Home > News > "Switch 2 Game-Key Cards Enable Deeper Content, Says Nintendo"

"Switch 2 Game-Key Cards Enable Deeper Content, Says Nintendo"

By PatrickMay 23,2025

Nintendo's introduction of Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 has ignited a fervent response from the gaming community. Last month, Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2 and confirmed that certain Switch 2 game cards will not contain the actual game, but rather a key for a game download. Nintendo later clarified that Switch 2 Edition games will include both the game and any upgrades directly on the cartridge.

Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cards that solely provide a key to download the chosen game. This means the card you insert into your Switch 2 does not contain any game data, and you must download the game after inserting the card. The front of each Game-Key Card case is clearly labeled at the bottom to inform buyers about the contents, ensuring transparency about what you're purchasing.

Games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster come with a game-key card disclaimer. In contrast, titles such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, is distributed on a physical cartridge.

The reaction to Nintendo’s Game-Key Cards has been intense, with Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick expressing disappointment, stating, "Seeing Nintendo do this is a little disheartening. You would hope that a company that big, with such a storied history, would take preservation a little more seriously."

In an interview about the opening of the new Nintendo San Francisco store, IGN questioned Nintendo of America's president Doug Bowser about the future of physical media. Bowser emphasized the continued importance of physical games, saying, "In the immediate future, physical games are still a key part of our business. And we value our relationships with our retailers and want to ensure they have products to sell to their consumers."

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

View 7 Images

Bowser further elaborated on the purpose behind Game-Key Cards, highlighting their role in enabling third-party publishers to bring larger games to the Switch 2. He explained, "When you look at Game-Key Cards, our goal with Nintendo Switch 2 – similar to what we achieved with the original Nintendo Switch – is to offer the broadest and deepest library of content possible. This includes our publishing partners. Game-Key Cards allow our partners to deliver more content, deeper and larger, more immersive experiences on the platform."

CD Projekt confirmed that it utilized the highest capacity Switch 2 cartridge (64 GB) for Cyberpunk 2077, indicating that 64 GB is the maximum size for all Nintendo Switch 2 cartridges. Meanwhile, Nintendo has kept its first-party game sizes minimal.

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

Play

Almost all third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games revealed so far are Game-Key Cards. Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, noted that this could lead to significant pressure on the eShop around the Switch 2's launch in June as fans rush to download their games. He added, "Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs, and the cost increases with each GB. It takes time to ramp up production of multiple storage capacity game cards. Digital games and lower capacity cards offer higher margins for publishers. Digital is the majority of sales."

Christopher Dring, Editor-In-Chief and Co-Founder of The Game Business, described Game-Key Cards as "basically Christmas/birthday present boxes for wrapping up." He further explained, "Ultimately, with fewer games retailers, rising manufacturing costs, the fact that younger generations just don’t care, plus the drive for sustainability, all points in one direction for physical media."

For more insights, check out IGN’s full interview with Doug Bowser about the Nintendo San Francisco store and the Switch 2.

Did you preorder a Nintendo Switch 2? -------------------------------------

Previous article:Pokémon Go players find love in Madrid as proposals flood Go Fest Next article:Maxroll Unveils Comprehensive Wizard of Legend 2 Database and Guides