Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Cards Expected to Dominate Market Amid Limited Cartridge Availability

Introduction to Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Cards

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to implement Game-Key cards extensively, largely due to the limited cartridge formats available for developers and publishers.

Insights from Recent Leaks

A recent leak shared by Necro Felipe on X highlighted intriguing information from Arc System Works. This leak included details about an in-development version of Guilty Gear Stride and unveiled a new, unannounced game slated for launch on the next-generation Nintendo console. Notably, it was revealed that there are only three available game formats:

• Digital game only
• 64 GB cartridge
• Game-Key Card format (codenamed “POTION”)

Given that the only physical media option is the 64GB cartridge, it’s expected that many upcoming titles during the system’s debut will use the Key Card format. This trend is likely to continue unless Nintendo introduces additional cartridge options.

[Nintendo Switch 2]

Thanks to leaks from Arc System Works, only three types of formats have been found to be available for games being planned for the Switch 2:

• [DL] Digital game only • [64GB] Cartridge with full game • [POTION] Codename for Key Card format

— ‘Necro’ Felipe #UnivNintendo (@necrolipe) May 10, 2025

Understanding Game-Key Cards

Although the naming is new, the idea behind Game-Key cards is not unprecedented. We’ve seen similar strategies employed with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, where retail discs sometimes do not include the game itself, necessitating significant downloads. For instance, the upcoming title DOOM: The Dark Ages exemplifies this model.

What makes the Game-Key card a unique proposition is its potential for sharing, akin to traditional cartridges. Furthermore, as indicated by the leak, these cards could enable players to download games even in regions where the eShop isn’t officially available.

Launch Timeline and Regional Availability

The Nintendo Switch 2 is anticipated to launch globally on June 5th, with noted exceptions in regions such as China and Central America.

For further details and images, please refer to the source.

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