It has emerged that nearly all physical third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games revealed so far in Japan are Game-Key Cards, with a similar trend observed in Western markets. As reported by Gematsu, pre-orders for the Switch 2 in Japan showcased that all physical third-party games, except for CD Projekt's Cyberpunk 2077, are distributed as Game-Key Cards. These cards require an internet connection to download the full game.

In Japan, titles such as Ys X: Proud Nordics and No Sleep for Kaname Date are confirmed to be Game-Key Cards, and even retail descriptions for Split Fiction indicate it comes as a code-in-a-box.

In the West, Sega's Switch 2 titles, including Sonic X Shadow Generations, are also being released as Game-Key Cards, as evidenced by listings on Walmart.

Only four third-party physical Switch 2 games have been identified as not being 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 introduced the Switch 2, it was clarified that some Switch 2 game cards would contain a key for a game download rather than the game itself. However, Nintendo later specified that Switch 2 Edition games would include both the game and any upgrades directly 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 for downloading the game. This means there is no actual game data on the card, and an internet connection is required to download the game upon insertion. Each Game-Key Card case is clearly labeled on the lower portion of the front of the box, providing a clear indication to consumers.

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

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

View 7 ImagesDaniel Ahmad, Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, noted that the emphasis on Game-Key Cards might strain the eShop servers during the Switch 2’s launch on June 5, 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 more expensive than discs, and costs increase with each gigabyte. He noted that digital games and lower-capacity cards provide higher margins for publishers, and digital sales constitute 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." He added that factors such as fewer game retailers, rising manufacturing costs, changing consumer preferences among younger generations, and sustainability drives all point towards a decline in physical media.

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