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Recent reports indicate that the majority of physical third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games revealed so far in Japan—excluding only a few titles like CD Projekt’s *Cyberpunk 2077*—are distributed via Game-Key Cards. This means players must have internet access to download the full game after inserting the card into their console.
According to Gematsu, this trend is not limited to just a couple of titles. For example, Ys X: Proud Nordics and No Sleep for Kaname Date are among the titles arriving on Game-Key Cards in Japan. Additionally, retail descriptions for Split Fiction list it as a code-in-a-box product, further reinforcing this new standard in physical game distribution.
Game-Key Card Trend Spreads to the West
This pattern appears to be repeating itself in Western markets as well. Sega's upcoming Switch 2 titles are confirmed to use Game-Key Cards, with Sonic X Shadow Generations listed as such on major retailers like Walmart. In fact, only four third-party physical Switch 2 titles currently appear to avoid this format: *Cyberpunk 2077*, *Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition*, *Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition*, and *No Sleep for Kaname Date - From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES Aiba Edition*.
When Nintendo first unveiled details about the Switch 2, it confirmed that some physical game cards wouldn't actually contain the full game but instead function as keys for digital downloads. The company later clarified that “Switch 2 Edition” games do include both the base game and any upgrades directly on the cartridge.
What Exactly Are Game-Key Cards?
Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Cards serve as physical redemption tools rather than storage media containing full game data. When inserted into the console, they trigger a prompt for the user to download the associated game from the eShop. Each Game-Key Card package clearly indicates this requirement on the front box art, giving buyers a clear visual cue before purchase.
Titles such as *Street Fighter 6* and the *Bravely Default remaster* explicitly carry the Game-Key Card disclaimer. However, others like *Mario Kart World* and *Donkey Kong Bananza* do not. Notably, larger titles such as *Cyberpunk 2077*, which clocks in at 64 GB on Switch 2, ship fully on cartridge without requiring an additional download.
Potential Impact on Nintendo eShop
As highlighted by Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, the widespread use of Game-Key Cards could place significant strain on the Nintendo eShop during the Switch 2 launch period in June. With all Switch 2 bundles including digital codes and most titles requiring downloads, server congestion is a real concern.
> 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.
Ahmad also noted that game cards are significantly more expensive per gigabyte compared to digital distribution or lower-capacity alternatives. He added that ramping up production for various storage sizes takes time, while digital delivery offers better margins for publishers.
The Decline 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 pointed out several factors contributing to the decline of traditional physical media, including fewer retail outlets, rising manufacturing costs, generational indifference toward physical copies, and environmental sustainability concerns.
High Demand and Scalping Tactics
Switch 2 pre-orders officially launched on April 24, 2025, and quickly sold out across multiple platforms. In response, fans have begun posting fake Switch 2 auctions on eBay to flood listings and push down scalper activity, ensuring fairer access for genuine buyers.
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