Despite being one of the most popular modern gaming consoles, physical game releases for the Nintendo Switch 2 have been riddled with controversy. The controversy stems around Nintendo’s implementation of Game-Key cards instead of regular cartridges. However, a game publisher recently put out a statement confirming that their Switch 2 game will be released on a regular physical cartridge instead of a Game-Key card.
Traditionally, physical copies of video games are published on game cartridges. The content of the game, such as the programming, visuals, and more, are stored on the cartridge itself. However, alongside the release of the Switch 2, Nintendo announced the Game-Key card. A Game-Key card serves as a physical alternative to the game cartridge. The game itself is not stored on the Game-Key cards, with the cards instead giving players the ability to digitally download the game.
On the Nintendo subreddit, fans have expressed concern with the adoption of Game-Key cards. Many players felt that the cards take on the worst aspects of both physical and digital games. These negatives include requiring the card to be inserted into the console, taking up storage space, and requiring internet access upon first booting up the game. Some people also expressed fear that, identically to digital games, Game-Key cards would become useless when the Nintendo Switch 2 digital shop closes down.
To the satisfaction of players who enjoy physical media, the video game publisher ININ Games announced that they would not be publishing their game on Game-Key cards. ININ’s Switch 2 action game, titled R-Type Dimensions III, was not originally planned to have a physical release. However, after “[recalculating] the production in a way that wasn’t possible before,” all European and US releases of the title will utilize full physical game cartridges. However, due to the higher production costs associated with cartridges, the game price has increased by €10.
In a post on X, however, ININ issued a correction to their original statement saying that Nintendo has not offered an “official announcement…concerning cartridge storage capacities.” Any comments Inin made regarding storage sizes should “not be interpreted as official information from Nintendo.” However, the publisher once again confirms that R-Type Dimensions III will be released on a physical cartridge.
It remains to be seen whether or not other publishers will follow in ININ’s footsteps or embrace the usage of Game-Key cards for their Switch 2 releases.