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[Unknown Soldier]

I'll try to keep this really brief, because an explanation like this shouldn't need to be long

Switch 1 and 2 use cartridges for games, unlike PS/Xbox consoles which use discs

A Blu-ray Disc can hold up to 50 GB with dual-layers, and up to 100 GB with triple-layers

Flash memory is much less dense and much more expensive than stamping a disc. The largest Switch 1 cartridge can hypothetically be 16 GB, but that is so costly that most Switch 1 cartridge are at most 8 GB for the vast majority of games. There is no such thing as a 50 GB or 100 GB game cartridge

Cyberpunk 2077 is 70 GB
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is 110 GB
Elden Ring is 60 GB

There is no Switch 1/2 cartridge on Earth that can have this capacity

This is why Nintendo invented "Game Key" cards, they can be used to "unlock" a download of the game and are treated like a physical version of the game. We can assume the "Game Key" card is not tied to a Nintendo Account, so they can be traded and re-sold freely like any physical game disc on PS consoles

"Game Key" cards will become standard for Switch 2 going forward for basically all 3rd party titles because they are much bigger than any cartridge capacity can be. Nintendo is still trying to fit games onto the cartridge but since flash memory is expensive, their 1st party titles cost USD$80 and now you know why

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk

 

[XXL]

We can assume the "Game Key" is not tied to a Nintendo Account, so they can be traded and re-sold freely like any physical game disc on PS consoles

Is there actually any confirmation of this?

I keep seeing people saying this, but I haven't seen any confirmation.

 

[Robb]

We can assume the "Game Key" card is not tied to a Nintendo Account, so they can be traded and re-sold freely like any physical game disc on PS consoles

I was thinking about what the point of these are compared to just getting a download code in the box.

I didn't really consider that you'll potentially be able to re-sell these. But I guess you should be able to if the license is tied to the cart itself.

 

[Arsic]

If it's resell and reuse that's fine.

If it isn't then save everyone the hassle and just say your games are digital only, and you're paying the extra $10 for a plastic case and cover art lol.

 

[GrandlyBodacious]

Reselling/trading/lending and still being able to play offline after download are what's most important to me. The reasons behind the need for this do make sense. Basically, this is the only way to still offer a "physical copy" to people who prefer that for many titles, right? So I guess it's a good thing Nintendo has this option instead of forcing digital only for larger titles.

 

[alphachino]

cp2077 is fully on 64GB cart

 

[POKEYCLYDE]

A problem Nintendo created themselves so they could sell you their solution.

 

[blacktout]

I think your larger point here is mostly correct, but there are a few inaccuracies in your post:

The largest Switch 1 cartridge can hypothetically be 16 GB, but that is so costly that most Switch 1 cartridge are at most 8 GB for the vast majority of games.

The largest Switch 1 cartridge is, hypothetically, 64 GB, but I believe the largest Switch 1 cart that a publisher has actually used is 32 GB, which was used for The Witcher 3 in all regions and Dragon Quest Builders 1 & 2 in Japan. Many games have used the 16 GB carts, but you're right that third party publishers try to use the cheaper 8 GB ones whenever they can get away with it.

Cyberpunk 2077 is 70 GB
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is 110 GB
Elden Ring is 60 GB

There is no Switch 1/2 cartridge on Earth that can have this capacity

Cyberpunk is shipping on a 64 GB Switch 2 cart that will contain the full game, not on a game key card.

 

[jcorb]

It makes logical sense for sure. I would just say, if you don't have a playable game in your physical boxes copy, then you shouldn't *have* a physical copy of your game.

If physical sales are that
important, then come up with a solution that works. These "game key cards" just seem to misinterpret what they actually are.

 

[semiconscious]

If it's resell and reuse that's fine.

If it isn't then save everyone the hassle and just say your games are digital only, and you're paying the extra $10 for a plastic case and cover art lol.

agree. this absolutely needs clarification...

 

[Magic Carpet]

Please insert Switch card 2.
Or how about Side B.

 

[Loomy]

This is Nintendo's fault for being absolute shit communicators.

They introduced a 'solution' without explaining what problem it's trying to solve. From an end user perspective, how is this any different from buying a Switch 1 game that requires a download? Why did this require a whole other 'product'?

Cyberpunk is shipping on a 64 GB Switch 2 cart that will contain the full game, not on a game key card.

Yup. This is not a file size issue. It's a DRM issue. Which, fine, it's their right to protect their product however they want to.

 

[NeonDelta]

agree. this absolutely needs clarification...

