What Is A Nintendo Switch 2 Game Key Card

There’s a lot of hoopla around the new Switch 2 Game Key Card and its purpose.

Nintendo’s latest Direct dropped a bunch of details for the upcoming console.

But what are the new cards, and are they all just download-only options from now on?

Switch 2 Game Key Card

Firstly, understand that not every Switch 2 game key card is download only.

For the upcoming games, some will include local game cards that let you install the game files directly without requiring an internet connection. However, the necessity of an online connection for installation may vary depending on the title of the Switch 2 Game Key Card.

To determine whether a game key card is online-only or not, simply check the lower right corner of the game box for the card’s details. If you spot a blue logo on the Switch 2 Game Key Card, that signifies it’s an online-only version.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can confirm that my Switch 2 Game Key Card operates similarly to a digital key for Steam or any modern PC game. Despite its tangible nature, it essentially serves as an access code to download the game online. So, remember to keep your internet connection handy!

However, Nintendo’s shift towards a digital-only approach warrants cautious consideration. After all, I have no desire to spend my time constantly downloading games, unlike some other console users.

Additionally, it appears that this download-only version is primarily intended for third-party game titles. This includes large, extensive games such as Elden Ring and Street Fighter 6. Despite having only 1080p files, these games exceed the storage capacity limit of microSD cartridges.

To put it simply, if you’re curious about whether a particular game requires an online installation, take a look to see if it’s produced by Nintendo. It’s important to note that an internet connection is necessary only during the initial setup. Once installed, you can play the game without being connected to the internet.

Granted, if you have the card inserted, that is.

$90 Virtual Games

To put it simply, it’s not unexpected that Nintendo might take such an action. Yet, it’s crucial to emphasize that there are instances where postponing the purchase of a physical copy is undesirable for many people, as no one enjoys waiting all day for their purchase.

Moreover, I’m equally astounded by the pricing announcements, not just for the console but mainly for the games. The digital versions of these games, which should technically be free since they don’t require physical production, are being sold at $80 each. Strangely enough, it seems to cost less for the developers to produce these digital games, yet you, as a consumer, are expected to pay such a high price for a virtual entertainment item.

It appears I’m composing text on a site named after a game, but I find the price point quite high, even for a video game. An age-old sentiment from the Monkey Island series rings true: one should not spend more than $20 on a single game.

Moreover, it’s important to note that we’re discussing Nintendo here. Given their business strategy, they typically don’t adjust prices for their products. As an example, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild game, launched in 2017, is priced at $80 on their digital store – even though it’s been eight years since its release!

That is almost a hundred bucks for a 7-year-old title!

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but notice that the value of games diminishes remarkably with the passage of time. It’s undoubtedly enjoyable, yet it feels incongruous to ask for a contemporary price tag for a game that’s three decades old, like an NES classic.

Despite the impressive features that Nintendo unveiled, their high prices are causing many prospective gamers to hesitate. Frankly, it seems odd to spend $80 on Yakuza 0 for the Switch when you can get it for just $3 on a PC.

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2025-04-03 17:03