Nintendo has initiated a survey campaign targeting Japanese players regarding their experience with Game-Key Cards on the Switch 2 platform. This move comes as the company seeks to better understand consumer sentiment about these digital-activation-only physical releases that have sparked debate since the console's launch.

The Switch 2, while achieving remarkable commercial success, has faced criticism over its Game-Key Card implementation. These physical cards contain merely a digital activation code rather than actual game data, a decision driven by storage limitations as many modern titles exceed the console's 64GB cartridge capacity.

According to reports from SwitchSoku and VGC, the survey asks Japanese consumers several key questions:

• Awareness of Game-Key Card technology
• Its influence on purchasing decisions
• Preference between physical cards versus digital downloads

Industry figures have voiced strong opinions about this system. Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick previously described Nintendo's approach as "disheartening," particularly regarding game preservation concerns. Meanwhile, veteran developer Alex Hutchinson (Far Cry 4, Assassin's Creed 3) predicted Nintendo would face minimal backlash due to strong brand loyalty.

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Despite the controversy, Switch 2 demand remains exceptionally high, with retailers struggling to maintain stock. The upcoming release of Donkey Kong Bananza on July 17 continues the momentum, while rumors suggest future updates may introduce home screen customization options.