A recent leak has shed light on one of the more divisive features of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2: the formats in which physical games will be distributed.
According to insiders, developers will have only three format options for releasing games on the new system: digital-only, 64GB physical cartridges, or Game Key Cards.
The Game Key Cards, which have drawn the most criticism from fans, are physical cartridges that include only a download code rather than the full game data.
This means players must connect to the internet and download a portion (or even the majority) of the game content, sparking concern among collectors and preservationists.
The reason behind the push toward these Key Cards may come down to cost. The 64GB cartridges, while a welcome upgrade from the original Switch’s 32GB limit, are said to be significantly more expensive to produce.
As a result, many third-party developers are reportedly opting for Key Cards to keep retail costs manageable while still maintaining a physical presence.
The source of the leak is believed to be Arc System Works, which is rumored to be working on a Switch 2 exclusive title. While Nintendo has not officially confirmed these details, the information aligns with earlier speculation about the company’s strategy for balancing cost, convenience, and physical media limitations.
This format restriction is likely to influence both the availability and completeness of physical Switch 2 releases—something fans will want to watch closely as launch approaches.
