Nintendo has recently disclosed that it sought input from third-party publishers regarding the implementation of Game-Key Cards for the Nintendo Switch 2. These cards have become one of the most debated features of the new console, sparking mixed reactions among gamers worldwide.

The Nintendo Switch 2 launched on June 5, 2025, achieving remarkable success with over 3.5 million units sold globally within its first four days. Despite its popularity, the console's introduction of Game-Key Cards has drawn criticism. Unlike traditional physical game cartridges, these cards do not contain the actual game data—instead, they serve as activation keys, requiring users to download the full game before playing.

During Nintendo's annual shareholders meeting on June 27, President Shuntaro Furukawa addressed concerns about Game-Key Cards. A shareholder criticized them as a "half-baked measure," questioning their prevalence among third-party titles and potential impact on sales. Furukawa explained that the decision stemmed from the large file sizes of Switch 2 games, making physical cartridges impractical for some titles. He emphasized that Game-Key Cards were designed as an optional retail solution, developed in collaboration with third-party publishers.

However, Furukawa did not clarify whether these cards have affected sales. Recent data indicates that first-party Nintendo games dominate Switch 2 sales, despite a majority of available titles being from third-party developers.

Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America, defended the use of Game-Key Cards, stating they were introduced to attract third-party publishers. The Switch 2's maximum cartridge capacity of 64GB posed limitations, and these cards help reduce production costs while offering developers greater flexibility. Nevertheless, many gamers remain dissatisfied with the concept.

On a positive note, Nintendo has confirmed that first-party games will not utilize Game-Key Cards, ensuring that physical purchases of its major titles include the complete game. While it's unclear whether this policy extends to Nintendo-published third-party games, it provides some reassurance to fans who prefer traditional physical media.