Nintendo Reveals Switch 2 Game Cards May Only Contain Download Keys

Nintendo has announced that the new Switch 2 game cards may not always contain the full game. Instead, some will include a key for downloading the game. This was detailed in a customer support post released following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct this morning. When the Switch 2 launches in June, you can continue buying physical Switch games as before, but there are some key points to consider.

The post discusses game-key cards, which are physical cards containing a download key instead of the actual game data. You'll need an internet connection to download the game after inserting the card into your Switch 2. These game-key card cases will have a clear label on the lower front of the box, alerting you to their nature.

This news has stirred concerns among fans who value the traditional plug-and-play experience without the need for downloads and an internet connection. Some worry that these game-key cards might eventually replace all standard cartridges, though current evidence suggests otherwise.

Observations from early Switch 2 box art show that 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 the game-key card approach might be used primarily for larger games, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will ship with a full 64 GB game card at the Switch 2’s launch.

During the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo highlighted the improved technology of the new red game cards, which offer faster data reading speeds than the original Switch. This emphasis on performance suggests that not all cartridges will be mere key containers. Nintendo has previously used game cards that required additional downloads, as seen with LA Noire and NBA 2K18 on the original Switch.

While it's too early to determine the full extent of game-key card usage, more details will emerge as the launch date approaches. The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025. For a comprehensive overview of today's Direct, click here. To delve into the new technology features of the Switch 2, click here.