Nintendo is stirring the pot with its latest move regarding the Switch 2’s Game Key Cards, and players in Japan are weighing in. Since the console’s launch, these cards have faced criticism for offering little more than a digital activation key for games, instead of physical game data.
The crux of the issue? Unlike traditional physical copies, Game Key Cards simply allow resale and compatibility across different Switch 2 systems, but require the user to download game data to actually play. This setup has left many scratching their heads about the value of these cards versus traditional digital downloads.
Currently, the bulk of third-party games for the Switch 2 are being released exclusively on Game Key Cards, largely because developers are constrained to a single size option: 64GB.
Reportedly, Nintendo has initiated a survey among Japanese players to gauge their awareness of the Game Key Card system and its influence on purchasing habits. Questions in the survey cover whether players know about Game Key Cards, the features of these cards, and ultimately, their preferences between purchasing a Game Key Card or a digital download version of a game.
Are you aware that Nintendo Switch 2 packaged software includes a game card called a “Game Key Card”?
- I own Game Key Card software
- I don’t own Game Key Card software but I know about it.
- I don’t know about Game Key Card software.
What do you know about the characteristics of Game Key Cards? Please select all that apply.
- You can start playing without an internet connection if you’ve downloaded the main game data.
- You’ll need to download the game data via the internet when playing for the first time.
- Free space is necessary on your device’s internal memory or microSD Express card for the main content.
- You can play the game on another console by downloading the data and inserting the key card.
- The key card must be inserted to play the game.
- I was unaware of this information.
After reading the explanation, if you wanted to buy a piece of software with a choice between a Game Key Card or a download version, which would you prefer? Please choose the most applicable answer.
- I want to buy Game Key Cards whenever possible.
- I would prefer to buy a Game Key Card.
- I can’t choose either option.
- I would rather purchase the download version.
- I want to buy the download version as much as possible.
The reaction isn’t just confined to players. Game preservationists are sounding alarms over the Game Key Card system, calling it “disheartening.” Stephen Kick, CEO of Nightdive Studios, expressed disappointment, stating that one would expect a historic company like Nintendo to take preservation more seriously.
Alex Hutchinson, director of titles like Far Cry 4 and Assassin’s Creed 3, has not held back either, expressing his disdain for the system. “I hate it,” he remarked to VideoGamer. “It feels like we’re losing some of what made the business special, like trading Game Boy cartridges back in school.”