It has emerged that nearly all physical third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games revealed in Japan so far are Game-Key Cards, and a similar trend is observed in Western markets.

As reported by Gematsu, the launch of Switch 2 pre-orders in Japan revealed that all physical third-party games, except for CD Projekt's Cyberpunk 2077 and those labeled as Nintendo Switch 2 Editions, are shipped on Game-Key Cards. These cards require an internet connection to download the full game.

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. pic.twitter.com/dCTUsTmNQZ

— Gematsu (@gematsu) April 24, 2025

In the West, Sega's Switch 2 games, such as Sonic X Shadow Generations, are also confirmed to be Game-Key Cards, as listed on Walmart. Only four third-party physical Switch 2 games have been identified as not using Game-Key Cards: 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.

When Nintendo unveiled the Switch 2, it was confirmed that several new Switch 2 game cards would contain a key for a game download rather than the actual game itself. Nintendo later clarified that Switch 2 Edition games would include both the game and any upgrades on the cartridge.

Nintendo Switch 2 game-key card warning. Image credit: Nintendo Customer Support. Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cards that only contain a key to download your chosen game. This means there is no actual game data on the card you insert into your Switch 2, so you'll need to download it once the card is inserted. Every Game-Key Card case is clearly labeled on the lower portion of the front of the box, providing consumers with a heads-up about what they're purchasing.

Games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster feature this game-key card disclaimer, while others such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not. The substantial Cyberpunk 2077, which occupies 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, comes on a physical cartridge.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

View 7 ImagesAs highlighted by Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, the emphasis on Game-Key Cards could strain the eShop around the Switch 2's launch in June, as fans rush to download their games.

All the Switch 2 bundles come with a download code.

Mario Kart World is 24GB.

Most games come on a game key card and require a download.

The Switch 2 launches globally on the same day.

I am not a religious man, but I ask you all to pray for the Eshop servers on June 5.

— Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) April 24, 2025

Ahmad further explained that "Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs (+ increases with each GB)," providing a rationale for publishers' preference for digital distribution. He added, "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, likened Game-Key Cards to "basically Christmas/birthday present boxes for wrapping up." He noted, "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."

Switch 2 pre-orders began on April 24 and sold out quickly. In response, Nintendo fans are now posting fake Switch 2 auctions on eBay to counteract scalper listings.