Nintendo confirms some Switch 2 physical releases will just have a download key on the card

In the midst of all the excitement surrounding Switch 2’s major announcement event, Nintendo has subtly confirmed that certain physical releases for the console will not actually contain any game data on the included game card.

Nintendo refers to these physical releases as game-key cards, and unlike standard game cards, they will only hold a simple “key” instead of the complete game data. Inserting the card into your Switch 2 initiates the download process, and you will need to insert the game-key card into your console each time you wish to play.

Physical releases featuring game-key cards will be distinctly marked on their packaging, with an example on Nintendo’s official support page showing a wide white strip along the bottom of the box, stating, “Game-Key Card” and “Full game download via internet required.” This is similar to the messaging Nintendo used for Switch 1 when games were only partially included on cards – LA Noire being an unfortunate early instance – although the initial-on-card concept itself is new.

According to Nintendo’s information, the homescreen of Switch 2 will display instructions for downloading the game when a game-key card is inserted into the console for the first time. Players will need sufficient free space either in the Switch 2’s internal memory or on an attached microSD card to begin the download (game-key card packaging clearly indicates how much space is necessary), and the game can then be played once the download is complete.

This means an internet connection is necessary the first time a game is launched, but not afterward – however, to clarify, game-key card games cannot be started unless the card is inserted, unlike downloaded digital titles for Switch 2. None of this may be particularly reassuring for fans of physical media, but considering Nintendo’s assurance that standard game cards will still be available, it remains to be seen how this will evolve.