As pre-orders for the Switch 2 began earlier this week, more details about the launch and post-launch games have emerged. One of the most notable revelations is that a significant number of physical Switch 2 games will be released on “Game Key Card” cartridges. These Game Key Cards don’t actually contain the game on the cartridge itself; instead, they require an internet connection to download and play the game.
Earlier this month, following Nintendo’s official unveiling of the Switch 2 in a dedicated Direct presentation, it was revealed that some physical games for the console would not truly be physical at all. Instead, players would receive what is essentially a blank Game Key Card that acts as a form of DRM. When the card is inserted into the Switch 2, it allows players to download the game. However, in order to play it again later, the card must remain inserted into the console. If the card is lost, players lose access to the game. While the game can be played offline as long as the card is in the console, this setup has raised concerns.
Some players argue that this is an improvement over previous practices where some Switch games were shipped with just a digital code in a box. These Game Key Cards can be traded, sold, and reused, which offers more flexibility. However, critics point out that these cards essentially serve as a physical version of a digital game, creating additional plastic waste. There’s also the concern about what will happen when Nintendo eventually shuts down its servers, given the company’s track record with digital storefronts.
So naturally people have been digging through store listings to try and nail down what games are and aren’t using Game Key Cards. Here’s list so far.
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Switch 2 Games Confirmed to Use Game Key Cards:
- Raidou: Remastered
- Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
- Sonic X Shadow Generations
- Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
- Street Fighter 6 Year 1-2 Fighters Edition
- Hitman World of Assassination
- Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion (Only in Japan)
Switch 2 Games Confirmed to Be Fully On the Cart:
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
- Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion (Only in the US)
- Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar
- Donkey Kong Bananza
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land
- Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Super Mario Party Jamboree
- Mario Kart World
Currently Unknown:
- No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES Aiba Edition
- Split Fiction
- Star Wars Outlaws