It seems Switch 2’s divisive Game-Key Cards – physical releases containing a download “key”, rather than the full game data – will be a pretty common sight when the console launches this June. The vast majority of third-party Switch 2 physical releases currently available for pre-order in Japan come on game-key cards, and the situation is looking similar in the UK.
Switch 2’s game-key-card-heavy launch window line-up was first highlighted by Gematsu, which noted all third-party physical releases seen so far in Japan feature box art indicating their game-key card status. The exceptions are CD Projekt’s Cyberpunk 2077 and all Nintendo Switch 2 Edition titles – that is, original Switch games featuring Switch 2 specific enhancements.
The likes of Bravely Default: Flying Fairy, Wild Hearts, Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut, Street Fighter 6, Sonic X Shadow Generations, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2, and Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion all feature game-key card branding on their Japanese boxes, with 11 out of 12 Switch 2-specific third-party physical releases opting for the key-on-card approach. Nintendo’s own titles – namely Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza – all use standard game cards.
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Furthermore, it looks like the situation will be similar in the west if the handful of third-party Switch 2 games currently available to pre-order are any indication. UK retailer Smyths features game-key card box art for Hitman: World of Assassination – Signature Edition, Street Fighter 6: Year 1-2 Fighters Edition, and Bravely Default: Flying Fairy, while Amazon in the US shows Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut, Sonic X Shadow Generations, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2, Raidou: Remastered – The Mystery of the Soulless Army Launch Edition (all from Sega) utilising game-key cards.