If you're a fan of Nintendo, the introduction of Switch 2 Game-Key Cards has undoubtedly sparked some strong opinions. During the unveiling of Switch 2 last month, Nintendo revealed that several new game cards won't actually house the game data itself but instead will act as keys to download the game digitally. Later clarifications stated that Switch 2 Edition games include both the game and the upgrade directly on the cartridge.
Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cards containing only a digital download key. This means there’s no actual game data on the card you insert into your Switch 2—you'll need to download the game afterward. Each Game-Key Card box clearly labels its contents on the bottom front, so you know exactly what you’re purchasing.
Titles like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster explicitly state this download key system, while others such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Meanwhile, the hefty Cyberpunk 2077, clocking in at 64 GB on Switch 2, is released on a traditional cartridge.
Stephen Kick, CEO of Nightdive Studios, expressed disappointment over Nintendo's approach, emphasizing concerns about preserving physical media. In an IGN interview discussing the opening of the Nintendo San Francisco store, Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America, addressed whether physical media would remain a significant part of Nintendo’s strategy or if Game-Key Cards represented the future.
"In the near term, physical games are still crucial to our business," Bowser stated. "We value our relationships with retailers and aim to ensure products are available for them to sell to consumers."
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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Bowser elaborated on Nintendo’s goals with Game-Key Cards, stating they allow third-party publishers to bring larger titles to Switch 2.
"When considering Game-Key Cards, our objective with Nintendo Switch 2 mirrors what we achieved with Nintendo Switch—to offer the widest and deepest library of content possible," Bowser explained. "This includes our publishing partners, and Game-Key Cards enable them to deliver more extensive, immersive content on the platform."
CD Projekt confirmed they opted for the largest-capacity Switch 2 cartridge (64 GB) for Cyberpunk 2077, indicating this is the maximum size for all Switch 2 cartridges. However, Nintendo has kept its first-party game sizes relatively modest.
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 announced third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games so far are Game-Key Cards. As noted by Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, this shift toward Game-Key Cards could strain the eShop during Switch 2's launch in June as fans rush to download their games.
"Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs, especially with increasing storage capacities," Ahmad explained. "Publishers prefer digital downloads due to lower production costs and higher profit margins. Digital sales dominate the market."
Christopher Dring, Editor-In-Chief and Co-Founder of The Game Business, likened Game-Key Cards to "Christmas/birthday present boxes," suggesting they serve more as packaging than standalone products.
"Physical media faces challenges due to fewer retail outlets, rising manufacturing costs, and shifting consumer preferences toward sustainability," Dring added.
To learn more about the Nintendo San Francisco store and Switch 2, read IGN’s full interview with Doug Bowser.
