It’s good that the Nintendo Switch 2 comes with base 256 GB of internal storage. This is eight times more than the only 32 GB of the original switch. Instead, the so-called gaming key cards contain the “keys” that you use to download the game, according to the support page on Nintendo’s website.
“After it’s downloaded, you can play the game by inserting the game key card into the system and launching it like a standard physical game card,” reads the page. Here’s what it looks like in a retail package:
Some additional fine prints on how this works:
An internet connection is only required when starting the game for the first time. After this, you can start the game without having to connect to the internet. However, just like regular physical software, you will need to insert a game key card into the system to play the game.
In some respects, this is a new spin on the old trick. Some Nintendo Switch games are sold at retail stores, but the package included code used to download the game to your account. To be fair, this was not common on the Switch when it comes to competing consoles, but for those who still promise to buy physical games, it’s riles. In fact, this is the same tactic that Microsoft famously announced alongside the Xbox One. Of course, that was over a decade ago, and consumer sentiment has changed. We all have Game Pass and PS Plus games plus, and we may feel “ownership” for the digital products we buy on Steam. perhaps.
But I’m one of those physical media people! First of all, I’m scientifically “old.” I was born in the 1970s. My first job is in the video store (please ask your parents) and there is still a large collection of video games (and video game consoles?). I understand that in many ways it’s not the target demographic. However, the prospect of buying a digital Nintendo game was stupid, right up to the Switch! If you lose your Nintendo DS or 3DS (non-hearing scenarios for portable gaming consoles) on the bus, your digital purchases are no longer available. Here we are screaming about Nintendo’s jarring online service just before the Wii U is released.
Good news: You don’t need to write the same work again! Nintendo understands this a bit. I buy Switch games in cartridge format, not because I’m afraid to lose my Switch, but by doing so, I can easily share the game with friends and family, including people from my own home. But I’m also really worried about what will happen when companies, especially Nintendo, take their game servers offline. Can I download the ones I purchased? How can I play an older game than I care about? Microsoft has worked to address the inadequate vibe of digital ownership, but it often points out that Steam libraries can continue, as many of the developers and publishers behind Steam libraries games are no longer like that.
So let’s call this a sign of the times. I don’t know how often Nintendo and its publishing partners use this “game key card” solution, but in some cases it’s the right answer. Switch game card capped at 32 GB, Cyberpunk 2077 According to a press release, it is on a massive 64GB game card. This is a lot of expensive one-off storage and you can imagine the storage requirements rising from there as Switch 2 competes with PlayStation and Xboxes around the world in search of more third-party titles. Even if that makes sense, I don’t have to like it.
(Updated: Details added Cyberpunk 2077 Information about the size of the game card and internet requirements for using the game key card. )