They said it needs to be in your switch 2 for the game to work so of course it's not tied to your account

 

[MrA]

I'll try to keep this really brief, because an explanation like this shouldn't need to be long

Switch 1 and 2 use cartridges for games, unlike PS/Xbox consoles which use discs

A Blu-ray Disc can hold up to 50 GB with dual-layers, and up to 100 GB with triple-layers

Flash memory is much less dense and much more expensive than stamping a disc. The largest Switch 1 cartridge can hypothetically be 16 GB, but that is so costly that most Switch 1 cartridge are at most 8 GB for the vast majority of games. There is no such thing as a 50 GB or 100 GB game cartridge

Cyberpunk 2077 is 70 GB
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is 110 GB
Elden Ring is 60 GB

There is no Switch 1/2 cartridge on Earth that can have this capacity

This is why Nintendo invented "Game Key" cards, they can be used to "unlock" a download of the game and are treated like a physical version of the game. We can assume the "Game Key" card is not tied to a Nintendo Account, so they can be traded and re-sold freely like any physical game disc on PS consoles

"Game Key" cards will become standard for Switch 2 going forward for basically all 3rd party titles because they are much bigger than any cartridge capacity can be. Nintendo is still trying to fit games onto the cartridge but since flash memory is expensive, their 1st party titles cost USD$80 and now you know why

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk

Cyberpunk is coming with the full game on cartridge

 

[panda-zebra]

I know Nintendo aren't going to fuck up yet again, but these things seem like they might be one of the easiest vectors of attack, not so much for dodgy pirate outfits but potentially bootleggers who don't have to go to to the lengths of reproducing whole carts but, for the same reason Nintendo is making these things, just a physical key card.

It'll be interesting to see how they go about locking them down and any restrictions there might be in their general use.

 

[Cyberpunkd]

Reselling/trading/lending and still being able to play offline after download are what's most important to me. The reasons behind the need for this do make sense. Basically, this is the only way to still offer a "physical copy" to people who prefer that for many titles, right? So I guess it's a good thing Nintendo has this option instead of forcing digital only for larger titles.

Except that time when the servers that host the game will be taken offline. What are you going to do then?

 

[tr1p1ex]

this is not why they made key cards.

they made them to replace the games that were just codes in a box.

And there's a chance they can be traded...but might not be the case.


I figure there's a few reasons they wanted to replace codes in the box. Pain to enter codes. A key cart would be easier. Consumer buying a box is buying a box presumably because they want something physical. And then maybe there is an enhanced piracy/fraud prevention aspect to the carts compared to codes.

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

Nintedo invented the game key, and the keyhole is your butthole.

 

[Durin]

Nintendo made Game Key cards to get more third-party AAA games devs who don't want to pay for the bigger storage, and because it will be a transition to digital because it erodes away more value to physical.

Many of these download sizes are for consoles and PCs running higher resolution assets the Switch 2 won't.

I just hope more studios opt to at least support physical through limited runs after all patches are made for collector's who want that.

 

[DenchDeckard]

There is no way Nintendo stops kids from being able to pass their cartridge to their friends or siblings.

Same for adults haha

 

[Unknown Soldier]

Cyberpunk is shipping on a 64 GB Switch 2 cart that will contain the full game, not on a game key card.

Cyberpunk is coming with the full game on cartridge

This is something I didn't know, thank you for the info

I do wonder how much a 64 GB cart must cost, I guess CDPR are happy to eat that cost because it can't be cheap

Most 3rd parties probably won't eat that cost, especially once something like Call of Duty and it's 200+ GB file size hits Switch 2. Or FFVII Rebirth and it's 140 GB file size

Games are super bloated these days lol

 

[TheUnicornGuy]

Why are they so expensive? You can buy 128gb SD cards for <£10. I know carts are generally faster, but in this case there's a decent chance that these games will be running from an SD card anyway so why not make them cheaper with slower storage?

 

[Sakura]

Not sure why so many people are making a deal about this game key card thing. There were already Switch 1 games where you would put the card in and have to download the rest of the game anyway. At least this is better than getting a dumb code in the box you can't resell or do anything with.

 

[RetroGamingUK]

Why do games like BotW and Metroid require key cards, but Mario Kart and Donkey Kong have the full game on cartridge?

 

[RetroGamingUK]

Not sure why so many people are making a deal about this game key card thing. There were already Switch 1 games where you would put the card in and have to download the rest of the game anyway. At least this is better than getting a dumb code in the box you can't resell or do anything with.

Game preservation and ownership

 

[existensmaximum]

I would love to be wrong but I can't imagine that you can resell or lend these games to someone else, mark my words the game will be tied to your account just like a downloadable title.

 

[Mithos]

They said it needs to be in your switch 2 for the game to work so of course it's not tied to your account

What about the physical version of BOTW/TOTK Switch 2 Editions, will the "code" for the "Switch 2 Edition" lock itself to the account or could you sell the physical version and the new owner be able to play/use the Switch 2 Edition code again?

 

[RetroGamingUK]

Not sure why so many people are making a deal about this game key card thing. There were already Switch 1 games where you would put the card in and have to download the rest of the game anyway. At least this is better than getting a dumb code in the box you can't resell or do anything with.

