit for all Switch 2 game cards. However, Nintendo’s own first-party games remain compact in size.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Storage Sizes:
- Mario Kart World: 23.4 GB
- Donkey Kong Bananza: 10 GB
- Nintendo Classics: GameCube app: 3.5 GB
- Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV: 7.7 GB
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star Crossed World: 5.7 GB
Nearly all revealed third-party Switch 2 games are Game-Key Cards. Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, noted that this trend could strain the eShop during the Switch 2’s launch in June as fans race to download their games.
Ahmad explained, “Game cards are significantly pricier than discs, especially as storage increases. Publishers prefer digital games due to higher margins and quicker production cycles.”
Christopher Dring, Editor-in-Chief of The Game Business, likened Game-Key Cards to “Christmas/birthday present boxes,” highlighting the shift toward digital distribution driven by factors such as sustainability and changing consumer preferences.
To read more about the Nintendo San Francisco store and Switch 2, check out IGN’s full interview with Doug Bowser.
