Nintendo Switch 2 Games in Japan Mostly Use Game-Key Cards, Similar Trend in West

It has emerged that nearly all physical third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games revealed in Japan so far are Game-Key Cards, with a similar trend observed in the West. According to Gematsu, pre-orders for Switch 2 in Japan showed that all physical third-party games, except for CD Projekt's Cyberpunk 2077, are not Nintendo Switch 2 Editions and require an internet connection to download the full game via Game-Key Cards.

In Japan, games like Ys X: Proud Nordics and No Sleep for Kaname Date are also listed as Game-Key Cards. Similarly, in the West, Sega's Switch 2 games, such as Sonic X Shadow Generations, are confirmed to be Game-Key Cards, as noted in listings on Walmart.

Only a few 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 announced the Switch 2, it confirmed that some Switch 2 game cards would contain a key for a game download rather than the actual game data. Nintendo later clarified that Switch 2 Edition games include both the game and the upgrade on the cartridge itself.

Nintendo Switch 2 game-key card warning. Image credit Nintendo Customer Support.

Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cards that only contain a download key for the game, requiring an internet connection to access the full game. These cards are clearly labeled on the front of the packaging, providing consumers with clear information about the product.

Games such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster feature this game-key card disclaimer, while others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. The substantial Cyberpunk 2077, which is 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, is available on a physical cartridge.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

View 7 ImagesDaniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, highlighted that the heavy reliance on Game-Key Cards could strain the eShop servers at 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 that game cards are significantly more expensive than discs, and the cost increases with each gigabyte. Digital games and lower capacity cards offer higher margins for publishers, and digital sales make up 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 pointed out several factors driving the shift away from physical media, including fewer game retailers, rising manufacturing costs, the younger generation's preference for digital, and sustainability efforts.

Switch 2 pre-orders began on April 24 and sold out quickly. In response, Nintendo fans have started posting fake Switch 2 auctions on eBay to counteract scalpers.