Switch 2 Game Ditches Game-Key Cards For A Physical Release, But It’ll Cost More

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Look, those Game-Key Cards were kinda annoying, but I’ve got good news for R-Type fans! The full game, R-Type Dimensions 3, is coming right on the Switch 2 cartridge. The downside? It’s going to cost a bit more than we expected – they’re bumping the price up to €70. So, a complete game on the cart, but you’ll have to dig a little deeper into your wallet for it.

People who have already ordered the physical Special Edition won’t have to pay a different price.

Inin Games initially opted for Game-Key Cards instead of standard cartridges because switching to cartridges would have significantly increased the cost – at least €15 per game. They promised to explore releasing a full cartridge version if possible, and have now confirmed that costs have increased, but not as much as originally feared.

The publisher announced perfect timing for their plans, following Nintendo’s recent reveal of two smaller cartridge sizes for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This change lets them adjust production in a more efficient way than previously possible.

Although Nintendo hasn’t confirmed it, there’s talk that the next Switch console will offer game developers more affordable cartridge options. Instead of only being able to use the pricier 64GB cartridges, they may soon be able to choose between 16GB and 32GB versions.

The Switch 2 uses ‘Game-Key Cards’ as physical keys to verify game ownership, but you’ll still need to download the entire game onto the console. Because the console’s built-in storage is limited and fast microSD cards can be pricey, this system has faced some criticism. Although these cards can be resold and aren’t tied to a specific console, some worry they could create problems for keeping games available in the future.

Game creators are supporting the use of Game-Key Cards, with a developer from Ubisoft stating that technical issues required them to release Star Wars Outlaws this way. Nintendo also recently surveyed its players to gauge their preferences for owning games physically versus digitally.

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2025-12-19 19:09