Nintendo Switch 2 Games Mostly Key Cards in Japan, West Too

Recent reports indicate the majority of third-party Nintendo Switch 2 physical releases in Japan utilize Game-Key Cards, with Western markets following a similar trend.

According to Gematsu's findings during Japan's Switch 2 pre-order launch, all third-party physical titles—except CD Projekt's Cyberpunk 2077 and select Switch 2 Edition games—ship as Game-Key Cards requiring internet access for full game downloads.

Ys X: Proud Nordics and No Sleep for Kaname Date also use Game-Key Cards in Japan, while Split Fiction's retail listings describe it as a code-in-a-box product.

— Gematsu (@gematsu) April 24, 2025

The Western market mirrors this pattern, with Sega confirming its Switch 2 titles like Sonic X Shadow Generations will use Game-Key Cards—a detail verified via Walmart product listings.

Only four notable exceptions exist among third-party physical releases: Cyberpunk 2077, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, and No Sleep For Kaname Date: From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES Aiba Edition.

Nintendo previously disclosed that some Switch 2 game cards won't contain full games but rather download keys, though Switch 2 Edition cartridges include both the game and upgrade content.

Switch 2 Game-Key Cards provide digital download access rather than containing game data—prompting an immediate internet requirement upon insertion. Each card's packaging prominently displays this information front and center for consumer awareness.

Titles like Street Fighter 6 and Bravely Default Remaster adopt this format, while Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza ship traditionally. Notably, Cyberpunk 2077's massive 64GB file size necessitates cartridge distribution.

Nintendo Switch 2 Retail Packaging

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Industry analyst Daniel Ahmad warns this Game-Key Card emphasis may strain Nintendo's eShop servers during June's simultaneous global launch as consumers rush digital downloads.

Switch 2 bundles exclusively contain download codes. Mario Kart World requires 24GB. Most games need download activation through Game-Key Cards. With a simultaneous worldwide launch, let's collectively hope Nintendo's servers survive June 5.

— Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) April 24, 2025

"Game cartridges incur significantly higher production costs than discs—increasing with storage capacity," Ahmad explained regarding publisher motivations. "Manufacturing multiple card capacities demands lead time, while digital/low-capacity options boost profit margins amidst digital's market dominance."

Christopher Dring of The Game Business likened Game-Key Cards to "holiday gift boxes for digital content," noting industry shifts toward sustainability, production economics, and changing consumer habits are reshaping physical media's role.

Following Switch 2 pre-orders selling out instantly on April 24, fans have begun flooding eBay with counterfeit listings to undermine scalper activity.