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Nintendo has announced an innovative approach to game distribution with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch in June. In a recent customer support post following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, the company revealed that some of the new Switch 2 game cards will not contain the actual game data. Instead, these cards will serve as keys for downloading the game, requiring an internet connection to access the full game after inserting the card into the console.
These game-key cards will be clearly labeled on the front of their packaging, ensuring consumers are aware of what they are purchasing. This move has sparked discussions among fans who value the traditional plug-and-play experience of physical media, as it introduces a dependency on internet connectivity and potential download times.
While some upcoming titles like Street Fighter 6 and the Bravely Default remaster will utilize these game-key cards, others such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will not, indicating that this method will be reserved for larger games that might benefit from the key strategy. For instance, games like Hogwarts Legacy or Final Fantasy 7 Remake could be prime candidates. However, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will ship with a full 64 GB game card on the Switch 2's launch day.
Nintendo emphasized during the Switch 2 Direct that the new red game cards boast faster data reading speeds than those of the original Switch, suggesting a continued commitment to physical media. This is further supported by past examples like LA Noire and NBA 2K18 on the original Switch, which required additional downloads but still came with game data on the card.
As the launch date of June 5, 2025, approaches, more details about the use of game-key cards will likely emerge. For a comprehensive overview of everything announced during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, click here. To delve deeper into the new technology featured in the Switch 2, click here.
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