Nintendo has long been celebrated for its innovation in the gaming world, and its commitment to physical media has helped preserve games for future generations. If you’re a fan of Nintendo’s iconic cartridges, there’s a fresh twist to get excited about. With the upcoming Switch 2, Nintendo is introducing a new version of its beloved game cards now called Game-Key cards. Here’s everything you need to know about this new format.
What is the Switch 2 Game-Key Card?
The Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key card may resemble the classic Game Card at first glance, but there’s a key difference it doesn’t contain the full game. Instead of playing straight from the cartridge, you’ll need to unlock the game using the Game-Key card and then download it online.
It’s important to note that only select titles will be released exclusively in this format, meaning the majority of games will still be available on traditional Game Cards. To make sure you know what you’re getting, look for a key symbol on the physical packaging this indicates it’s a Game-Key card version. Here’s a preview of what the Switch 2 Game-Key card boxes will look like:
To continue playing the game, you’ll need to keep the Game-Key card inserted in your device. It functions much like a traditional physical Game Card, resembling the classic Nintendo cartridge experience. However, instead of storing the full game, the key acts similarly to a download code from the original Switch, granting access to the game content while verifying ownership.
However, unlike traditional code redemption where the game is permanently tied to your account the Game-Key card offers more flexibility. Since it’s a physical key rather than a digital license, you can use your Game-Key card on another Switch 2 device, allowing you to share it much like a classic cartridge.
How to Use Switch 2 Game-Key Card
Before using a Game-Key card, make sure your Switch 2 has enough storage space and is connected to the internet. Fortunately, the Switch 2 comes with 256 GB of internal storage and supports external microSD Express cards for easy expansion. The game’s required storage size will be listed on the box, so be sure to check that before purchasing. Once you’re ready, follow the step-by-step guide below to learn how to use a Game-Key card on your Switch 2:
- Open the Game Card slot on your Switch 2 and insert the Game-Key card.
- Follow the on-screen instructions from the Home menu to begin downloading the game.
- Connect to the internet for the initial launch to unlock and access your game.
All Game-Key Card Games For Switch 2
Well, for gamers who enjoy collecting physical games, knowing which titles will be available permanently as classic Game Cards is important. So, we explored the official Nintendo website and discovered that the Game-Key card mark appears on the packaging of games like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster. However, titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza do not feature it, indicating that selected Nintendo-specific games are more likely to receive physical Game Cards.
I personally believe that games like Fortnite, Final Fantasy, or Hogwarts Legacy would benefit more from the key formula, as they tend to consume a large amount of storage. Cyberpunk 2077 has already confirmed its 64 GB physical Game Card, so that’s settled. One thing I’m confident about is that Nintendo won’t entirely move away from the traditional cartridge formula. Still, I recommend checking the boxes carefully when buying Switch 2 games.
That is everything you should know about Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key cards. What are your thoughts on this new card formula after Nintendo already introduced virtual game cards? Share your thoughts in the comments.
