Recent reports indicate that nearly all third-party Nintendo Switch 2 physical releases in Japan are Game-Key Cards, with Western markets following suit.
According to Gematsu, pre-order listings in Japan show that apart from CD Projekt's Cyberpunk 2077, all third-party physical titles require internet downloads via Game-Key Cards rather than containing full games.
Ys X: Proud Nordics and No Sleep for Kaname Date also use Game-Key Cards in Japan, while Split Fiction's retail listing describes it as a code-in-box product. pic.twitter.com/dCTUsTmNQZ
— Gematsu (@gematsu) April 24, 2025
The trend continues internationally. Sega's Switch 2 titles, including Sonic X Shadow Generations (as confirmed by Walmart listings), similarly adopt the Game-Key Card format.
Currently, only four third-party physical Switch 2 releases avoid this model: Cyberpunk 2077, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, and No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES Aiba Edition.
Nintendo previously confirmed that some Switch 2 cartridges would contain download keys rather than complete games, though Switch 2 Edition titles include both base games and upgrades on the physical media.
These Game-Key Cards function as physical purchase receipts - inserting them initiates downloads rather than providing immediate playable content. All compatible game cases feature clear front-facing labeling to inform consumers.
Titles like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster display this warning, while Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza don't require downloads. Cyberpunk 2077's massive 64GB filesize necessitates cartridge storage.
Nintendo Switch 2 Packaging
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Niko Partners' Research Director Daniel Ahmad warns this distribution model may overwhelm Nintendo's eShop servers during June's simultaneous global launch as players scramble to download purchases.
All Switch 2 bundles include download codes. Mario Kart World requires 24GB storage. Most games need downloads via Game-Key Cards. With same-day worldwide launch, let's hope eShop servers survive June 5.
— Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) April 24, 2025
"Cartridge production costs exceed optical discs and scale with capacity," Ahmad explains. "Digital distribution and lower-capacity cards improve publisher margins in an increasingly digital market."
The Game Business' Christopher Dring compares Game-Key Cards to "holiday gift packaging," noting declining retail presence, manufacturing expenses, generational preferences, and environmental concerns all drive physical media's evolution.
Switch 2 pre-orders launched April 24 to immediate sellouts, prompting fans to post counterfeit eBay auctions combating scalpers.
