Nintendo Are About To Confuse Everyone With Their New Switch 2 Cartridges

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Purchasing physical cartridges for a Nintendo Switch 2 could pose challenges for customers as many third-party publishers are opting to distribute their games via digital game keys instead of traditional cartridges. These game keys must be downloaded through an internet connection, which might confuse consumers who see cross-generation games available on the previous version of the Switch that do not require internet access. This inconsistency may leave customers questioning why such changes have been implemented.

To make things clearer for fans, the distinction between physical game cards that can be played without any internet connection and digital game keys that need a Wi-Fi connection to download and play the software will now be clearly marked on the boxes themselves. This should minimize potential confusion about which games require an internet connection to function.

Customers could find themselves puzzled when they notice that the “Switch 2 cartridge” for a game requires internet, while the same game on the original Switch does not have this requirement. For instance, when Atlus’ Raidou Remastered was announced as a key card game on the Switch 2 but a full game card on the original Switch, some fans expressed confusion. Despite knowing that the Switch 1 version may not perform or appear as well, many fans prefer to purchase it due to this internet requirement difference.

The cost associated with the latest cartridges is what’s leading to this problem. It turns out that it’s significantly more costly for developers to transfer these games onto complete game discs compared to putting digital licenses on game key cards, which players can then download over Wi-Fi. This approach proves less expensive for the publisher and minimizes their workload.

It’s almost astounding that games like Cyberpunk 2077 will be fully developed for a Switch 2 cartridge, and even more so if it debuts as a launch title. Regrettably, this is likely the reason why smaller titles such as Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster are distributed on game-key cards, despite not requiring much storage space. Given the high cost of these cartridges, it’s possible that more third-party games will choose key cards, even if they aren’t ideal for long-term preservation.

It seems that using physical cards for full games or game keys could confuse customers. It’s almost as if we long for the simplicity of selling codes in boxes like on the original Switch. However, considering the environmental impact, it’s a shame since people can purchase these games digitally from the eShop instead. Yet, offering just a code through physical means could be less confusing and more straightforward for most consumers, which is often what they prefer.

Devoted Nintendo enthusiasts might opt for purchasing Switch 2 game cartridges, despite the necessity of using wi-fi to download games marketed as physical ones. They find this method preferable over receiving game codes in a box, because they can still share the game with a friend’s console, albeit requiring an internet connection for play.

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2025-04-24 15:13