As a gamer diving into the world of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, I’ve come to learn that many cartridges from external developers will arrive sans preloaded data. Instead, it seems like we’ll be required to download the complete game packages ourselves.
According to a report by Gematsu on April 23, it appears that many third-party games for the Switch 2 won’t come with preloaded game data. Instead, users will be required to input the Game Key Card into their Switch 2 system, allowing them to download and install the title directly.
Once the download is complete, you can start playing the game by inserting the game key card into your device and launching it just as you would with a regular physical game card. According to IGN, just four third-party physical games for the Switch 2 don’t come in the form of Game-Key Cards.
Many physical Switch 2 games require digital downloads
At present, Cyberpunk 2077, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, and No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES are the exclusive third-party games that don’t necessitate further downloads.
It’s worth mentioning that when it comes to Switch 2 editions of video games like Donkey Kong Bananza and Mario Kart World, as well as first-party titles, you won’t have to download the entire game. Instead, these games will be pre-installed on the system. All you’ll need is to download any updates that might become available.
It’s no shock that PC gamers and owners of digital-only PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles understand downloading games. But the novel Game Key Card system introduced with Switch 2 isn’t worry-free either.
In Japan, pre-orders for two different games have been live for a short time now. This has unveiled that most third-party physical games (excluding Cyberpunk 2077 for now) which are not Nintendo Switch 2 Editions will come in the form of game-key cards, meaning you’ll need an internet connection to download and play the full game.
— Gematsu (@gematsu) April 23, 2025
As Daniel Ahmed, the Director of Research & Insights at Niko Partners, I’m playfully asking everyone to send up a prayer for the eShop servers come June 5th. Not that I’m a very spiritual person, but I think we could all use a little divine intervention to keep those servers running smoothly on the Switch 2’s release day!
Many other users have expressed their worries about the Nintendo servers being overwhelmed due to the high volume of activities such as downloading Mario Kart World, initial system updates for Switch 2, upgrades, purchases on the eShop, and third-party games that need a download using Key Cards. In essence, the e-shop servers are expected to face heavy traffic.
Now available for pre-order in the U.S., here’s where you can explore comprehensive information about Nintendo’s fresh console. Our hub also offers updates on the latest game titles that have been officially announced.
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2025-04-24 16:18