Game-Key cards, introduced alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, are not popular with gamers but are crucial for developers. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi explained the necessity of this new format in an interview with German JP Games.

Game-Key cards are essential for reaching the Nintendo Switch 2’s potential

While Hamaguchi acknowledged that many gamers prefer traditional cartridges, he emphasized that the advantages Game-Key cards offer developers cannot be overlooked. While the Nintendo Switch 2’s standard cartridges are limited to 64GB, these cards overcome this storage limitation. This allows large-scale AAA titles to be adapted to the console without losing any content.

Furthermore, the Game-Key system overcomes one of the biggest drawbacks of cartridges: loading speeds. This allows for part of the game to be run on the card and the rest from the console’s internal storage, providing an experience at speeds comparable to SSDs. Hamaguchi stated that this allows for the easier implementation of high-budget projects on the Switch 2.

While Game Key cards have sparked controversy among physical release enthusiasts, Hamaguchi believes this technology will eventually become a part of gaming culture. He notes that large open-world games like Star Wars Outlaws also launched on this format for the same reason, while some studios are still pushing the boundaries of traditional cartridges.

In short, while Nintendo Switch 2 Game Key cards may be controversial in the short term, they have become a critical tool for developers, shaping the future of AAA games on the system.