Nintendo has introduced a particularly strange new feature for its new console, the Nintendo Switch 2: fake physical cartridges called "game key cards."
The idea is simple: to ensure a smooth transition between physical and digital media, by offering a cartridge to insert into the console, which will serve as a launch and download key for the game. Important detail: once the game is installed, you will not need an internet connection to launch it again, which would have been very annoying for a portable console.
No key card lock game key cards
Except that since the announcement, Nintendo had not yet explained whether the said cartridge would have the same properties as a classic cartridge, particularly for sale and loan.
The online media Gamespot clears up the doubt and confirms that the game key cards will not be linked to a Nintendo Account. This means that these cards will work regardless of the console they are inserted into.
We don't yet know what criteria will push developers to choose traditional physical cards and these cards that do not contain the game. There is undoubtedly a story of licensing and manufacturing costs that is playing out behind the scenes. At first glance, no games produced by Nintendo directly seem to be affected. We don't know at this time if the games will be sold for less.
If you want to avoid buying a game key card, a note on the box lets you know if it's a next-gen card. As you can see in the image above, the label appears at the very bottom. Explanations are also displayed on the back.
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