Nintendo-Developed Titles Won’t Use Game-Key Cards, Nintendo UK Confirms

Franchises like Mario, The Legend of Zelda and Metroid won't utilize the format, but the jury is still out on Nintendo-published titles.

Posted By | On 18th, May. 2025

nintendo switch 2 ui

As we near the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch next month, there’s still some concern over its Game-Key Cards. Several third-party titles reportedly use them in Japan, and though titles like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will ship on a cartridge, consumers may not have much choice otherwise.

However, it seems that this won’t apply to Nintendo-developed titles. Regarding whether franchises like Mario, The Legend of Zelda and Metroid would utilize the same, Nintendo UK told NintendoLife, “We currently have no plans to use game-key cards for Nintendo-developed titles.”

Of course, this may not apply to Nintendo-published titles like The Duskbloods, FromSoftware’s upcoming Switch 2 exclusive. Though the developer handles publishing in Japan, Nintendo is the worldwide publisher, which means it could release the PvEvP title on Game-Key Cards. Nothing is confirmed, so stay tuned for further details in the coming months.

The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5th, and pre-orders are now live. Despite recent tariffs in the United States, it still costs $449.99, but several accessories have been priced higher than before. Head here for more information.


Keep On Reading!

Grand Theft Auto 6, Mario Kart World Could Lead to More Games Priced at $80, Says Analyst

Grand Theft Auto 6, Mario Kart World Could Lead to More Games Priced at $80, Says Analyst

According to Joost van Dreunen, however, other companies will have a hard time in reaching the bar set by Gran...

Ubisoft Barcelona Employees Are Going On Strike to Protest 51 Layoffs From Restructuring

Ubisoft Barcelona Employees Are Going On Strike to Protest 51 Layoffs From Restructuring

The employees have demanded that Ubisoft not layoff anyone at the studio and follow through on promised promot...

Xbox Freezes Game Pass Deals for Third-Party Studios – Rumor

Xbox Freezes Game Pass Deals for Third-Party Studios – Rumor

Arrowhead Game Studios CEO Shams Jorjani believes that the Helldivers 2 developer might have signed its final ...

Stranger Than Heaven’s Story is “Very Extensive,” But Features Fewer Play Spots Than Yakuza

Stranger Than Heaven’s Story is “Very Extensive,” But Features Fewer Play Spots Than Yakuza

The maps are also "roughly the same scale" as the Yakuza series, though each has a distinct size, says RGG Stu...

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls Highlights Ms. Marvel’s Flexible Moves and Hard-Hitting Combos

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls Highlights Ms. Marvel’s Flexible Moves and Hard-Hitting Combos

With stunning elasticity and the ability to increase the size of her limbs, Kamala Khan can move fast and dish...

PS6’s Bill of Materials Increases by $200, $1000 Price Fears Could End Up Coming True – Rumor

PS6’s Bill of Materials Increases by $200, $1000 Price Fears Could End Up Coming True – Rumor

Leaker Kepler_L2 posits a grim update for the next-gen console while claiming that its specs have been "locked...