During an interview at PAX East with the team at Limited Run, we were able to clear the air about some questions floating around the internet about physical games for Nintendo’s Switch 2.
As you may know, the gaming community was up in arms since Nintendo showcased the Switch 2. It seems they are setting their sights more favorably on the digital space with the game-key card.
The facts: Nintendo Switch 2 cartridges may or may not contain the full game. Some, referred to as game-key cards, will not contain the full game data. Instead, the game-key card acts as a “key” to downloading the game via the internet. The game-key card must remain in your system in order for you to be able to play the game.
We are seeing several titles slated for a Switch 2 release listed as game-key card only, frustrating many players who value a true physical game. Some are looking at pro-physical publishers, and of course, who wouldn’t think of Limited Run? Their slogan after all is “Forever Physical”.
When speaking with their marketing representative at PAX East 2025, they confirmed that any Limited Run numbered release for the Switch 2 will contain the full game on the cartridge, aka. a true physical release. Game released as a partnership (and therefore, not a numbered release) may be published as a game-key card, leaving the decision to the third party.
This statement indicates that Limited Run is still dedicated to their Forever Physical motto while allowing options for third partners if they want to go with the game-key card–which, mind you–is cheaper to produce in a time where prices (and taxes) are rising.
So, if you are a physical games collector, you can still rely on Limited Run when the Switch 2 era begins. If you have more questions on Nintendo’s game-key cards, check out their FAQ.
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