Consumer reaction to Switch 2 Game-Key Cards has been largely negative. While Japanese consultancy Kyos Inc reports that some publishers appreciate the move due to rising physical media costs, nearly 70% of surveyed consumers say they won’t buy Game-Key Card releases. Industry voices also express disapproval of this format.
Game-Key Cards serve as a hybrid between traditional game cards, which store game data directly, and code-in-a-box releases. Critics argue they are anti-consumer because once Nintendo’s servers are shut down in the future, these cards will no longer be usable.
Ryan Brown of boutique publisher Lost In Cult has urged developers on social media to prioritize full, on-cart physical releases if they plan to launch games for Switch 2. He encourages studios to collaborate with Lost In Cult to meet consumer demand.
A recent leak reveals why many publishers opt for Game-Key Cards: Nintendo requires a fee for each 64GB cartridge, the only size available on Switch 2. This eliminates smaller, potentially cheaper options that were available for the original Switch.
Notably, Nintendo has confirmed it will not use Game-Key Cards for its own first-party titles.