So here we are, about a week into the release of the Nintendo Switch 2. Overall, I’m very impressed with the system. Does it have its caveats? Sure, all new hardware does. But there’s appeal here. Not to mention that Mario Kart World has me revved up something fierce.
But there’s one big problem. The whole “game-key card” situation.
For those that missed it, this is essentially a game sold as a retail release. Only…there’s nothing on the cartridge itself. It’s an unlock to download the game digitally.
Now, Xbox has recently adopted this practice for its games, namely with retail releases like Avowed and Doom: The Dark Ages. But…it just boggles my mind. Why wouldn’t you want the full game on the cartridge?
Let’s discuss the pros and cons here, and why, ultimately, publishers should adapt to the format. There’s something winning here, so hear me out.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Cards Are All About Cost
So why wouldn’t someone publish a full game on a cartridge? Mostly, it’s about cost.
Publishing a game on a 64GB cartridge isn’t an easy purchase for some. It’s a very expensive format compared to, say, the typical one for the Nintendo Switch. Even Limited Run Games admitted as such.
In essence, that makes the game-key card formula an easier bet. The games will still likely sell to those on the market. But there’s a problem.
What if, say, average Joe goes in to buy the game, then takes it home and doesn’t have the greatest Internet connection? Sure, some of us have lightning speeds to play Call of Duty. But that doesn’t mean everyone does. So they’re short-changed, and have to wait an eternity for Sonic x Shadow Generations to be completely done to play.
Average gamers get it, but they too are short-changed. What if they go to trade in the game or sell the game? What’s the guarantee that the download still works?
Now, the boxes do make it clear that it’s a game-key cart and not a full game on cartridge. But it adds a layer of confusion. Shouldn’t you just make the jump and include the full game? I mean, it worked so well for Nintendo Switch. Just ask any collectors.
With that, let’s discuss why a full game on cartridge just works better.
No Muss, No Fuss With the Nintendo Switch 2 Game Cartridge
First off, with the full game on cartridge, you don’t have to worry about a boisterous, oversized install. For example, let’s turn to Cyberpunk 2077, which features the entire game on the cartridge, right? It has a 2GB install. That’s impressive considering the general size is around, what, nearly 60GB?
Compare that to the space taken by Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2, which clocks in at a pretty sizable rate. And, for that matter, you not only have to deal with the game-key cart format, but also the fact the extra fighters are downloadable via a DLC code. What happens to someone who gets the game used and doesn’t have the DLC? Trouble, that’s what.
The whole “game on cartridge” formula just makes sense. There’s no mess about “why can’t I download this part” or anything like that. It’s already on cartridge. Maybe updates here and there, but that’s what worked so well with the original Switch. And considering the system only has 256GB storage capacity (with expansion possibilities, of course), space really makes that much of a difference.
Let’s get to one other aspect that explains why full-game-on-cartridge works so fundamentally well.
Physical Is More Important Than Ever
A lot of companies are making the shift to digital. Look at Xbox’s strategy. Its whole “selling a game on shelves that’s code in a box” is disorienting and frustrating for some. And though the potential of the same game on PS5 looks good, it could likely follow the same path.
But then look at the success of companies like Limited Run Games and Premium Games. They’re actually going out and getting the games that people want and putting them in physical format. Again, this saves the whole space thing, and also lets them build a collection they can be proud of. There are avid collectors out there that love nothing more than showing off their wares – even if it is a bit more expensive. Hey, we take our joys where we can, right?
So is the risk worth it? Just look at the sales numbers.
Cyberpunk 2077 has strong word of mouth with its Switch 2 release. And what’s more, many people are showing how they picked it up. Now keep in mind that this is a years-old release that had huge problems at launch. But CD Projekt Red since cleaned it up and did a remarkable job with its Switch release. It’s really something. People want it and it shows.
For that matter, Marvelous is undeterred with its plan to release full games on carts. That includes forthcoming titles like Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar and Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion. (Say that five times fast.) They’re going to be a hit with collectors, so, yeah, they’re giving their cash for the releases.
The investment into 64GB cartridges may be high. But the payoff is no doubt immaculate, depending on the quality of the game. It just makes more sense.
Plus, Nintendo made it very clear that it won’t shy away from releasing the full game on cartridges. Mario Kart World went this way. Donkey Kong Bananza will too when it arrives next month. And we’re seeing The Legend of Zelda games get that treatment, even though a digital upgrade option is available. People want these games, period.
I think it’s a winning formula myself. Obviously it’s up to the publishers, but there’s still something rewarding in buying physical games. Call it collector’s instinct – or maybe the simple desire to jump in and play. Ain’t no one got time for hefty downloads.
Want more in-depth coverage of the Nintendo Switch 2? Check out our hands-on!
