It has emerged that almost all physical third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games revealed in Japan so far are Game-Key Cards, and a similar trend is observed in the West.
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 games labeled as Nintendo Switch 2 Editions, are distributed 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, they confirmed that some new Switch 2 game cards would contain a key for a game download rather than the actual game. Nintendo later clarified that Switch 2 Edition games include both the game and the upgrade on the cartridge.
Nintendo Switch 2 game-key card warning. Image credit: Nintendo Customer Support.
Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cards that only contain a key to download the chosen game. There is no actual game data on the card inserted into your Switch 2, requiring a download upon insertion. Each Game-Key Card case is labeled on the lower portion of the front of the box, providing a clear indication of what you're purchasing.
Games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster feature this game-key card disclaimer, while others such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. The substantial Cyberpunk 2077, weighing in at 64 GB on Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a physical cartridge.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
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As highlighted by Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, this emphasis on Game-Key Cards might put significant pressure on the eShop 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 noted, "Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs (+ increases with each GB)," explaining the rationale behind publishers' decisions. "It takes time to ramp up production of multiple storage capacity game cards. Digital games / lower capacity cards offer higher margins for publishers. Digital is the majority of sales."
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 began on April 24 and quickly sold out. In response, Nintendo fans are posting fake Switch 2 auctions on eBay to flood the platform and counteract scalper listings.
