Gematsu reported that following the commencement of pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan, it has come to light that most third-party games, excluding Cyberpunk 2077, are utilizing a unique method of distribution. Instead of traditional game discs, these games are being sold as game-key cards, necessitating an additional download of the full game from the internet.
Nintendo has simplified the distinction by including a small icon of a key at the bottom of the game’s cover box. If this icon is present, it signifies that the game is a game-key version, requiring an online download to access the actual game files.
However, there are a few outliers that still provide the complete game files on physical discs, such as Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma (though it is the Switch 1 version requiring an upgrade to Switch 2 via the internet) and Cyberpunk 2077 which explicitly confirms the inclusion of all game files. Notably, first-party Nintendo games like Zelda offer upgraded versions for the Switch 2.
Source: VGC
TLDR: Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders in Japan reveal that most third-party games are being distributed as game-key cards, with game files requiring an internet download, except for a few exceptions like Cyberpunk 2077 and first-party titles.
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