Switch Game Key-Card

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Switch Game Key-Card

Basic Information
Release Year	2025
Product Type	Hardware to distribute software
In Production	Yes
Official Website	https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/

The Nintendo Switch Game Key-Card is a peripheral first released for the Nintendo Switch 2. The card itself differentiates itself from the traditional game cards for both generations of the Nintendo Switch platform by acting as a physical key to access a digital license for a game on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Consumer impact summary

• User Freedom: Game key-cards require access to the Nintendo E-Shop for the Nintendo Switch 2 to be used for the first time on a user's console. Functions like how many games released on the Xbox One/Series consoles.
• User Privacy: Unknown
• Business Model: Trim costs for game distribution

Impact

Right to ownership

Due to the favorably cheaper nature of a generic game card that holds a download code, progressively more 3rd-party games are adopting having its physical distribution be exclusive to these cards. Because of this, if a game is delisted and the card is obtained 2nd-hand, or is alternatively attempted to be reinstalled, these cards become effectively useless.

See also

• Nintendo Switch