Switch 2 Games in Japan, West Favor Cartridges

Reports indicate that nearly all third-party Nintendo Switch 2 physical games unveiled in Japan so far utilize Game-Key Cards, with Western markets following a similar trend.

As highlighted by Gematsu, Japanese pre-orders for Switch 2 titles reveal that every third-party physical release—except CD Projekt’s Cyberpunk 2077 (non-Switch 2 Edition)—shipped as Game-Key Cards, requiring an internet connection to download the full game.

Ys X: Proud Nordics and No Sleep for Kaname Date are also game-key cards in Japan. And retail descriptions for Split Fiction list it as a code-in-a-box. pic.twitter.com/dCTUsTmNQZ

— Gematsu (@gematsu) April 24, 2025

In Western markets, the trend continues—Sega’s Switch 2 titles, including Sonic X Shadow Generations (as confirmed by Walmart listings), ship as Game-Key Cards. Currently, only four third-party physical releases avoid this format:

• Cyberpunk 2077
• Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
• No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES Aiba Edition

During the Switch 2 reveal, Nintendo acknowledged that many Switch 2 game cards would not contain full games, instead providing download keys. However, Switch 2 Edition cartridges include both the game and upgrades on the card itself.

Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical releases containing only a download code—no actual game data resides on the card itself. Each case clearly displays this distinction on the front packaging, ensuring buyers understand the purchase.

Examples like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster carry the Game-Key Card label, while first-party titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077’s massive 64GB storage demands necessitated a full cartridge release.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Packaging

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Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, warns that the reliance on Game-Key Cards could strain the Nintendo eShop during the Switch 2’s June launch as players rush to download their purchases.

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

“Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs (+ costs increase with storage size),” Ahmad explained. “Scaling production for multiple card capacities takes time. Digital and lower-capacity cards offer better margins for publishers—digital sales already dominate.”

Christopher Dring, Editor-in-Chief of GamesIndustry.biz, humorously dubbed Game-Key Cards as “basically gift boxes for wrapping presents,” adding:

“With fewer game retailers, escalating manufacturing costs, younger audiences’ indifference to physical media, and sustainability goals, the industry is clearly shifting away from traditional formats.”

Switch 2 pre-orders launched on April 24 and swiftly sold out, prompting fans to flood eBay with fake listings in an effort to disrupt scalpers.