The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 has introduced a notable shift in how physical third-party games are distributed, especially in Japan and the West. Almost all physical third-party titles for the Switch 2 revealed so far come in the form of Game-Key Cards. These cards do not contain the actual game data but instead provide a key that requires an internet connection to download the full game. This trend is evident in Japan with games like Ys X: Proud Nordics and No Sleep for Kaname Date, and in the West, with Sega's Sonic X Shadow Generations confirmed as a Game-Key Card by Walmart listings.

However, there are exceptions. In Japan, Cyberpunk 2077 stands out as the only game not using a Game-Key Card. Similarly, in the West, aside from Cyberpunk 2077, other games like 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 are available on traditional game cartridges.

Nintendo has clarified that while some Switch 2 game cards will only contain download keys, Switch 2 Edition games will include both the game and any upgrades on the cartridge itself. This distinction is important for consumers, as Game-Key Cards require an internet connection to access the full game, a fact clearly indicated on the packaging.

Notable titles like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster explicitly state the use of Game-Key Cards, whereas others such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not, indicating they come with the full game on the cartridge. The large file size of Cyberpunk 2077 at 64 GB necessitates its inclusion on a physical cartridge.

The shift towards Game-Key Cards is anticipated to strain the eShop servers at the Switch 2's launch on June 5, as pointed out by Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners. Ahmad also noted that game cards are more expensive than discs, and digital games offer higher margins for publishers, which explains the trend towards Game-Key Cards.

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," highlighting the broader industry shift away from traditional physical media due to rising costs, fewer game retailers, and changing consumer preferences towards digital content.

Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 began on April 24 and sold out quickly, leading to a surge of fake Switch 2 auctions on eBay aimed at countering scalpers.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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