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

Nintendo has announced a change for its upcoming Switch 2 console – the introduction of 'Game-Key Cards' for certain physical game releases. These cards will require you to download the game before you can start playing.

When users insert a Game-Key Card into the Switch 2, they will see instructions on the console's HOME screen to guide them through the download process.

After the game is downloaded and opened the first time, players will not need an internet connection to play, provided they have the Game-Key Card.

According to Nintendo's support page, these games will be clearly marked on their packaging as requiring a download.

The packaging will also indicate the amount of storage space needed on the Switch 2 or an additional microSD Express card.

Australian retailer JB Hi-Fi lists Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster and Street Fighter 6 as likely initial titles available as Game-Key Card releases.

This approach isn't entirely novel for Nintendo; as Eurogamer notes, prior cases like LA Noire for the Switch required a significant download before play. Other Switch titles have also been sold with download codes in the box instead of full games on a cartridge.

Collectors of physical Nintendo games might find this shift significant, especially if the approach becomes widespread across the Switch 2's lifecycle, diminishing the number of traditional physical game releases.

On platforms such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X, the trend of physical games lacking full on-disc content has grown. For instance, the PS5 version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in 2022 needed a hefty download, with only minimal data on the disc.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to be released on June 5.