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 a similar trend is occurring in the West. As reported by Gematsu, pre-orders for the Switch 2 in Japan showed that all physical third-party games, with the exception of CD Projekt's Cyberpunk 2077, which is not a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, are shipped on Game-Key Cards. This means these games require an internet connection to download the full game.

In Japan, titles such as Ys X: Proud Nordics and No Sleep for Kaname Date are also utilizing Game-Key Cards. Additionally, retail descriptions for Split Fiction indicate it comes as a code-in-a-box. Meanwhile, in the West, Sega's Switch 2 games, including Sonic X Shadow Generations, have been confirmed to be on Game-Key Cards, as evidenced by listings on Walmart.

Among the few exceptions in the West are 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, which are not Game-Key Cards.

When Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2, it was announced that some Switch 2 game cards would not contain the full game but instead a key for downloading it. Nintendo later clarified that Switch 2 Edition games would include both the game and any necessary upgrades on the cartridge itself.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cards that only contain a key to download the selected game. This means there is no actual game data on the card inserted into the Switch 2, requiring a download after insertion. Each Game-Key Card case is labeled on the front lower portion, providing clear indication of what you're purchasing.

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. Notably, the substantial Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, comes fully on the cartridge.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

Ahmad further explained that game cards are significantly more expensive than discs, and costs increase with each gigabyte. He noted, "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, described Game-Key Cards as "basically Christmas/birthday present boxes for wrapping up." He added, "Ultimately, with fewer games retailers, rising manufacturing costs, the fact that younger generations just don’t care, plus the drive for sustainability, all points in one direction for physical media."

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