This week, Nintendo unveiled the “game-key cards” for the Switch 2, a new format differing from traditional game cards. These new cards do not include the complete game data; instead, they serve as keys for downloading games via the internet.
Upcoming Titles Using Game-Key Cards
Several third-party games set for release during the Switch 2’s launch window will utilize these game-key cards. Among them is Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition from FromSoftware.
Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition Details
A recent listing from Playasia indicates that Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition will be classified as a “Game Key Cart” release, which means consumers may not be getting the full game experience on the card itself.
This information was first brought to light by a social media post, highlighting that Elden Ring for the Switch 2 is indeed a game-key cart requiring additional downloads.
Comparison with Other Third-Party Titles
In contrast, some titles will still provide complete experiences on their physical cards. For example, CD Projekt Red confirmed that the physical version of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will be available on a 64 GB game card, which includes both the game and its expansion without necessitating any downloads.
More Information on Game-Key Cards
For those curious about how game-key cards operate, Nintendo offers resources on their customer support page detailing this new card type. Updates on other upcoming titles and their release formats will be shared as they become available.