Cyberpunk 2077 is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 with a physical game cartridge, diverging from the trend of using key cards that merely trigger downloads from the eShop. CD Projekt's VP of business development emphasized the importance of physical media for Nintendo audiences, highlighting their previous experience with The Witcher 3 on the original Switch. The decision to provide a physical cartridge aims to deliver a convenient plug-and-play experience, especially as digital game storage becomes a concern. With other high-profile titles like Elden Ring and Final Fantasy 7 Remake also anticipated for the Switch 2, CD Projekt's commitment to a physical version progresses a notable conversation around the relevance of physical copies in modern gaming.

Why is Cyberpunk 2077 launching on the Switch 2 with a physical cartridge?

Cyberpunk 2077 is launching with a physical cartridge to meet the preferences of Nintendo players who value physical media and to offer a plug-and-play experience without the need for additional downloads, based on CD Projekt's experiences with The Witcher 3.

Cyberpunk 2077, originally released in December 2020, is an open-world RPG set in a dystopian future. It experienced a rocky launch laden with bugs, leading to CD Projekt Red's focused efforts on updates and expansions. The Switch 2 version aims to bring improved performance to this critically acclaimed yet controversial title, aligning with CD Projekt's ongoing commitment to the Nintendo platform following the success of their earlier works.