Nintendo Switch 2 Physical Games Cost More, But Some Still Require a Digital Download

A surprising situation has emerged from Nintendo‘s official support pages about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. It turns out that some physical games sold on cartridges still require a digital download, even though physical versions now cost more.

This is not something that applies to all games—it’s a specific case, though it’s not completely new. Even on the current Nintendo Switch, there have been many physical games that needed a download to play. What’s different now is that Nintendo has introduced a new label for these kinds of games: they are called “Game-key cards.”

What Are Game-Key Cards?

Game-key cards are sold in boxes and look like regular cartridge-based games. However, the game isn’t fully present on the cartridge. Instead, you must download the game the first time you play it. On the packaging, these are clearly labeled as “Game-key card,” and they need an internet connection and enough storage space—either on the console or on a MicroSD Express card.

According to Nintendo’s support page, “The game-key card is a key to download the full game via the internet.” After downloading, the game works like a regular physical title, but you must keep the cartridge in the system to play.

Higher Prices and Confusion

This system is not completely new, but it’s the first time Nintendo has clearly defined it with a special name for the Nintendo Switch 2. What has fans talking is the increased price of physical games. Some titles are priced up to $80, like the upcoming Mario Kart World.

If these Game-key cards are excluded from the higher price, it might not be a problem. But if they are sold at the same high price as full cartridge games, despite still needing a download, many players will find that confusing and frustrating. In essence, you’d be paying more for a product that doesn’t actually include the full game on the cartridge.