The release of the Nintendo Switch 2 sparked a new debate in the gaming world: Game-Key Cards. The fact that the box contained only a download code instead of a game cartridge drew criticism from collectors. A recent development reveals that Nintendo is working behind the scenes on new Nintendo Switch 2 cartridge options to address this issue.

A slip of the tongue, then a correction

Inin Games, the publisher of R-Type Dimensions 3, made an interesting gaffe today. The publisher claimed that Nintendo would be adding two new cartridge sizes to its offerings, alongside the expensive 64GB cartridges and the unpopular “Game-Key Card” options. This implied that developers could now print physical games without being limited to the expensive 64GB cartridges.

However, Inin Games quickly backtracked. Updating its statement, the company attempted to salvage the situation by stating that “no official announcement has been made by Nintendo” and that its previous statements should not be interpreted as official Nintendo information. Nevertheless, the genie was out of the bottle.

The Price of a Real Cartridge: A $10 Difference
Aside from this communication mishap, Inin Games has made an important decision. R-Type Dimensions 3, previously planned as a Game-Key Card due to costs, will now be released as a real physical cartridge. However, this quality comes at a price.

The publisher announced that printing the game on a real card will increase costs, and therefore the game will be approximately €10 more expensive. Still, this figure seems more reasonable than the €15 price difference that would have occurred if a 64GB cartridge had been used.

In short, if you want to “open the box, insert the cartridge and play” during the Switch 2 era, you may have to pay a little more than for digital or “blank box” versions.

So, do you collect physical games? Would you be willing to pay $10 more for a real cartridge? Share your thoughts in the comments!