Switch 2 Keeps Physical Cartridges Alive Amid Industry Shifts

Nintendo Switch 2 appears to keep true physical cartridges for most first‑party releases, despite rising memory costs and a broader industry shift toward digital. Third‑party games increasingly use game‑key cards, which store only a digital license and require a download, though they can be resold. Nintendo’s own titles largely remain cart-based (Pokemon Pokopia is cited as a game‑key card exception), with some third‑party true‑physical releases existing but costly. Digital versions are typically about $10 cheaper than physical, and Sony’s move away from physical could boost Nintendo’s physical store presence. The article argues physical media will persist for now, while acknowledging the downsides for collectors and developers relying on game‑key cards.