Fans of the Nintendo Switch 2 may have expected a reason to rejoice when the much-anticipated successor to the original Switch was finally announced a little while ago. But that announcement has been kind of bittersweet, considering the Japanese behemoth’s approach to the pricing and storage of its physical games.
Although the ability to purchase physical copies of games for any console is most welcome, Nintendo has seemingly dropped the ball in its latest effort. However, that could very well be a clever ploy to push for a fully digital storefront in the coming years.
Doesn’t a Physical Key That Unlocks a Download Sound Ridiculous?
If your answer to that question is yes, you’re certainly not alone. Many Nintendo fans on X (formerly Twitter) have taken to the platform to criticize Nintendo’s pricing on “key cards” for physical copies of some games in the Switch 2’s library. There’s also the fact that the key card doesn’t carry a copy of the game already, requiring players to download the game before they can dive in.
$90 for physical games that are secretly digital games btw https://t.co/wKR2GstsAd pic.twitter.com/ToCuaBpG3g
— Jehtt (@TurboJehtt) April 2, 2025
Even a new Mario Kart game making its debut on the Nintendo Switch 2 was not enough to stave off the displeasure of fans who are clearly disappointed with its approach to physical games.
80 USD for mario kart Bowser better step out of the console and start a family with me if they're really gonna charge me that much
— cappuccino (@TheCappuccino04) April 2, 2025
While most Nintendo fans attempted to stay polite despite their displeasure, others were not so tactful and lambasted the new Game Key Card system that Nintendo is bringing to the Switch 2.
Of the four nintendo switch 2 games available for pre-order now, Bravely Default and Street Fighter 6 will not be on cartridge. The cartridge will just trigger a download via the newly branded "Game-Key Card" system. What a garbage concept. pic.twitter.com/saJVy2SYYa
— Lance McDonald (@manfightdragon) April 2, 2025
While their displeasure is obviously understandable, could these fans be missing an important part of Nintendo’s strategy? The Switch’s portability is geared toward gaming on the go, perhaps with a group of friends at a cafe or public space. It wouldn’t make sense for just one player to own a physical copy of a game while others remain unable to access it.
With that in mind, it’s likely that Nintendo may be placing a premium on its Game Key Cards to push more of its player base towards purchasing digital copies of games for their brand-new consoles over time. If that turns out to be true, it’s another nail in the coffin for physical copies of games across the board.
For more Thumb Wars Gaming coverage, check out how one Assassin’s Creed Shadows player got creative with their shinobi skills or how Craig Mazin may have revealed The Last of Us Part 3.
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With a passion for gaming that is equaled only by his love for writing, Varun has either a controller, keyboard, or a guitar in his hands when he is not out exploring the middle of nowhere on a motorcycle. Soulslikes, RPGs, and action-adventure titles keep him awake at night and get him out of bed in the morning. He will never stop lamenting the lack of a Bloodborne sequel even as he spends another couple of hours exploring the Lands Between in Elden Ring.
