Pre-orders are live for Nintendo Switch 2 games in Japan, and there’s a rather concerning note attached to all third-party releases up for order so far. The games are listed as Game-Key Cards, which Nintendo have revealed is the new terminology for games that require a download before play. In other words, you cannot insert the cartridge and go, rather, it serves as a ‘key’ that unlocks the game for download via an internet connection.
Gematsu reported in a tweet that, so far, all physical third-party games listed for pre-order in Japan are classified as one of these Game-Key Cards. Cyberpunk 2077 is the only exception.
VGC has verified that the Japanese online store Yodobashi has the following games listed as Game-Key Card releases according to the logo on the box-art:
- Bravely Default: Flying Fairy
- Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
- Raidou Remastered
- Shine Post: Be Your Idol!
- Sonic X Shadow Generations
- Street Fighter 6
- Suikoden I & II HD Remaster
- Survival Kids
- Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut
After initial confusion around how many releases would be Game-Key Cards, Nintendo later clarified, “physical versions of Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games will include the original Nintendo Switch game and its upgrade pack all on the same game card.”
“Alternatively, some publishers may release Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games as download codes in physical packaging, with no game card,” said the Nintendo representative.
It remains to be seen how many games in the West will be installed on the cartridge. So far, Street Fighter 6 and Bravely Default Flying Fairy have been confirmed to be Game-Key Cards in other territories. The news today might be an indication the third-party releases may well extend beyond those two.
Thus far, upgraded versions of OG Nintendo Switch titles with upgrades have been confirmed as all being on the cartridge, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Metroid Prime 4, Kirby and the Forgotten Lands and Mario Party Jamboree + TV.
