Nintendo has announced an intriguing update for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch in June 2025. In a recent customer support post following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the company revealed that the new Switch 2 game cards will sometimes contain only a key for game downloads, rather than the full game itself. This means that when you purchase these game-key cards, you'll need an internet connection to download the game after inserting the card into your console. The packaging for these cards will clearly indicate this on the lower front of the box, ensuring that buyers are well-informed about what they're getting.
This news has stirred some concern among fans of physical gaming who value the convenience of plug-and-play without the need for downloads. However, not all games will adopt this approach. While some titles like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster have been shown with the game-key card disclaimer, others such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. It seems that the game-key card strategy might be reserved for larger games that could benefit from this method, such as Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Notably, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will include a full 64 GB game card at launch.
Nintendo also highlighted the new technology in their upgraded red game cards during the Switch 2 Direct, which boast faster data reading speeds compared to the original Switch. This emphasis on improved hardware suggests that not all game cards will be mere key containers. Nintendo has previously experimented with game cards requiring additional downloads, as seen with titles like LA Noire and NBA 2K18 on the original Switch.
As the launch date of June 5, 2025, approaches, more details about the use of game-key cards will likely emerge. For now, fans can look forward to the new features and technology the Nintendo Switch 2 will bring. For more information on everything revealed during the recent Direct, click here. To delve deeper into the new tech of Nintendo's latest hardware, click here.
