Game-key card games, which require downloads, are becoming increasingly similar to digital copies. This shift has raised concerns among gamers who fear that companies will cease producing physical versions of games.
Recently, Capcom announced that it counts the sales of Switch 2 game-key cards as digital sales, igniting a debate among fans who still prefer physical copies. These game-key cartridges are a new type of physical media for the Switch 2 that do not include the full game; instead, they require additional downloads for gameplay.
The introduction of game-key cards by Nintendo in May sparked a strong reaction from a segment of gamers, reigniting the long-standing debate between physical and digital media. Simultaneously, Xbox faced criticism when it was revealed that Doom: The Dark Ages lacked the base game on disk, indicating a possible trend towards less reliance on full physical releases.
In light of the controversy, Nintendo of America CEO Doug Bowser assured fans that physical games remain a priority for the company’s immediate future. Capcom’s recent financial briefing further stirred the discussion, as it classified physical game-key cartridges as digital copies in its sales reports.
Many in the gaming community quickly recognized the rationale behind this decision, noting that the mandatory downloads effectively equated the Switch 2’s game-key cards to digital copies. However, critics voiced concern that this could distort sales records in favor of digital media, potentially justifying a shift toward a more digital-centric future.
Despite Capcom’s stance, there are still prominent developers advocating for physical game ownership. CD Projekt Red, for example, ensured that the entire Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition was included on a 64GB cartridge for the Switch 2.
Additionally, Nintendo’s first-party games, like Mario Kart World, are confirmed to be fully available on their respective cartridges. The ongoing trend towards digital-only gaming, exemplified by the rise of disc-less consoles and subscription services, raises questions about true ownership and the preservation of games.
As Nintendo prepares to launch its Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, with notable titles, it will be interesting to see how the company navigates the evolving landscape of gaming and the expectations of its fanbase concerning physical and digital formats.