Not Every Nintendo Switch 2 Cartridge Contains Installed Games.
The latest technology in gaming is here, and it's shaking up the industry even more than you might think. The Nintendo Switch 2 isn't just a console; it's a game-changer in the world of physical and digital gaming, particularly when it comes to a new feature called game-key cards.
What are Game-Key Cards, and Why the Fuss?
Game-key cards are a completely new concept in the world of gaming, marking the latest innovation in physical game distribution. They do not store the entire game on the card itself; instead, what you purchase is the key to download the full game onto your console.
Crafting Your Game Library with Game-Key Cards
When the Switch 2 hits the market and games start rolling out, pay attention to the game boxes. Some titles will come with a white strip along the bottom of the cover art, clearly branded as "GAME-KEY CARD."
Once you place the game cartridge into your Switch 2, you'll be guided through the steps to download the full game locally. To start the download, an internet connection is essential. Since the game data isn't stored on the card, you'll need a steady and fast network to set up your new game (long gone are the days of playing games fresh out of the box).
Furthermore, you'll want to ensure you have enough storage space for the download to take place. Nintendo advises that the required space is specified on the game box itself, but purchasing these games may mean investing in additional storage down the line to avoid running out of space quickly. Sadly, your old Switch 1 microSD cards can't be used here.
After downloading the game, keep that internet connection active to launch the game. However, you'll be able to play offline afterward as long as the cartridge is inserted, just like traditional physical games.
The Purpose Behind Game-Key Cards
With confusion surrounding the necessity of game-key cards, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser shed some light on the matter. During an interview with The Verge, Bowser mentioned that these cards are essentially a "digital game on a card." This allows developers to create large games that would not fit on a typical cartridge while still offering the possibility of retail purchases.
From a business standpoint, it seems that Nintendo can generate more revenue by selling twice as many physical copies of a game as compared to digital copies. However, from a consumer perspective, it's a mixed bag. The convenience of owning a physical copy is diminished because long-term playability relies on internet infrastructure.
It's crucial to remember that not all games will utilize the game-key card system. Many games will still feature traditional physical cartridges with the full game data on them. But as for the game-key card games, if you're mainly interested in owning a tangible copy of the game, you might be better off choosing the digital version to avoid hassles and potential limitations.
Sources:1. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-says-download-card-based-games-can-be-resold-trusted-rebuilt/1100-6507530/2. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendos-switch-2-reportedly-will-support-game-cartridges-and-download-cards/1100-6505753/3. https://www.techradar.com/news/switch-2-games-to-be-delivered-as-download-codes-but-you-can-still-play-them-offline4. https://www.geekwire.com/2021/marios-newest-adventure-returns-to-being-a-traditional-game-cartridge-how-nintendos-newer-games-are-coming-in-download-codes/
- The Nintendo Switch 2's new feature, game-key cards, is a digital approach to game distribution, providing a key to download the full game onto the console.
- Despite the convenience of physical game copies being somewhat diminished with game-key cards, not all games will utilize this system, with many still featuring traditional physical cartridges.
- Disappointingly, the old Switch 1 microSD cards cannot be used with the Switch 2's game-key cards, requiring potential investments in additional storage for some games.
