It has come to light that the majority of physical third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games released in Japan so far are Game-Key Cards, and this trend appears to be consistent in Western markets as well.
According to Gematsu, pre-orders for the Switch 2 in Japan have revealed that all physical third-party games, with the exception of CD Projekt's Cyberpunk 2077 and games labeled as Nintendo Switch 2 Editions, are distributed on Game-Key Cards. These cards necessitate an internet connection to download the full game. Examples include Ys X: Proud Nordics and No Sleep for Kaname Date, which are also available as Game-Key Cards in Japan. Additionally, Split Fiction is listed as a code-in-a-box product.
In the West, the situation mirrors Japan's, with Sega's Switch 2 games, such as Sonic X Shadow Generations, confirmed to be Game-Key Cards by listings on Walmart. We have identified only four third-party physical Switch 2 games that are not 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 disclosed that several new Switch 2 game cards would not contain the actual game but instead provide a key for downloading the game. 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 download key for the game. This means there is no game data on the card itself, and an internet connection is required to download the game after inserting the card. The packaging of Game-Key Card cases is clearly labeled on the lower front section, ensuring consumers are aware of the product they are buying.
Notable games such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster are confirmed to use this Game-Key Card system, while others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. The substantial Cyberpunk 2077, which occupies 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a physical cartridge.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes
View 7 Images
Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, has expressed concerns that the prevalence of Game-Key Cards could lead to significant strain on the eShop servers at the Switch 2's launch in June, as gamers 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 further noted, “Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs (+ increases with each GB).” He explained that the use of digital games and lower capacity cards provides higher profit margins for publishers. He also mentioned that digital sales constitute the majority of game 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 sold out rapidly. In response, Nintendo fans have started posting fake Switch 2 auctions on eBay to combat scalper listings.
