Nintendo has announced an innovative change for its upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch in June 2025. The company revealed in a recent customer support post that some of the new Switch 2 game cards will not contain the full game data but will instead serve as a key for game downloads. This means that when you insert these game-key cards into your console, you'll need to download the game from the internet. The packaging of these game-key cards will be clearly marked on the front lower portion of the box, ensuring consumers are well-informed before making a purchase.
The introduction of game-key cards has sparked discussions among fans who favor traditional physical media for its instant play capabilities. Concerns have arisen that these cards might eventually replace all standard game cartridges, though current evidence suggests otherwise. For instance, while some upcoming titles like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster will use game-key cards, others such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will not.
It seems likely that the game-key card approach will be reserved for larger games that could benefit from this method, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. However, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will come with a full 64 GB game card at the Switch 2's launch.
During the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the company highlighted the advanced technology in its new red game cards, which boast faster data reading speeds compared to those in the original Switch. This emphasis on enhanced technology suggests that not all cartridges will be simple key holders. Nintendo has previously used a mixed approach with titles like LA Noire and NBA 2K18 on the original Switch, which required additional downloads.
While it's still unclear how many Switch 2 games will use game-key cards, more details are expected as the launch date approaches. The Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled to hit the market on June 5, 2025. For a comprehensive overview of all announcements from the recent Direct, click here. To delve deeper into the new technology featured in the Nintendo Switch 2, you can click here.
