It appears that Nintendo could potentially group digital game copies purchased through Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 with traditional physical sales. However, Capcom has clarified that any games distributed via Game-Key Cards will be registered as digital sales in their record keeping system. This was disclosed during a recent financial report regarding whether Street Fighter 6 would be categorized as a digital or physical sale. (VGC made this discovery.)
It’s possible that the question was raised due to the fact that traditional game discs may involve more expenses than their digital counterparts. Digital games can be instantly sold via a platform’s store (like the eShop), while physical editions typically incur additional costs, such as manufacturing, shipping, and even losses due to damage or defects during transportation. Overall, physical versions often provide a smaller profit margin compared to digital ones, with publishers earning only 70% of the game’s sale price (which can vary depending on their agreements with the platform owner).
Game-Key Cards debuted in April as a means for exclusively digital games to have physical versions without incurring certain additional costs. Essentially, these cards carry digital keys to video games; when inserted into a Switch 2 console, it will automatically download the corresponding game. Similar to traditional game discs, Game-Key Cards can be shared among players. However, the game needs the inserted Game-Key Card to play on the system.
Critics, particularly those focused on video game preservation within the industry, have voiced significant concerns towards this system. Notably, Stephen Kick, CEO of Nightdive Studios, has expressed disappointment, referring to it as “disheartening”. His concern lies in the potential risk that games distributed via this new platform could disappear from existence should Nintendo eventually deactivate its servers.
Kick commented, “It’s a bit disappointing to witness Nintendo acting like this.” He added, “Given their immense size and the rich legacy they carry, one might expect them to place a greater emphasis on conservation.
Historically, Nintendo has deactivated servers for consoles they deemed obsolete. Consequently, systems such as Wii, Wii U, and Nintendo 3DS no longer have functioning servers, including multiplayer and even the eShop. This also implies that individuals who purchased digital versions of Nintendo 3DS games can no longer download them if they didn’t previously save a copy on their device.
James Newman, who is both the head of game development at Bath Spa University and a professor with the Videogame Heritage Society, has also voiced concerns about the system, likening it to a more polished version of Digital Rights Management (DRM). In essence, he argues that even when a cartridge initially holds game data on its release day, games are frequently updated and expanded through downloads. As a result, the cartridge often loses its link to the game, functioning instead like a physical copy protection device for a digital product.
As a diehard fan, I’m thrilled to share that the highly anticipated game from Capcom for the Nintendo Switch 2 is none other than “Street Fighter 6: Years 1-2 Fighters Edition”. Just as the title suggests, this edition encompasses all the DLC fighters released during Year 1 and Year 2 of its launch.
You can get your hands on “Street Fighter 6” for the Nintendo Switch 2 in two ways: digitally via the eShop, or physically with a Game-Key Card.
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2025-06-11 14:11