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

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It has come to light that nearly all physical third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games revealed so far in Japan are being distributed as Game-Key Cards. This trend appears to be mirrored in Western markets as well.

As reported by Gematsu, pre-order launches for the Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan showed that, aside from CD Projekt’s *Cyberpunk 2077* and the official *Nintendo Switch 2 Editions*, most third-party titles are arriving on Game-Key Cards—requiring an internet connection to download the full game content.

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

What about the West? In this region, Sega's Switch 2 titles are already confirmed to be Game-Key Cards. For instance, the Walmart listing for *Sonic X Shadow Generations* clearly states that it ships as a Game-Key Card.

To date, only four third-party physical Nintendo Switch 2 titles have been identified as not using 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 details about the Switch 2, it clarified that some new Switch 2 game cards will not contain the actual game but instead serve as a key for digital downloads. Later, Nintendo specified that Switch 2 Edition titles include both the base game and the upgrade on a single cartridge.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cards that act solely as access keys for downloading the full game. This means no actual game data resides on the card itself. Upon insertion into your Switch 2, you’ll need to download the full title. Each Game-Key Card packaging includes a clear label on the lower front portion of the box indicating its nature, allowing buyers to make informed decisions.

Titles such as *Street Fighter 6* and the *Bravely Default remaster* prominently display the Game-Key Card disclaimer. Others, like *Mario Kart World* and *Donkey Kong Bananza*, do not carry such notices. Notably, the expansive *Cyberpunk 2077*, which clocks in at 64 GB on the Switch 2, ships on a standard cartridge.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, pointed out that the reliance on Game-Key Cards could place significant strain on the eShop during the Switch 2 launch window in June, as players rush to download their newly purchased titles.

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 explained that “Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs (+ increases with each GB),” shedding light on why publishers may favor Game-Key Cards. He added, “It takes time to ramp up production of multiple storage capacity game cards. Digital games / lower capacity cards offer higher margins for publishers. Digital is the majority of sales.”

Christopher Dring, Editor-In-Chief and Co-Founder of The Game Business, likened Game-Key Cards to “basically Christmas/birthday present boxes for wrapping up,” suggesting they're more about presentation than practicality.

He noted broader industry trends contributing to the decline of physical media: fewer game retailers, rising manufacturing costs, shifting consumer preferences among younger generations, and increasing emphasis on sustainability—all pointing toward a future where digital dominates.

Switch 2 pre-orders officially began on April 24 and quickly sold out across major retailers. Meanwhile, fans have taken to platforms like eBay, posting fake Switch 2 auctions in an attempt to drown out scalper listings and protect genuine buyers.