Nintendo Switch 2’s game-key cards are “part of a larger trend that we can’t avoid,” Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director says, as physical media is becoming “less and less part of the industry”

Final Fantasy 7 Remake series director Naoki Hamaguchi believes that the Nintendo Switch 2‘s debated game-key cards are indicative of a broader movement in the gaming sector.

Capcom, Ubisoft, Sega, and Square Enix have strongly endorsed the Nintendo Switch 2 during its inaugural year, but the downside is that all of their games’ physical versions are nearly ineffective since they consist of game-key cards (which are cartridges that permit you to download and engage with digital games). Although they have their advantages, a Star Wars: Outlaws developer remarked that standard cartridges “simply didn’t provide the performance we required” which has led to their unpopularity among Switch 2 users due to their inadequacy for preserving games once digital storefronts cease operation.

Hamaguchi further stated, “the trajectory is leaning towards digital. Yet within that context, the role of the key card comes into play – I can see why many individuals disapprove of this and possibly seek to resist it. But from a creator’s standpoint, I believe it presents us with chances to introduce certain games on Switch 2.” He also aligns with the viewpoint of the Star Wars Outlaws developer, expressing “There are certain particularly advanced, high-quality games that demand significant memory that we likely couldn’t include without this – as a physical variant, absent the key card.”

Scott has been contributing as a freelancer for more than three years across various gaming publications, first showcased on GamesRadar+ in 2024. He has also penned articles for platforms such as PC Gamer, Eurogamer, VG247, Play, TechRadar, and others. He often muses about Metal Gear Solid, God Hand, or any other rare PS2-era titles that seldom (if at all) receive sequels.