Nintendo Switch 2 Games in Japan Mostly Use Game-Key Cards, Similar Trend in West

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Recent reports suggest that the majority of physical third-party Nintendo Switch 2 titles revealed so far in Japan are being distributed via Game-Key Cards. This trend appears to be mirrored in Western markets as well, raising questions among gamers about the future of traditional physical game cartridges.

As highlighted by Gematsu, nearly all third-party Switch 2 games available for pre-order in Japan—excluding only a few such as CD Projekt’s *Cyberpunk 2077* and titles labeled as "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions"—arrive in the form of Game-Key Cards. These cards require an internet connection to download the full game from the eShop.

"Ys X: Proud Nordics and No Sleep for Kaname Date are also game-key cards in Japan. And retail descriptions for Split Fiction list it as a code-in-a-box."

— Gematsu (@gematsu) April 24, 2025

Game-Key Cards in the West

In the West, Sega has confirmed its Nintendo Switch 2 titles will ship on Game-Key Cards. For example, the listing for *Sonic X Shadow Generations* at Walmart explicitly states this format. So far, only four third-party physical titles avoid this model: *Cyberpunk 2077*, *Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion - Nintendo Switch 2*, *Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma - Nintendo Switch 2*, and *No Sleep for Kaname Date - From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES Aiba Edition*.

What Are Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Cards?

When Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2, it noted that some new game cards wouldn’t contain the full game data but instead function as keys for downloading the title. The company later clarified that “Switch 2 Edition” versions include both the base game and the next-gen upgrade on the same cartridge.

A Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Card is a physical card that allows access to a digital copy of the game. Once inserted into the console, users must download the full game from the eShop. Each Game-Key Card package clearly indicates this on the front box label, ensuring transparency for buyers.

Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster prominently display the Game-Key Card disclaimer, while others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Notably, larger titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, which requires approximately 64 GB of storage, are shipped on standard carts.

Implications for the Nintendo eShop

With many titles requiring downloads upon release, there are concerns about potential strain on the Nintendo eShop during the Switch 2 launch in June. As pointed out by Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners:

"All the Switch 2 bundles come with a download code.
Mario Kart World is 24GB.
Most games come on a game key card and require a download.
The Switch 2 launches globally on the same day.
I am not a religious man, but I ask you all to pray for the Eshop servers on June 5."

— Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) April 24, 2025

Ahmad also explained that game cards are significantly more expensive than lower-cost digital alternatives, especially as storage demands increase. He noted that publishers benefit from higher margins with digital distribution or low-capacity cards, making Game-Key Cards an appealing option from a business perspective.

The Future of Physical Media

Christopher Dring, Editor-In-Chief and Co-Founder of The Game Business, described Game-Key Cards as “basically Christmas/birthday present boxes for wrapping up.”

He added, “Ultimately, with fewer games retailers, rising manufacturing costs, the fact that younger generations just don’t care, plus the drive for sustainability, all points in one direction for physical media.”

Switch 2 Pre-Orders Sell Out Fast

Switch 2 pre-orders officially launched on April 24 and quickly sold out across major retailers. In response, some Nintendo fans have taken to posting fake Switch 2 auctions on eBay to disrupt scalper listings and protect genuine buyers.

Image credit: Nintendo Customer Support