Leak reveals why so many publishers are using Game-Key Cards on Switch 2

Nintendo’s official big blowout reveal for the Switch 2 did not quite go as the company had hoped, with the upcoming console sparking backlash for its across-the-board increase in pricing alongside new incentives for subscriptions; the reduction in focus on physical media and more. With regards to the final point, a new leak has revealed another issue with Nintendo Switch 2’s cartridges and why so many publishers are opting for game-key cards.

In the wake of the Switch 2’s official reveal, we got our first details on how the upcoming system will handle physical game carts. While an updated version of the Switch 1’s cartridges remain somewhat intact, the introduction of game-key cards has led many to consider the ongoing erosion of physical media.

Unfortunately, so far a large portion of 3rd-party titles have announced their games to be utilising game-key cards exclusively. Though not explained explicitly at the time, it seems we now have a better idea of the options available to these publishers.

Thanks to a leak pertaining to Arc System Works (shared by NecroFelipe of UniversoNintendo), it was revealed that Nintendo is currently only offering one storage option for real Switch cartridges – those being 64GB variants.

Other than this, developers can either make use of game-key cards, or simply publish their title as a digital-only release.

Given the fact that these 64GB carts have previously been revealed to be more costly than an Xbox / PlayStation Blu Ray disc, it is beginning to make sense as to why most publishers are opting for the game-key cards.

While yes, Switch 2’s game-key cards will be more consumer-friendly than initially believed, this still marks a clear point of no return for physical games. Hopefully Nintendo offers additional options over time.

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KitGuru says: What do you think of the whole game-key card system? Does it bother you? Is Nintendo’s bespoke solution to cartridges a worthwhile trade-off? Let us know down below.

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