Nintendo has announced that its new Switch 2 game cards will sometimes serve as download keys rather than containing the full game data.
The Super Mario Bros. developer shared details about its updated approach to physical game cartridges in a customer support post released shortly after the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. The post confirms that, starting with the Switch 2 launch in June, players can continue buying physical games as they have for the past eight years, with some key differences to note.
The support post highlights game-key cards: physical cards that provide a download code instead of storing game data. These cards require players to download the game after insertion, with clear labeling on the lower front of the game case to indicate this format.
The introduction of game-key cards for the Switch 2 has sparked concern among fans of physical media who value the convenience of plug-and-play without lengthy downloads or internet reliance. Some worry these cards could eventually replace traditional cartridges, though evidence suggests this is unlikely for now.
Social media discussions have noted that while some Switch 2 game boxes, such as those for Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster, display the game-key card disclaimer, others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not.
It seems the game-key card approach will be limited to select large-scale titles that benefit from this method, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Meanwhile, 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 new red game cards, which offer faster data read speeds compared to the 2017 hybrid console. This focus on performance suggests the company isn’t moving entirely to key-based cards. Past examples, like LA Noire and NBA 2K18 on the original Switch, also required additional downloads despite being physical releases.
The extent of game-key card use for Switch 2 titles remains unclear, but more details will emerge as the June 5, 2025, launch approaches. For a full recap of the Switch 2 Direct or to explore the console’s new tech, click here.
