By The CEO of the retro remake company Nightdive Studios has labeled the Nintendo Switch 2‘s game-key cards as “somewhat discouraging.”
Unveiled alongside additional details about the Switch 2 during Nintendo’s major showcase in early April, these game-key cards allow developers to offer gamers a physical cartridge that lacks complete game data, instead providing the means to download the purchased game.
While this approach might be suitable given the increasing sizes of games, it has sparked controversy, particularly concerning its implications for preservation efforts. One individual echoing this sentiment is Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick, who conveyed to GamesIndustry.Biz that one would expect more from a company with Nintendo’s legacy.
“Witnessing Nintendo take this path is somewhat disappointing,” he explains. “You’d anticipate that such a large company, with an iconic legacy, would treat preservation with more significance.”
Fortunately, the broader outlook is slightly more optimistic. Although Nintendo’s decision is a “regression” for preservation initiatives, Kick highlights the recent updates from Square Enix, Capcom, Sega, and Taito’s dedication to preserving historical development resources as a positive development.
“While this is indeed encouraging, it would have been ideal if they had initiated this effort two decades ago, right?” Kick remarks with a chuckle. “But that sentiment can apply across the board. It seems everyone is now making greater strides to safeguard their work, which is wonderful. This will simplify our tasks as a studio focused on remasters.
“There should be less difficulty, hopefully, in sourcing code and assets to compile collections and related material in the future.”
Want to stay updated with all the latest Nintendo Switch 2 updates? Don’t forget to check our overview of forthcoming Switch 2 titles, too.