Switch 2 games in Japan favor key cards, mirroring West trend

Recent reports indicate that nearly all announced third-party physical Nintendo Switch 2 games in Japan utilize Game-Key Cards, with similar trends appearing in Western markets.

According to Gematsu, all third-party Switch 2 pre-orders in Japan - except CD Projekt's Cyberpunk 2077 (non-Switch 2 Edition) - currently ship as Game-Key Cards that require internet access for full game downloads.

Ys X: Proud Nordics and No Sleep for Kaname Date are also game-key cards in Japan. And retail descriptions for Split Fiction list it as a code-in-a-box.

— Gematsu (@gematsu) April 24, 2025

The Western market shows similar patterns, with Sega's Switch 2 titles like Sonic X Shadow Generations confirmed as Game-Key Cards based on Walmart listings. Currently, only four physical third-party exceptions have been identified: Cyberpunk 2077, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, and No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES Aiba Edition.

Switch 2 Game-Key Cards operate as physical activation codes rather than containing game data, requiring users to download the full title digitally. Nintendo has implemented clear labeling on packaging fronts to indicate these products, while reserving actual cartridge-based distribution for designated Switch 2 Edition games.

Examples include Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster carrying the game-key disclaimer, contrasting with first-party titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. Notably, the massive 64GB Cyberpunk 2077 release ships on physical cartridge.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Boxes

View 7 Images

Industry analyst Daniel Ahmad of Niko Partners warns this shift toward Game-Key Cards may strain Nintendo's eShop infrastructure during the Switch 2's global June launch due to mass download demands.

All the Switch 2 bundles come with a download code. Mario Kart World is 24GB. Most games come on a game key card and require a download. The Switch 2 launches globally on the same day. I am not a religious man, but I ask you all to pray for the Eshop servers on June 5.

— Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) April 24, 2025

Ahmad explains publisher motivations: "Game cards are significantly more expensive than discs (+ increases with each GB). Digital games / lower capacity cards offer higher margins for publishers. Digital is the majority of sales."

Christopher Dring of The Game Business described the physical releases as "basically Christmas/birthday present boxes for wrapping up," noting industry pressures like retail consolidation and sustainability concerns accelerating this digital transition.

Switch 2 pre-orders launched April 24, with quick sellouts prompting fans to flood eBay with fake listings to combat scalpers.