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Javier Márquez
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Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
One of the most valued advantages of the original Nintendo Switch is starting to diminish with the launch of its successor. Physical media previously included the game data, allowing players to enjoy their games directly from the game card without needing an Internet connection. However, updates were required to access upgrades or additional content.
With the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has introduced a new format called “Game-Key Cards.” Gamers must insert these cards into the console like a traditional game card. Notably, they don’t contain the full game. Instead, they hold a key that enables you to download the game from Nintendo’s servers. This means that users need an Internet connection, storage space, and time to install the game.
Game-Key Card titles. Nintendo announced the new format during a Nintendo Direct presentation, but the extent of its implications wasn’t clear at that time. According to Gematsu, most Nintendo Switch 2 third-party games announced in Japan will be released in Game-Key Card format. This information has been corroborated by other media, such as VGC and Nintendo Life.
To identify a Game-Key Card title, simply look for a key-shaped icon in the bottom left corner of the box.
Some of the games being released in this format include:
- Bravely Default: Flying Fairy
- Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
- RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
- Shine Post: Be Your Idol!
- Sonic X Shadow Generations
- Street Fighter 6
- Suikoden I & II HD Remaster: Gate Rune & Dunan Unification Wars
- Survival Kids
- Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut
Only two games released so far in Japan for the Switch 2 contain the full game data on the card: Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma and Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar. Both are Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games.
What is a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition? Games under the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition label are existing titles that are released alongside an upgrade pack designed to take advantage of the new console’s capabilities. In other words, they include the original game and an upgrade patch tailored for the Switch 2 hardware.
Video game company CD Projekt has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077 will be available on traditional game cards. However, in stores like Amazon, you may notice the Game-Key Cards label for games such as Hitman: World of Assassination, Street Fighter 6, and Bravely Default: Flying Fairy.
The community’s response. Gamers have responded swiftly on social media. The X user Does It Play? criticized the Game-Key Cards format, saying that it leaves players with “no ownership, no preservation, no customer choice.” Other users are warning of a scenario where physical games lose their relevance.
A Game-Key Card that doesn’t provide access to the eShop becomes an ineffective object. If the game isn’t stored on the card, and the servers are shut down or go offline, players will have no way to download it.
Is Nintendo limiting options? Reddit and YouTube users are suggesting that Nintendo may be limiting card options to just two: a very small card and a 64 GB card. With no options in between, many studios might choose Game-Key Cards to avoid high manufacturing costs. However, this is all just speculation for now. Nintendo is yet to comment.
Images | Magnus Engø | Gematsu | Nintendo
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