Switch 2's Third-Party Games: No Cartridge Inside
Apr 24, 2025 5:58 PMThe upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, and initial pre-order details reveal that most third-party physical releases will use game-key cards instead of traditional game cartridges. These game-key cards provide a download key for players, requiring an internet connection to access the full game. Major titles like Bravely Default: Flying Fairy and Street Fighter 6 will feature this new approach, with only a few exceptions like Cyberpunk 2077 maintaining full game data on the card. While this transition may disappoint collectors, it allows for easier sharing and resale of games.
Why are Nintendo Switch 2 physical releases using game-key cards instead of game cartridges?Nintendo Switch 2 is opting for game-key cards to allow players to download full games online, which provides flexibility in sharing and reselling the titles compared to traditional cartridges that lock downloads to a user account.
The Switch 2 is an anticipated next-generation console following the massive success of the original Nintendo Switch. As a significant upgrade, the console is expected to enhance gameplay experiences with improved hardware and support for a wide range of titles—from new releases to classics reimagined for current technology. The shift to game-key cards indicates a broader industry trend towards digital content delivery, reflecting changing consumer behaviors and increasing online game access across platforms.
Jordan Keats
Jordan Keats is a former professional gamer turned journalist, whose competitive background gives them a unique perspective on esports and multiplayer games. Jordan's expertise in strategy and game mechanics is unmatched, offering readers a deeper understing.
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Sephiroth commented on: 2025-04-24 18:12:10
This feels like Nintendo’s sneaky way of nudging us toward digital while keeping the illusion of physical media—clever, but I’ll miss the nostalgia of cartridges. At least the resale market gets to stick around, even if it’s just for fancy download codes. The Switch 2’s game-key cards might save shelf space, but I can already hear collectors crying over their empty plastic cases. Here’s hoping this doesn’t become another always online headache.
Mr. Bison commented on: 2025-04-24 18:06:09
Interesting move by Nintendo to embrace game-key cards—feels like a smart middle ground between digital convenience and physical ownership. Though I’ll miss the charm of popping in a full game cartridge, at least this keeps the resale market alive. Kinda wild how even physical releases are leaning into downloads now, but hey, if it means faster load times and easier game swaps, I’m not complaining. Just hope the servers hold up on launch day
