Switch 2’s Game Key Cards Spark Debate
Nintendo’s Switch 2 is introducing a new physical format: Game Key Cards. These cards don’t contain the game itself but offer a download code, and several upcoming titles—including Street Fighter 6 and Star Wars Outlaws—are already confirmed to use this format.
A recent leak from the Arc System Works hack, shared by Universo Nintendo editor @necrolipe, suggests this shift may be due to limited release options offered by Nintendo. According to the leak, third-party developers can choose only between digital-only releases, Game Key Cards (codenamed “POTION”), or full 64GB cartridges for physical distribution.
Unlike the original Switch, which provided cheaper 8GB and 16GB cartridge options, the Switch 2 appears to only offer the high-capacity (and likely more expensive) 64GB option. For many studios, using a Game Key Card is a more affordable way to get a game onto store shelves without taking on the full cost of physical media.
This change could encourage more developers to bring games to the Switch 2, thanks to lower barriers and cheaper publishing options. However, it’s raising concerns among players. Since the Game Key Cards only offer digital access, there’s no true physical ownership—if Nintendo’s servers go down in the future, like they did with the 3DS, access to those games could be lost.
Gamers also worry about increased pressure on internal storage, which could lead to slower performance or a degraded experience if memory runs low.
In short, Nintendo’s new format may benefit developers, but it leaves open questions about long-term access, physical ownership, and performance for players.
