Summary
- Nintendo Switch 2 game key cards are re-usable, despite essentially being download links.
- You can use Switch 2 game key cards on multiple consoles and multiple Nintendo accounts.
- This means you can re-sell Switch 2 game key cards, unlike how they worked with the Nintendo Switch.
It’s been almost a week since the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct aired. At this event, the Japanese gaming behemoth unveiled the new console’s hardware and pricing, as well as a couple of first-party launch titles. The reception, especially regarding pricing, has not all been positive. However, everyone agrees that the Switch 2 is far more powerful than most observers anticipated.
As time has rolled on, we’ve been learning more specifics about the Switch 2. For example, in an interview with GameSpot, Nintendo’s Tetsuya Sasaki revealed that Nintendo Switch 2 game key cards will not be limited to one-time use. This means that if you possess a physical card, you can insert and play it on any Switch 2, regardless of which Nintendo account was the first to use the download.
There are two types of physical Nintendo Switch 2 games: the first is a cartridge that has the whole game stored on it, and the second is a game key card that doesn’t have the game stored on it and instead is just a vehicle for downloading the game.
Switch 2 Game Key Cards Are Re-Sellable
This might sound silly to people who aren’t plugged into Nintendo’s ecosystem. I mean, giving someone a copy of the game means they should be able to play it, right? However, this isn’t how download codes currently work for the Switch. Currently, if you download a Switch game, then that game becomes tied to your Nintendo account and can’t be re-downloaded onto anyone else’s account.
The Switch 2 takes a different approach. Despite game key cards essentially being glorified download links, you’ll be able to use them on multiple consoles and multiple accounts. This also enables the re-selling of game key cards, something that was more difficult with the original Switch.
It appears that Nintendo is treating the game key cards as physical media despite the cards not storing any game data. This is certainly good news for consumers who value physical media and the ability to share games with others.
- Brand
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Nintendo
- Operating System
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Proprietary
- Storage
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256GB internal / MicroSD
- Resolution
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1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)