Almost All Physical Third-Party Nintendo Switch 2 Games in Japan Are Game-Key Cards — and It Looks Like It’s a Similar Situation in the West

It has come to light that nearly all physical third-party games for the Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan, and it seems the same trend is emerging in the West, are being released as Game-Key Cards. This means that instead of containing the full game, these cards include a key that requires an internet connection to download the game.

As reported by Gematsu, the pre-orders for the Switch 2 in Japan have shown that all physical third-party games, with the exception of CD Projekt's Cyberpunk 2077 and games labeled as Nintendo Switch 2 Editions, utilize Game-Key Cards. Examples include Ys X: Proud Nordics and No Sleep for Kaname Date, both of which are Game-Key Cards in Japan. Additionally, retail descriptions for Split Fiction indicate it as a code-in-a-box.

In the West, Sega's Switch 2 titles, such as Sonic X Shadow Generations, are also being released as Game-Key Cards, as confirmed by listings on Walmart. In contrast, only four third-party physical Switch 2 games 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 the Switch 2, it was made clear that some new Switch 2 game cards would not contain the actual game but instead a key for downloading it. Nintendo later specified that Switch 2 Edition games would include both the game and any necessary upgrades on the cartridge.

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

Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cards that only provide a key to download the selected game. There is no actual game data on the card itself, necessitating a download upon insertion into the Switch 2. The packaging of these Game-Key Cards is clearly marked on the lower front portion of the box, ensuring buyers are aware of what they are purchasing.

Notable titles such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster feature the game-key card disclaimer, whereas others like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. The substantial Cyberpunk 2077, with a size of 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, has pointed out that the reliance on Game-Key Cards could place significant strain on the eShop servers 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 much more costly than discs, with costs increasing per gigabyte. He noted that it takes time to scale up production of various storage capacity game cards, and that digital games and lower capacity cards offer higher profit margins for publishers, as digital sales constitute 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 emphasized that with fewer game retailers, rising manufacturing costs, a younger generation less concerned about physical media, and a push for sustainability, the trend is clearly moving away from physical media.

Pre-orders for the Switch 2 began on April 24 and sold out rapidly. In response, Nintendo fans have taken to flooding eBay with fake Switch 2 auctions to combat scalpers.