Nintendo will not abandon the physical format in games, although Game Key-Cards require downloads

Given the controversy caused by sonywhen he announced his intention to abandon the physical format from January 2028other large manufacturers seem to be taking the same path, we are talking about the Microsoft Project Helix. But the third major console manufacturer has also spoken out, Nintendo has no intention of abandoning the physical format with its successful Switch 2 console. A few words directly from Bill van Zyll who said in an interview that Nintendo will continue offering games in physical and digital format.

Nintendo will continue offering physical and digital games on Switch 2

These are the intentions of the video game giant, at least for now, since they have expressed that “they know how much fans like the physical format.” But Nintendo has an ace up its sleeve, something that many will already know, the well-known Game Key Card. This physical format hides a digital game, since these types of games only have a “key” that allows downloading the game in digital format from Nintendo servers.

In this way, Nintendo has two types of games in physical format, the traditional cartridges where the whole game is recorded in your memory, and these Key Card which require a download of the full game from Nintendo’s servers. The advantage is that both are distributed in physical stores and have their cover and cartridge, although in the case of the Game Key-Card the cartridge is a mere support that enables this digital download.

Game Key-Cards require downloading the full game from the Internet

A “physical” format rather than physical, since it requires a internet connection to access the game, and which also depends on the video game giant’s servers to download it. Real physical cartridges where the entire game is inside are perfectly playable without internet connection and without the need to download anything.

At least it seems that Nintendo will continue to keep the covers and cartridges, although some of these are only access to the digital version that must be downloaded completely.

We leave you the video with the complete interview.