It has emerged that nearly all physical third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games revealed in Japan so far are Game-Key Cards, and a similar trend is noticeable in Western markets.
As reported by Gematsu, the launch of Switch 2 pre-orders in Japan revealed that all physical third-party games, except for CD Projekt’s Cyberpunk 2077 and those not labeled as Nintendo Switch 2 Editions, are shipped on Game-Key Cards. These cards require an internet connection to download the full game.
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. pic.twitter.com/dCTUsTmNQZ
— Gematsu (@gematsu) April 24, 2025
In the West, Sega's Switch 2 games, such as Sonic X Shadow Generations, are also confirmed to be Game-Key Cards, as listed on Walmart. Only four third-party physical Switch 2 games have been identified as not being Game-Key Cards: 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.
When Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2, it confirmed that some new Switch 2 game cards would not contain the full game but rather a key for downloading it. Nintendo later clarified that Switch 2 Edition games would include both the game and any upgrades on the cartridge.
Nintendo Switch 2 game-key card warning. Image credit: Nintendo Customer Support. Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cards that contain only a key to download the chosen game. This means no actual game data is on the card, requiring a download after insertion into the Switch 2. Game-Key Card cases are labeled on the front lower portion, providing clear information to consumers.
Games such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster feature this game-key card disclaimer, while others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. The substantial Cyberpunk 2077, weighing in at 64 GB on Nintendo Switch 2, comes fully on the cartridge.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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As noted by Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, this emphasis on Game-Key Cards could strain the eShop servers around the Switch 2's launch in June, as fans rush to download their games.
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 discs, with costs increasing per gigabyte, which drives publishers to favor digital distribution or lower-capacity cards for higher margins.
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."
“Ultimately, with fewer game 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,” Dring added.
Switch 2 pre-orders began on April 24 and sold out quickly. Now, Nintendo fans are flooding eBay with fake Switch 2 auctions to counteract scalper listings.
