Switch 2’s launch lineup sparks outrage among physical game collectors
Nintendo’s new Game-Key system is frustrating fans who prefer traditional cartridges.
Thanks to Japanese distribution chains, we now have a clearer picture of which Switch 2 launch titles will use Game-Key cards, and it’s exactly what physical game collectors feared.
Most third-party publishers have opted for Game-Key cards, meaning these physical editions don’t contain the actual game but instead require a download.
Here’s the confirmed list of Game-Key releases in Japan:
- Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster
- Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
- Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army
- Shine Post: Be Your Idol
- Sonic x Shadow Generations
- Street Fighter 6
- Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster
- Survival Kids
- Wild Hearts S
- Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
There’s still uncertainty regarding Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion’, as its Western release hasn’t been confirmed to use a Game-Key card.
Few publishers are sticking with traditional cartridges
Only two third-party publishers have committed to physical cartridges:
- CD Projekt is releasing Cyberpunk 2077 with the Phantom Liberty expansion on a 64GB cartridge.
- Marvelous is launching Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma on a 64GB cartridge as well.
Meanwhile, Nintendo’s first-party titles, including Mario Kart World, Breath of the Wild’ Switch 2 Edition, and ’Tears of the Kingdom’ Switch 2 Edition; will all be available on traditional cartridges.
When #nintendo announced how some #Switch2 games will be "Game -Key Card" games meaning you'll need an internet to DL the remaining of the game, not only am I not impressed but I am concerned of the future if someone wants to sell/trade their game.
— DarkWolf80s (@darkwolf80s.bsky.social) 7 de abril de 2025, 18:04
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Game-Key cards: A controversial compromise
Nintendo introduced Game-Key cards as a cost-saving measure. Unlike optical discs, cartridges are expensive to produce, especially high-speed ones.
Instead of offering fully downloadable codes in a box, Game-Key cards at least allow resale and sharing. However, they still require an internet connection to download the game, and the empty cartridge must remain inserted to play, essentially making it a digital copy with extra steps.
For physical game collectors, this is a major disappointment, especially since big publishers like Sega are embracing the format instead of absorbing cartridge costs.
The biggest concern? Preservation. A traditional cartridge can be played decades later, even if servers shut down, just like Super Nintendo games today. But Game-Key titles will always depend on online servers, making them potentially unplayable in the future.
Will Game-Key cards become the norm?
As Switch 2 launches, it remains to be seen whether Game-Key cards will become standard practice or if publishers will reconsider physical cartridges.
For now, physical collectors aren’t happy, and Nintendo may have just given publishers the perfect excuse to abandon traditional cartridges altogether.
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