Leak May Explain Why So Many ‘Physical’ Switch 2 Games Are Actually Digital Downloads
The upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 has left gamers wondering about the availability of physical game titles. As it turns out, many games on the launch lineup are not what they seem - in fact, they're either digital downloads or use a limited format that's more akin to traditional game discs.
The latest leaks, stemming from a hack of Arc System Works, have revealed that Nintendo has drastically limited options for third-party developers when it comes to publishing games on the Switch 2. Instead of offering multiple formats, Nintendo only provides three options: digital download only, "potion" (the internal codename for game-key cards), and 64GB game cards.
"Potion" is essentially an empty cartridge that takes players to a download link for the Nintendo eShop, requiring the user to have the cartridge loaded in the system to play the game. This format has been used by several well-established franchises, including Yakuza 0, Hitman World of Assassination, and Street Fighter 6, which will be available as digital downloads via the card.
However, not all physical titles are created equal. Some games, like Civilization VII and Split Fiction, will come with a download code in a box, but no cartridge included - even as a game-key card. This means that these games cannot be sold after the game is downloaded and connected to your Nintendo account.
The Switch 2's storage capacity is a concern for gamers who plan on playing their console for many years to come. The console only comes with 256GB of storage, with options to buy separate microSD Express cards to expand it. This means that games like the $80 Mario Kart World will be relatively small - at just 23.4GB.
But what's more worrying is that Nintendo may be keeping other flash storage options under wraps. The company offered options for 8GB and 16GB game cards on the original Switch, but it's unclear if these will be available on the Switch 2.
Game preservationists have long been concerned about Nintendo's decision to eliminate the Nintendo 3DS eShop and Microsoft's move to delete games from the Xbox 360 digital marketplace. Digital downloads may not be as appealing for gamers who prefer titles that come on physical cards.
Pricing and Availability
As it stands, third-party games that seem to be selling well pre-launch include Street Fighter 6 at $60 and Cyberpunk 2077 at $70. However, owners of a game card don't necessarily own the game - Nintendo's end-user agreement makes it clear that all software is a license that can be revoked at any time.
And if you're wondering which games won't be available at launch, you'll need to wait until July before playing Donkey Kong Bananza on Nintendo Switch 2. Meanwhile, the next-gen handheld console's release date for Grand Theft Auto VI remains unclear.
Industry Trends and Insights
The leak has also shed light on other industry trends and insights. Xbox Console Price Hikes Cement Game Pass as the Only Way Microsoft Wants You to Play An Xbox Series X now starts at $550, and you can expect $80 games to arrive soon enough.
Best Gadgets of April 2025
This month has seen a plethora of exciting gadgets, with mid-range Android phones being a standout. However, the focus remains on the Nintendo Switch 2 - will it change the way we play games forever?