Certain physical games for the Nintendo Switch 2 will be available as download-only 'Game-Key Cards'

Nintendo has introduced 'Game-Key Cards' for specific titles on the Switch 2 console. These cards will require users to download the games before they can play them.

Once the Game-Key Card is inserted, the Switch 2's HOME screen will show the user how to download the game.

After the initial download and first-time game activation, players won't need an internet connection to play. Instead, the presence of the Game-Key Card suffices.

According to Nintendo's support page, these download-only titles will clearly display this requirement on their packaging.

Additionally, the packaging will mention the storage capacity needed on the Switch 2 or a microSD Express card for downloading and playing the game.

A couple of upcoming Switch 2 titles expected to use Game-Key Cards are Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster and Street Fighter 6, as indicated by listings from the Australian retailer JB Hi-Fi.

Nintendo has used this method before; for instance, LA Noire required a significant download on the original Switch. Many previous physical Switch games have similarly included only a download code in the case, as highlighted by Eurogamer.

This strategy might affect those who collect physical Nintendo games, contingent on how frequently Game-Key Cards are chosen over traditional physical releases during the Switch 2's lifecycle.

This approach is not unique to Nintendo; modern consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X often include games that mandate substantial downloads. For instance, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on PS5 needed a sizeable 150GB download at release despite the disc having just 72MB of data.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to release on June 5.