Key Takeaways
1. Concerns about Game-Key Cards: Many Nintendo fans worry that Game-Key Cards, which rely on internet connections for game files, may replace traditional cartridges.
2. Arc System Works leak: A security breach revealed options for Switch 2 games, indicating that digital downloads and Game-Key Cards might become more common.
3. Limited cartridge options: The Switch 2 may only feature a 64 GB cartridge, unlike the original Switch, which offered sizes from 1 GB to 32 GB, potentially increasing costs for smaller developers.
4. Digital distribution rising: With fewer cartridge options and higher costs, publishers may lean more toward digital formats or Game-Key Cards as budget-friendly alternatives.
5. Future of cartridge production: Nintendo may be seeking to simplify cartridge production, with the possibility that the 64 GB cartridge will become cheaper over time.
Many Nintendo enthusiasts have raised concerns about the idea of Game-Key Cards. These cards contain only a tiny bit of data and depend on an internet connection to get game files. However, first-party Switch 2 titles like Mario Kart World still stick to traditional cartridges. Regrettably, other game publishers are starting to adopt the Game-Key Card system. A recent leak from Arc System Works might shed light on why digital distribution is becoming more popular than physical copies.
Insights from Arc System Works
Arc System Works is known for creating games like Guilty Gear and Dragon Ball FighterZ. After the company’s security was breached, gamers got a closer look at Nintendo’s upcoming console. One document highlighted the options available to publishers for Switch 2 games: [DL], [64GB], and [POTION]. It is thought that DL stands for digital downloads, 64 GB refers to a regular cartridge, while POTION is an internal name for the Game-Key Card.
Limited Options for Cartridges
A previous article from Physical Paradise cautioned about the narrow selection of Switch 2 cartridges. The report anticipated a 64 GB version along with a much smaller one. If the information from Arc System Works is accurate, the outlook is even bleaker for those against digital gaming.
In contrast, the original Switch provided a variety of sizes ranging from 1 GB to 32 GB. This variety allowed publishers of smaller games to save on storage costs. With the Switch 2, only a 64 GB cartridge is on offer, and some rumors suggest it is priced at $16. This additional cost can accumulate, especially affecting studios with tighter budgets. Digital options or Game-Key Cards are seen as more budget-friendly choices.
Future of Cartridge Production
Nintendo might be aiming to streamline the production of cartridges. The 64 GB format could eventually become less expensive as it gains popularity. Yet, for the time being, Cyberpunk 2077 appears to be an exception, with a publisher willing to sacrifice profits for the sake of preserving games.
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