Certain Nintendo Switch 2 Physical Games Are “Game-Key Cards” For Downloads

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Nintendo has unveiled that certain physical versions of the Nintendo Switch 2 games will come as digital downloads using a novel feature known as Game-Key Cards.

It’s not quite clear why a specific game might opt for a Game-Key Card over a standard Nintendo Switch 2 cartridge, but a page on Nintendo’s customer support site provides an explanation of how this system functions. Details about the Game-Key Card system were not presented during the Nintendo Direct for Switch 2; instead, they were made available online through Nintendo’s website following the broadcast.

Unlike traditional video game cartridges, Game-Key Cards don’t contain the game itself but serve as a “key” to download and subsequently access a specific title. After downloading and installing the game, the Game-Key Card remains necessary, functioning much like a regular game cartridge albeit without the console storing or running the game from it directly.

It’s important to note that an internet connection is necessary only during the initial setup of the Game-Key Card, afterwards, you can play the game offline. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to insert the Game-Key Card into the Switch 2 console every time you want to access the digital game.

Games marked with a special white banner at the base of Nintendo Switch 2 game boxes, which come with a QR code, are identified as games requiring a Game-Key Card. It’s uncertain if using a Game-Key Card game binds it to the specific console, or if the card can be passed on to another user and moved to a different system like a traditional physical game cartridge.

Despite the fact that it remains uncertain as to why certain games take the form of Game-Key Cards rather than traditional cartridges, we are aware of at least one launch title for the Switch 2 that will employ this feature: Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster.

Game-Key Cards function similarly to certain original Nintendo Switch games purchased from stores, which are essentially digital download codes within a physical case. Although these games can be played offline after being downloaded, they cannot be transferred to other accounts and remain tied to the one they were originally bought on.

Game-Key Cards should not be mixed up with Nintendo’s new system for digital-only games on both the Switch and Switch 2, which they call Virtual Game Cards. These virtual cards function much like physical games, but exist digitally, and can be shared among different accounts playing on the same Switch or within a family account through local wireless connections. However, only one person can use a Virtual Game Card at a time, so if a game is loaned to someone else, it becomes inaccessible to the original owner. It’s currently unknown if games purchased with Game-Key Cards can also be used as Virtual Game Cards.

Nintendo has unveiled a wealth of fresh information regarding the upcoming Switch 2, delving deeper into its hardware specifications, capabilities, and exclusive games slated for the console. The anticipated release date for Switch 2 is June 5, priced at $450, with Mario Kart World as the launch title. A combination package featuring Mario Kart World will also be offered, with pre-orders available from April 9. Among the first-party Nintendo games planned for 2025’s Switch 2 launch are a new 3D Donkey Kong platformer and a sequel to Kirby Air Ride.

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2025-04-02 21:39