Switch 2 Games in Japan Favor Key Cards, Similarly in West

Recent reports indicate that the vast majority of third-party physical Nintendo Switch 2 games available in Japan are distributed as Game-Key Cards, with Western markets following a similar pattern.

As noted by Gematsu, Japanese Switch 2 pre-orders reveal that all third-party physical releases—except CD Projekt's Cyberpunk 2077 and non-Nintendo Switch 2 Edition titles—are being sold as Game-Key Cards that require internet connectivity for full game downloads.

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.

— Gematsu (@gematsu) April 24, 2025

Western markets mirror this trend, with Sega confirming their Switch 2 titles like Sonic X Shadow Generations at Walmart are Game-Key Cards. Only four third-party physical exceptions have been identified: Cyberpunk 2077, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma - Nintendo Switch 2, and No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES Aiba Edition.

Nintendo initially clarified that Switch 2 game cards won't always contain actual games, instead functioning as download keys. However, Switch 2 Edition cartridges will include both the base game and upgrades.

These Game-Key Cards contain only redemption codes rather than game data, requiring downloads before play. Packaging clearly indicates this format with front-box labeling. While titles like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster use this system, first-party games such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza maintain traditional cartridges. Notably, the 64GB Cyberpunk 2077 ships on a physical cart.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Daniel Ahmad, Niko Partners' Director of Research & Insights, warns this approach may strain Nintendo's eShop servers during June's global launch as players concurrently download major titles.

All the Switch 2 bundles come with a download code. Mario Kart World is 24GB. Most games come on a game key card. The Switch 2 launches globally on June 5. Pray for the eShop servers.

— Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) April 24, 2025

Ahmad explains publishers' rationale: "Game cards cost significantly more than discs, with prices scaling by storage capacity. Digital distribution and smaller capacity cards improve publisher margins, especially as digital sales dominate."

Christopher Dring, Game Business Editor-In-Chief, describes Game-Key Cards as "essentially gift-wrapping for digital purchases," noting industry pressures: "Fewer game retailers, rising production costs, generational indifference toward physical media, and sustainability concerns all point toward this shift."

Following April 24's pre-order launch—which saw immediate sellouts—Nintendo fans have begun flooding eBay with fake listings to disrupt scalper activity.