Physical editions of Star Wars Outlaws for Nintendo Switch 2 are distributed as Game-Key Cards rather than traditional game cartridges, a decision that appears to stem from technical compatibility issues between the console's hardware and the game's engine. This approach has drawn criticism from Nintendo enthusiasts who have previously expressed dissatisfaction with the Game-Key Card system, and now the Star Wars Outlaws release is facing similar backlash.

Originally launched in August 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, Star Wars Outlaws received generally positive feedback from players on platforms like OpenCritic and Steam. However, the game reportedly fell short of Ubisoft's sales projections. The September 4th release on Nintendo Switch 2 presents an opportunity for the publisher to recover some of those disappointing sales numbers on the new platform.

Many potential players have been discouraged by Nintendo's controversial Game-Key Cards—small red Switch 2 cartridges that resemble traditional physical games but contain only a digital download code. While some fans initially criticized Ubisoft for implementing this system as a cost-cutting measure, a senior developer from Massive Entertainment has clarified that this assumption is incorrect.

Robert Bantin, an audio architect at Massive Entertainment who has worked with the company's Snowdrop game engine for nearly eight years, explained on Bluesky that standard Switch 2 cartridges cannot deliver the performance quality necessary for the game's disk streaming requirements in its open-world environments. "I don't recall the cost of the cards ever entering the discussion—probably because it was moot," he stated, indicating that technical limitations rather than financial considerations drove the decision.

The primary criticism surrounding Game-Key Cards centers on the perceived loss of game ownership. Nintendo has defended the system as a way to preserve the experience of purchasing physical games with display cases for collections, even when games are too large for traditional cartridges compatible with the hybrid console. The company appears aware of player concerns, having initiated a Game-Key Card survey in Japan during July to assess fan reactions to the system.

Rumors emerged in July suggesting that a sequel to Star Wars Outlaws had been canceled during early development stages. Despite the original game's commercial underperformance, fan interest in a sequel remains evident. A petition to save Star Wars Outlaws 2 has been circulating on Change.org, gathering nearly 2,000 signatures to date, demonstrating continued community support for the franchise.