Nintendo has confirmed that the new Nintendo Switch 2 game cards will not always contain the full game data. Instead, some will serve as game-key cards, providing a code to download the game rather than including the game itself on the cartridge. This was announced in a customer support post following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event this morning. When the Switch 2 launches this June, you can continue purchasing physical Switch games as before, but there are new details to consider.

The customer support post elaborates on these game-key cards, which will require you to download the game after inserting the card into your Switch 2. Each game-key card will be clearly marked on the front lower portion of the box, ensuring you know exactly what you're buying. This approach has stirred concerns among fans who value the traditional plug-and-play experience, worrying that these key cards might eventually replace all physical game cartridges. However, early indications suggest otherwise.

Social media reactions have highlighted that while some Switch 2 game boxes, like those for Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster, include the game-key card disclaimer, others such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. This suggests that the game-key card system may be reserved for larger games, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake, where the download approach could be beneficial. Notably, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will come with a full 64 GB game card on the Switch 2’s launch day.

During the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo highlighted the new technology in its upgraded red game cards, which boast faster data reading speeds than the original Switch cartridges. This focus on improved performance implies that not all cartridges will be mere key holders. Nintendo has previously used game cards that required additional downloads, as seen with games like LA Noire and NBA 2K18 on the original Switch.

While it's too early to predict how widespread the use of game-key cards will be, more information is expected as the launch date of June 5, 2025, approaches. For a comprehensive overview of today’s Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, click here. To delve deeper into the new technology features of the Switch 2, click here.