Overview

• Nintendo’s survey asks Switch 2 owners in Japan whether they are aware of Game-Key Cards, understand their download requirements and would prefer physical cards or direct downloads.
• Game-Key Cards carry only digital activation keys and require players to download full game data onto console storage before playing.
• Most third-party Switch 2 titles are distributed as Game-Key Cards due to the availability of a single 64 GB card size.
• Preservationists and developers including Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick and director Alex Hutchinson have criticized the system for undermining trading traditions and archival efforts.
• Users on r/NSCollectors labeled the cards “bullshit” and urged Nintendo to heed consumer complaints through the survey.