Those were by scummy publishers like EA though.

This is the first gen where Nintendo themselves are doing it.

 

[YOU PC BRO?!]

I'll try to keep this really brief, because an explanation like this shouldn't need to be long

Switch 1 and 2 use cartridges for games, unlike PS/Xbox consoles which use discs

A Blu-ray Disc can hold up to 50 GB with dual-layers, and up to 100 GB with triple-layers

Flash memory is much less dense and much more expensive than stamping a disc. The largest Switch 1 cartridge can hypothetically be 16 GB, but that is so costly that most Switch 1 cartridge are at most 8 GB for the vast majority of games. There is no such thing as a 50 GB or 100 GB game cartridge

Cyberpunk 2077 is 70 GB
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is 110 GB
Elden Ring is 60 GB

There is no Switch 1/2 cartridge on Earth that can have this capacity

This is why Nintendo invented "Game Key" cards, they can be used to "unlock" a download of the game and are treated like a physical version of the game. We can assume the "Game Key" card is not tied to a Nintendo Account, so they can be traded and re-sold freely like any physical game disc on PS consoles

"Game Key" cards will become standard for Switch 2 going forward for basically all 3rd party titles because they are much bigger than any cartridge capacity can be. Nintendo is still trying to fit games onto the cartridge but since flash memory is expensive, their 1st party titles cost USD$80 and now you know why

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk

My thoughts exactly but have we had actual confirmation that 'Game-key cards' can indeed be resold?

 

[Sakura]

Why do games like BotW and Metroid require key cards, but Mario Kart and Donkey Kong have the full game on cartridge?

as far as I am aware BotW and Metroid Prime 4 aren't game key cards. It is the Switch 1 game cartridge, with the upgrade pack thing to the Switch 2 version (probably just a code). Don't ask me why though.

Game preservation and ownership

It was already like this on the Switch 1 though. But people are acting like this is a new thing.

I would love to be wrong but I can't imagine that you can resell or lend these games to someone else, mark my words the game will be tied to your account just like a downloadable title.

I mean it is possible, but I really don't understand the point of making a cartridge with a built in key code if it would act exactly as just a redeemable download code for the game. In that case what is the point and why does the system still require the cartridge to be inserted when you play?

 

[hemo memo]

Cyberpunk 2077 is 70 GB
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is 110 GB
Elden Ring is 60 GB

Well, there goes the entire Switch 2 memory.

 

[existensmaximum]

as far as I am aware BotW and Metroid Prime 4 aren't game key cards. It is the Switch 1 game cartridge, with the upgrade pack thing to the Switch 2 version (probably just a code). Don't ask me why though.

It was already like this on the Switch 1 though. But people are acting like this is a new thing.

I mean it is possible, but I really don't understand the point of making a cartridge with a built in key code if it would act exactly as just a redeemable download code for the game. In that case what is the point and why does the system still require the cartridge to be inserted when you play?

True, it doesn't really make sense. Then again I rarely expect ideas to make sense from Nintendo. I'm a little bit more hopeful now that you're right, and I definitely hope so.

 

[RaySoft]

Game Key is just a license manager for your games. If you have two switches for instance, you can transfer a digital game over to the other console and vice versa. You can also lend out your game to others if you want. I believe you can revoke your license at any time if you see fit. You can't permanently hand over your license to others, so you could re-sell your digital games. At least for now.

 

[RoadHazard]

Game Key is just a license manager for your games. If you have two switches for instance, you can transfer a digital game over to the other console and vice versa. You can also lend out your game to others if you want. I believe you can revoke your license at any time if you see fit. You can't permanently hand over your license to others, so you could re-sell your digital games. At least for now.

No, you're talking about Virtual Game Cards. This is something completely different.

 

[RaySoft]

No, you're talking about Virtual Game Cards. This is something completely different.

Yeah, your right.. I just assumed it was the other thing.. my bad.

 

[Chittagong]

It's because publishers are cheap fucks. I think one of the "game key games"'is 11GB

 

[RaySoft]

So with this system a games total size is now restricted to the microSD size instead of the game cart. So in theory you can have games that are <2TB in size. Could one Key Card hold multiple game licenses? Their page don't say.

 

[Shadowstar39]

Except that time when the servers that host the game will be taken offline. What are you going to do then?

This, I don't trust any company. Seen microsoft do this with delisting games, cutting off 360 store, and even non game subs like zune. Everyone is left with nothing. Sony tried it/is trying to do that with psp/ps3/vita store. Nintendo with wii/wiu store. I bet these things cost peanuts to keep going, some server rack as the amount of users is small. The bean counters win out.

