It has been revealed that the majority of physical third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games currently available in Japan are distributed as Game-Key Cards, and early indications suggest a similar trend is emerging in Western markets.

As reported by Gematsu, pre-orders for the Switch 2 in Japan have shown that nearly all third-party physical titles—excluding CD Projekt’s Cyberpunk 2077 and non-Switch 2 Edition releases—ship as Game-Key Cards. This means players must download the full game data, requiring a stable internet connection. Notable examples include Ys X: Proud Nordics and No Sleep for Kaname Date, both confirmed as Game-Key Cards in Japan. Retail listings for Split Fiction also describe it as a code-in-a-box product.

The same pattern appears to be unfolding in the West. Sega’s upcoming Switch 2 titles, including Sonic X Shadow Generations, are also Game-Key Cards. Walmart’s product listing for the title explicitly confirms this format.

To date, only four third-party physical Switch 2 games in the West are known to contain full game data on the cartridge: 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 confirmed that many new Switch 2 game cards would not contain the full game, but instead function as download keys. The company clarified that Switch 2 Edition titles—upgraded versions of existing games—will include both the base game and the upgrade directly on the cartridge.

Nintendo Switch 2 game-key card warning. Image credit: Nintendo Customer Support.

Switch 2 Game-Key Cards are physical cartridges that contain only a redemption key. Once inserted into the console, the full game must be downloaded from the Nintendo eShop. Each Game-Key Card packaging is clearly labeled on the lower front of the box, providing transparency for consumers about the download requirement.

Titles such as Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster include the Game-Key Card disclaimer on their packaging. In contrast, first-party titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not carry this notice, indicating they contain the full game on the cartridge. Notably, the 64 GB Cyberpunk 2077 release includes the full game data on a physical card.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

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Daniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, highlighted that the widespread use of Game-Key Cards could place significant strain on the Nintendo eShop during the Switch 2’s June launch window, as users rush to download their purchased titles.

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 also explained the economic rationale behind the shift: “Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs, with costs rising per GB. It takes time to scale production for high-capacity cards. Digital distribution and lower-capacity cards offer publishers higher margins, and digital already represents the majority of sales.”

Christopher Dring, Editor-In-Chief and Co-Founder of The Game Business, described Game-Key Cards as “basically Christmas/birthday present boxes for wrapping up” digital purchases.

He added, “Ultimately, with fewer games retailers, rising manufacturing costs, younger generations showing less interest in physical media, and increasing pressure for sustainability, the industry is clearly moving in one direction.”

Switch 2 pre-orders launched on April 24 and sold out rapidly. In response, Nintendo fans have begun posting fake Switch 2 auctions on eBay in an effort to disrupt scalper activity and protect genuine buyers.