A matter of cost, technical reasons or a certain laziness of the editors? Since the launch of the Switch 2, Nintendo has also deployed a new format for the physical editions of video games called “Cards Key” (or “Game Key” in English).
Behind this name, a little barbarian hides the boxes everything that is more classic, except that inside, the cartridge does not contain data. When inserted in the console, it will activate the download of the game of which she is the ambassador. Therefore, it is necessary to connect to the Internet in the first start, but once downloaded, it is no longer necessary, and it can also be sold.
More and more games come out in “key card” format
For supporters of the concept, it is about continuing to offer games in physical format (which are still privileged by fans, especially in Nintendo), while preventing costs from increasing. Because the cartridges can be expensive to produce, especially now that Switch 2 allows you to reach a weight of 64 GB.
Some studies choose to offer their complete game, without download: this is the case with CD Projakt Red with Cyberpunk 2077. But others prefer the “key cards” format.
However, the trend becomes worrying when one realizes that more and more editors and studies use this format, although the games in question are often far from the limits of a Switch 2 cartridge.
With the last Nintendo Direct dedicated to their partners, players have seen that all games presented during this event and will be launched in physical format, in fact only “key cards.” MONSTER HUNTER STORIES 3: twisted reflection, Octopath Traveler 0 either Star Wars Outlaws AND Borderlands 4 They are among these.
Therefore, this “socio showcase” shows the hard truth: we will have to get used to this format, which in any case is imposed on all.
The question of long -term games survival
For the detractors of these special cartridges, that weighs a serious threat in the future of the games in question. It is true that, if it remains installed, a game is a priori for life, but for those who recover them in a few years, when the waiters of the Switch 2 eShop will close, these cartridges will become empty shells. In addition, there is a disparity between the regions: in Japan, some games come out with a complete cartridge, when in Europe and the United States, it is an empty cartridge.
In addition, contrary to what Nintendo does by reducing prices between physical edition (but complete) and digital publication, prices remain most of the time in the third -party editors games catalog.
In addition, the general public is struggling to understand the concept of “key cards”, as a regional official of a large specialized chain that trusts, questioned by Tech & Co: “In stores, sellers explain what it is, but the public composed of Moms, Dads, grandmothers or grandparents do not understand what this implies. Fans also avoid buying, because it is not a real physical edition for them.” “
Since the launch of the Switch 2, the collection players have been looking to impose their voice and change things. There are many “key cards” boycott, but the impact is still difficult to quantify at this stage. During a question/answers session with their investors, Nintendo, however, explained that he was aware that the format had his detractors and that he was working with the editors “to help them sell their games better.”
However, players intend to be heard and have shared for several days on social networks an investigation launched by the American Nintendo branch: “This is the best opportunity to tell them what you really think about the key game cards,” he launches one of them in X.
Source: BFM TV
