"Nintendo Switch 2 Game Cards to Feature Download Keys"

Nintendo has announced that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will introduce a new type of game card: the game-key card. These cards won't contain the actual game data but instead will include a key for downloading the game. This update was detailed in a customer support post following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event this morning. When the Switch 2 launches in June, fans can continue to purchase physical games as they have for the past eight years, but they should be aware of this new approach.

Game-key cards will be clearly labeled on the front of the box, indicating that the card inside only contains a download key, not the game itself. This means you'll need an internet connection to download the game once you insert the card into your Switch 2. This move has sparked discussions among physical gaming enthusiasts who value the immediate playability of traditional cartridges.

There's a concern that these game-key cards might eventually replace all standard game cartridges, but current indications suggest this isn't the immediate plan. Some Switch 2 game boxes, like those for Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster, do feature the game-key card disclaimer, while others, such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, do not.

It seems the game-key card method will be reserved for larger games that could benefit from a download-based approach, like Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. However, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will ship with a full 64 GB game card on the Switch 2's launch day.

During the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo highlighted the enhanced technology of its new red game cards, which boast faster data reading speeds compared to the original Switch. This suggests that not all cartridges will be mere key holders. Nintendo has previously used game cards that required additional downloads, such as LA Noire and NBA 2K18 on the original Switch.

While it's too early to predict the extent of game-key card usage in the Switch 2 library, more details will emerge as the launch approaches. The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025. For a comprehensive overview of today's Direct and a closer look at the new technology in Nintendo's latest hardware, click here.