You would think they would consolidate servers, do keep 1 rack up for legacy platforms, spend the chump change to do it for good consumer will. Nah they would rather save the 1k a year (no clue how much it costs to host the xbox360 store for example, but it can't be much) rather then have customers that look at you with fondness. Imagine if these companies fought for game preservation, selling their old games to you, rather then shifting them off the net and prosecuting people who try to get them illegally (when they themselves won't sell them). It's extreme greed. I remember getting notices from comcast 10 years ago, from sony. Not for the movies, but for downloading grand turismo 2. A PS1 game that hasn't been for sale in decades.

These companies are cheap, these servers will go away as well as our extensive collections. Only one I trust is steam as its too big to go away, but when Gabe croaks, and the rest push to go public, who knows. Bascially any company with stock holders will be greedy c%nts.

 

[ioo]

I'll try to keep this really brief, because an explanation like this shouldn't need to be long

Switch 1 and 2 use cartridges for games, unlike PS/Xbox consoles which use discs

A Blu-ray Disc can hold up to 50 GB with dual-layers, and up to 100 GB with triple-layers

Flash memory is much less dense and much more expensive than stamping a disc. The largest Switch 1 cartridge can hypothetically be 16 GB, but that is so costly that most Switch 1 cartridge are at most 8 GB for the vast majority of games. There is no such thing as a 50 GB or 100 GB game cartridge

Cyberpunk 2077 is 70 GB
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is 110 GB
Elden Ring is 60 GB

There is no Switch 1/2 cartridge on Earth that can have this capacity

This is why Nintendo invented "Game Key" cards, they can be used to "unlock" a download of the game and are treated like a physical version of the game. We can assume the "Game Key" card is not tied to a Nintendo Account, so they can be traded and re-sold freely like any physical game disc on PS consoles

"Game Key" cards will become standard for Switch 2 going forward for basically all 3rd party titles because they are much bigger than any cartridge capacity can be. Nintendo is still trying to fit games onto the cartridge but since flash memory is expensive, their 1st party titles cost USD$80 and now you know why

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk

You're so wrong that i don't where to start

 

[vodka-bull]

Please explain it like I'm a five year old why there's no 60GB switch cartridge but 2 tb micro SD cards.

 

[nkarafo]

Cyberpunk 2077 is 70 GB
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is 110 GB
Elden Ring is 60 GB

Most of this is uncompressed data. The assets (textures and audio) are also the highest possible quality.

Downgraded Switch 2 ports won't need the highest quality assets stored. Data may also be compressed to fit.

 

[nkarafo]

Please explain it like I'm a five year old why there's no 60GB switch cartridge but 2 tb micro SD cards.

Pretty sure the read-only carts (ROMs) for Switch games are not exactly the same technology as the re-writable flash memory in SD cards or USB sticks. I also assume they are higher quality with much lower failure rates.

 

[Mr Moose]

Is there actually any confirmation of this?

I keep seeing people saying this, but I haven't seen any confirmation.

I think so.

 

[RagnarokIV]

so your explanation is bollocks then

 

[Bumblebeetuna]

Personally I don't see why they couldn't just include the same "requires download" warning that Switch games have now. Or "requires internet" like PS/Xbox games.

 

[ReyBrujo]

Is there actually any confirmation of this?

The Nintendo Japanese site had that information. Unsure why the American one didn't explain it that well.

 

[DenchDeckard]

Basically, exactly how I knew it would work. It's pretty obvious. It's just to reduce costs to developers.

 

[vodka-bull]

Pretty sure the read-only carts (ROMs) for Switch games are not exactly the same technology as the re-writable flash memory in SD cards or USB sticks. I also assume they are higher quality with much lower failure rates.

But are they ROMs if you can put your savefile onto them? And can't SD cards be write protected, so basically work like a ROM?

 

[nkarafo]

But are they ROMs if you can put your savefile onto them? And can't SD cards be write protected, so basically work like a ROM?

No, save files aren't written in the ROM. In the case of the Switch, they get saved in the console's flash memory. In older consoles like the SNES, Genesis, etc, there were separate eeproms for battery save files. On N64 it was eeprom for some games but it also used a memory card for most others.

Also no, write protected SDs are not the same as ROMs. It's just a safety feature. It's not like the technology gets changed the moment you use it, you still have the same flash memory cells as before.

 

[Fbh]

Please explain it like I'm a five year old why there's no 60GB switch cartridge but 2 tb micro SD cards.

It's not about them not being able to make larger capacity cartridges, it's about the cost.
Printing a Blu Ray disc costs pennies, a 64 or 128 gb cartridge is significantly more expensive even if you buy in bulk.

Even if it costs them, say, $3, if you have a game that sells 10 million units then that's $30 million less revenue you are making from your game simply because of the high capacity cartridge. Then you add the cut the retailer gets and, in the case of third parties, the cut they have to pay to Nintendo and possibly the engine (unreal, unity, etc) and you can see why they'd want to minimize extra costs as much as possible.