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Reports Point to Smaller Switch 2 Cartridges as Game‑Key Cards Likely to Stick

Unconfirmed 16GB and 32GB carts are said to face shortages and high costs, limiting any near‑term shift away from download‑only Game‑Key Cards.

Overview

  • Social posts from Does It Play, Physical Paradise, and Nintendeal cite 16GB and 32GB Switch 2 cartridges in the works.
  • Nintendeal says the smaller cards are already in production but chip shortages will slow a wider rollout.
  • Rising material prices are expected to keep cartridge costs high, with industry reports flagging DRAM up about 41% and NAND up roughly 8%.
  • The insider also claims the new smaller carts may be slower, and Ubisoft has said performance needs led it to use Game‑Key Cards for Star Wars Outlaws.
  • Publishers are still opting for Game‑Key Cards, with ININ confirming R‑Type Dimensions III will use the format to avoid at least €15 in extra retail cost.