Nintendo Switch 2 small print causes confusion over upgrades and game-key cards
Nintendo's messaging around the Switch 2 has been a mess ever since its big reveal earlier this month, and while the company finally offered some clarification around game prices in the UK this week, a whole new can of worms has now opened concerning game-key cards.
If you're unfamiliar, game-key cards are presented as an alternative way to buy and share physical games. Unlike normal physical Switch titles, which come with the game data on the cartridge, these cards are used as a key to download the game from the Nintendo eShop. Once it is downloaded, you then play the game by inserting the card into your system.
These game-key cards aren't tied to your Nintendo Account, so they can be shared or resold like normal physical games, but the lack of game data on the cartridge, coupled with the reliance on an online store, has raised some eyebrows among physical collectors.
The bad news is, a big chunk of the Switch 2 launch line-up has adopted this method. As highlighted by Gematsu, almost all physical third party Switch 2 games in Japan, except Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, use game-key cards. Only Nintendo's first party games, like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, use standard game cards.
It appears to be a similar situation in the West, albeit with some differences. Pre-orders on UK retailer Smyths show Hitman World Of Assassination – Signature Edition, Street Fighter 6: Year 1-2 Fighters Edition, and Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster all use game-key cards.
Meanwhile, Amazon listings in the US show the likes of Yakuza 0 Director's Cut, Sonic X Shadows Generations, and Kunitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess all carry the game-key card logo on the box – so it's likely this will apply in the UK too.
Switch 2 game pre-orders have been up in Japan for a few hours, revealing all physical third-party games (so far—except Cyberpunk 2077) that are not "Nintendo Switch 2 Editions" to be shipping on game-key cards (requires internet to download the full game). — Gematsu (@gematsu.com) 2025-04-23T18:57:30.823Z
Notably, indie publisher Marvelous has released a statement (via Nintendo Life) to clarify the physical editions of Rune Factory: Guardians Of Azuma, Story Of Seasons: Grand Bazaar, and Daemon X Machina Titanic Scion in the West will have the full game on the cartridge – unlike Japan where it is a game-key card.
These key cards are presumably a cheaper way for developers to distribute physical games, and while it does offer advantages over buying digitally, old school physical collectors will be perturbed by the amount of Switch 2 games already adopting this approach.
It appears these game-key cards haven't eliminated a greater evil: the dreaded 'code-in-a-box'. According to a listing on US retailer Best Buy, physical copies of EA's Split Fiction on Switch 2 will not include any game card at all, which means you won't be able to resell it.
Overall, while many might not be bothered by these differences, as digital downloads are around 90% of all sales nowadays, the lack of consistency across physical versions isn't exactly reassuring for those who prefer boxed copies, especially as they're the most consumer-friendly option.
The ever expanding grey areas concerning the Switch 2 have carried over to the upgraded versions of Nintendo's first party games too. While these include the full game on the cartridge, users on ResetEra have spotted some small print to suggest the improvements aren't quite as comprehensive as previously thought.
According to Nintendo's website, the Switch 2 version of Super Mario Party Jamboree, which comes with the added Jamboree TV mode, supports up to 1440p resolution when docked to the TV. However, a disclaimer at the bottom states this upgraded resolution is for 'Jamboree TV only'.
This implies the improved 1440p resolution only applies to the new game mode, and isn't an upgrade across Super Mario Party Jamboree at large. An Amazon UK listing appears to support this, with the 1440p docked resolution and 1080p resolution in handheld and tabletop modes being listed as 'Jamboree TV only'. More Trending
This is probably because Jamboree TV has been built as a separate entity, but it feels very low effort when Nintendo is asking for £16.99 to upgrade to the Switch 2 version. This edition does boast a 'visually enhanced and improved frame rate' across the board, so there are some blanket upgrades, but it is still an odd caveat to throw into the mix – especially as it's only being brought up now.
This wrinkle has sparked concern for other Switch 2 Edition games, with Kirby And The Forgotten Land, which comes with a Star-Crossed World expansion, also boasting 'improved graphics and frame rate' – although without any small print as of yet. This version, which is set to launch on August 28, also costs £16.99 to upgrade or £66.99 physically.
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games which do not feature any new content, such as The Legend Of Zelda remasters, have cheaper upgrades of £7.99 each.
When coupled with the furore around the price for Mario Kart World, and confusion around prices for games at large, it's clear Nintendo has a task on its hands communicating all this information to the average consumer – even if it clearly hasn't slowed down pre-orders.
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