Nintendo has found itself at the center of a controversy over its new "game key cards" for the Switch 2. Since the console’s launch, fans have taken to social media to voice strong frustrations over the shift away from full physical game releases.
Following mounting backlash, Nintendo quietly launched a survey to gauge community preferences around digital and physical games. However, as of August 8, 2025, that survey has been deactivated.
What are game key cards?
The Nintendo Switch 2, which launched earlier this summer, predominantly makes use of Nintendo's new game key cards. These cards look nearly identical to traditional Switch cartridges. That being said, unlike standard physical games, they don’t contain the full game data.
Instead, gamers need to download the entire game from the internet, and then keep the card inserted to play. Essentially, it's a hybrid go-between that blends digital downloads and physical ownership, and fans aren't happy about it.
Although Nintendo positioned this format as a compromise between convenience and tangibility, many gamers saw it as a loss. One of the major issues highlighted by gamers online is that the cards rely on active Nintendo servers. This raises concerns over long-term game preservation and ownership, since there is no guarantee that the digital versions of the game will exist in perpetuity like a physical game cartridge can. Critics argue the format offers none of the benefits of a traditional cartridge, while still tethering users to online infrastructure.
Back in April, Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick told GamesIndustry.biz that the move was “a little disheartening,” citing fears around future game access. Kick went on to say, "You would hope that a company that big, that has such a storied history, would take preservation a little more seriously."
Nintendo released a survey asking for customers' opinions
After much criticism, Nintendo released a community survey focused on game format preferences. Although it included standard questions about consoles owned and game-buying habits, it quickly got to the heart of the matter.
Participants were asked if they prefer buying games physically or digitally, and why. Later questions offered propts such as "I like collecting physical games," and "Physical games provide a stronger sense of ownership." The survey also asked how often players gift or sell Nintendo Switch games.
@Stealth40k shared the link on X and suggested fellow fans share their views with Nintendo directly.
However, a few days after its release, the survey link went dead. Now, visitors are met with the message, "Sorry, this survey is not currently active."
Reactions on social media
Reactions on social media have been sharp. Many players expressed a clear preference for traditional physical games and felt Nintendo had ignored their loyalty.
Following last week’s Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, fans criticized the continued absence of true physical releases for third-party games.
@umbreon2064 tweeted, "Unironically game key cards are the worst thing the switch 2 direct introduced."
@MetroidFREAK21 opted for preordering a physical game for the original Switch rather than getting a game key card for their Switch 2.
The disappointment only intensified when Nintendo simultaneously revealed a price increase for original Switch consoles and select accessories.
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