Nintendo has announced that the new Switch 2 game cards will sometimes contain only a key for game downloads rather than the game itself. This was detailed in a customer support post released shortly after the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct this morning. When the Switch 2 launches in June, you'll still be able to buy physical Switch games as you have for the past eight years, but there are some important updates to consider.
The post focuses on game-key cards: physical cards that merely hold a download key for your game. This means you won't find any game data on the card itself; you'll need to download the game after inserting the card into your Switch 2. These game-key card cases will be clearly labeled on the front, bottom section of the box, giving you a heads-up about what you're buying.
The news has stirred some concern among physical gaming enthusiasts who favor the traditional plug-and-play experience without the need for downloads or an internet connection. However, there's no indication that these game-key cards will replace all standard cartridges entirely.
Social media users have noted that while some Switch 2 game box arts, like those for 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 likely that the game-key card strategy will be used primarily for larger games that could benefit from this approach, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Notably, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will ship with a full game card, boasting a 64 GB capacity on the Switch 2’s launch day.
During the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo highlighted the advanced technology of its new red game cards, which offer faster data reading speeds than the original 2017 console. This emphasis on performance suggests that not all cartridges will be simple key containers. Nintendo has previously adjusted the concept of game cards with titles like LA Noire and NBA 2K18 on the original Switch, which required additional downloads.
It's still unclear how widespread the use of game-key cards will be on the Switch 2, but more details will emerge as the June 5, 2025, launch approaches. For a comprehensive look at everything announced during today's Direct, click here. To explore the new technology in Nintendo's latest hardware, click here.
