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

It has emerged that almost all physical third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games in Japan revealed so far are Game-Key Cards, and it appears that the situation is similar in the West.

As reported by Gematsu, the launch of Switch 2 pre-orders in Japan revealed that all physical third-party games, except for CD Projekt’s Cyberpunk 2077 and those labeled as Nintendo Switch 2 Editions, are shipped on Game-Key Cards. These cards require 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 the West, Sega's Switch 2 games are also Game-Key Cards. For instance, the listing for Sonic X Shadow Generations on Walmart confirms this. We have identified only four third-party physical Switch 2 games that aren't 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, they confirmed that certain new Switch 2 game cards would contain keys for game downloads rather than the actual games. Nintendo later clarified that Switch 2 Edition games include both the game and any upgrades on the cartridge.

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 Nintendo Switch 2, comes on a cartridge.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

View 7 ImagesAs highlighted by Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, the emphasis on Game-Key Cards may put significant pressure on the eShop around 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 further explained that game cards are significantly more expensive than discs, with costs increasing per GB. He noted that it takes time to scale up production of various storage capacity game cards, and that digital games or lower capacity cards offer higher margins for publishers. He concluded that digital sales are the majority of sales.

Christopher Dring, Editor-In-Chief and Co-Founder of The Game Business, described Game-Key Cards as essentially "Christmas/birthday present boxes for wrapping up." He pointed out that with fewer game retailers, rising manufacturing costs, a younger generation less concerned about physical media, and a drive for sustainability, the trend is moving away from physical media.

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