The Nintendo Switch 2 is already stirring up some buzz due to a surprising decision about how third-party games will be offered. Instead of including the complete game on a cartridge, many titles will use what are called “game-key cards.”
Here’s how it works: you insert the game-key card into your Switch, which then prompts you to download the full game onto your console. Keep in mind, that card needs to stay in your system if you want to play.
Nintendo explains this on their website by saying that these game-key cards aren’t like the regular game cards. Instead of housing the entire game, they act as your access pass for downloading it from the internet. Once the game’s downloaded, you just pop in the card and start playing like usual.
Thankfully, some publishers, including Nintendo, are opting to provide their full games on physical cards. We’re putting together a list of these titles to help you decide what to purchase.
We’ll work hard to keep this list as current as possible, but if you notice any mistakes or have updates, please feel free to reach out.
Here’s the list so far:
Nintendo Switch 2 will hit store shelves globally on June 5, 2025. It’ll be priced at £395.99 in the UK, €469.99 across Europe, and $449.99 in the US.
