Nintendo Switch 2: Thread 01

[Deuteros]

For games with larger filesizes I wonder if the boutique physical games retailers might begin offering a cheaper gamekey version and a more expensive version with the game actually stored on it.

Essentially just pass the cost of the storage onto the buyer.

The Switch 2 version of Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army -- an overpriced $249.99 collector's edition! -- has this disclaimer:

*Switch 2 Collector’s Edition comes with Game Key Card

[briareos_kerensky]

That's the more likely outcome, though looking at LRG's output, I really doubt one of their releases will use the larger 64GB cart, and most will fit a "standard" 16GB cart.
Other physical game producers dabble in even more niche and smaller games.

[wakka]

For games with larger filesizes I wonder if the boutique physical games retailers might begin offering a cheaper gamekey version and a more expensive version with the game actually stored on it.

Essentially just pass the cost of the storage onto the buyer.

[briareos_kerensky]

If they do that, they'd lose a considerable portion of their business. VGP have met success with their constant reprints, and all remaining speciality stores are clearly marking game-key cards (god, what a stupid official hypenation) because their audience care about this sort of stuff.
They will surely lose me, I do have an appetite for limited editions with trinkets and such, but I buy those based on the game, and if they go with download cards that take years to be delivered, **** it, I'll go digital, it's more convenient and I already know I'm not going to sell my games.

[Nu-Eclipse]

Y'all can bet your asses that the indie physical publishers like LRG, SLG and SuperDeluxe Games are going to go all-in on Key-Cards for Switch 2.

Days are numbered for true physical media in gaming.

[egparadigm]

I suppose it’s possible that downloads will remain available longer term compared to eShop-style purchases, but given Nintendo’s track record I guess that’s unlikely.

Microsoft of course have maintained access to download past purchases, even for delisted backwards compatible games.

Interestingly you can still download the drivers (IOS files) for Wii from the NUS servers.

[Nu-Eclipse]

The fallout is going to be ****ing hilarious when Nintendo announce that they'll be switching off the download-side servers for key-cards.

[fishbowlhead]

Has it been confirmed game-key cards can be used secondhand?

They can be sold on and work as carts do in that respect yes, just with downloads.

[egparadigm]

Has it been confirmed game-key cards can be used secondhand?

I believe Nintendo said it’s not tied to an account.

[briareos_kerensky]

Has it been confirmed game-key cards can be used secondhand?

[wakka]

I dunno man, I'd much rather a game key personally. I can trade in a game key. Or buy one used.

A code in a box is just a massive waste of resources to manufacture and ship.

[briareos_kerensky]

One thing that seems like it could get messy for the Switch 2 is all the different formats that come in a Switch 2 box. Am I getting a Switch game with a code? A Switch 2 cart? One of those game key things? Or just a code in a box? From what I can see, "physical" games can be any of those things.

You're getting a cart. Insert it, and will trigger a download. With the cart in and the download completed, you can play the game. Remove the cart without deleting the downloaded data, and you won't be able to play the game. It's a solution worse than a box with a code, at least just a code you won't need to have the cart in.

[Neon Ignition]

https://asia.sega.com/SonicXShadowGenerations/en/news/20250424.html

Sonic X Shadow Generations will be a launch day release - It's a game key cartridge and owners of the original Switch version cannot upgrade

[Dogg Thang]

One thing that seems like it could get messy for the Switch 2 is all the different formats that come in a Switch 2 box. Am I getting a Switch game with a code? A Switch 2 cart? One of those game key things? Or just a code in a box? From what I can see, "physical" games can be any of those things.

[wakka]

My guess is that Nintendo were doubly vigilant where units would go, particularly US versions.

Yeah I agree Nintendo would have worked to prevent PA doing that - I'm not surprised they struggled to get foreign units, they'd have had to get them aftermarket.

Haven't actually thought about PA in years. Used to spend so much time browsing their wares and ordering from them.

Yeah; it's like with the Switch. Technically, the Switch supports "game sharing" like the GBA, DS & 3DS, in that the hardware can do it - but as it was never fully supported at the system level, literally zero games do it.

I had no idea this was a thing. This is the feature you used to have where you could play multiplayer with linked machines with a single cart?

I guess the Switch does a good job of making up for it though by offering the ability to detach the JoyCons and set the tablet on a tabletop for multiplayer.

I know I've been pooh poohed on here by people on here saying their kids don't care about it, but I still would've loved that so much as a kid myself. It was so annoying when you had 2 GameBoys and a link cable and only one cart between you 🥲

I guess we had fewer entertainment options in general in those days though.