Nintendo – Page 2 – BATTERIES & CHARGERS BLOG

Nintendo Switch 2 Will Support USB Mice

GIF showing a mouse cursor in use on the Switch 2 menu.

A mouse on a Nintendo console menu!GIF: Nintendo Today app

Summary

Nintendo Switch 2 supports USB mice at launch for precise controls in Nobunaga’s Ambition.
Joy-Con 2 has mouse-like input, but players can also use an external USB mouse in the Switch 2 for more control options in at least one game.

Nintendo Switch 2is confirmed to support USB mice at launch forNobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition, one of the games announced for the platform. This means thatNintendo Switch 2players will have the option to choose between the Joy-Con 2 and a USB peripheral for using mouse controls in at least one supported game.

Controllers used in console gaming have been criticized for lacking the precision offered by a mouse for a long time, especially when playing genres such as first-person shooters. To address this shortcoming,Nintendo has incorporated mouse controlsinto the Joy-Con 2, the detachable controllers that come bundled with the highly-awaited Switch 2. It is one of the key highlights of the Japanese gaming giant’s next-gen system and lets players use either of the two Joy-Cons to mimic mouse-like input. Even though this particular functionality is now set to be available out-of-the-box with the Switch 2, it turns out that the console maker has still gone ahead and given players the option to use an external USB mouse if they wish to, at least for one launch title.

In a recentgameplay video forNobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition, a Koei Tecmo rep showed how to play the strategy game on the Switch 2 with a USB mouse. He stated that the mouse takes precedence in the game as soon as it is plugged in, with a prompt on the top-left of the screen confirming the connection. As shown in the demonstration, the players will be able to seamlessly swap between the USB peripheral and the Joy-Con 2, with the in-game cursor changing based on which of the two is used. On top of that, the clip also revealed the ability to simultaneously use the USB mouse and the Joy-Con 2 in the game, which could be useful in certain scenarios. In the case of this particularSwitch 2 game, players can opt for the USB mouse for precise navigation while still being able to quickly access on-screen UI elements using the Joy-Con 2’s buttons. However, it’s not clear at this time if a standard USB mouse will be usable in any other games.

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Nintendo Switch 2 Works with USB Mice, Similar to its Predecessor

Switch 2 first-party-developed games won't use Key-Cards

A promotional image of a pair of hand holding the Nintendo Switch 2's Joy-Con 2 controllers.-1

A promotional image of a Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 controller against a sky-blue background.

A Key Frame From The Nintendo Switch 2 Reveal Showing Two Joy Con 2 Controllers In Mouse Mode-1

nintendo switch 2 screen lcd vs oled decision

It’s worth mentioning that the support for USB mice isn’t something new for Nintendo as the original Switch also offered this feature, albeit only in select titles. A handful of Switch games, ranging from Quake to Factorio, are compatible with not only mouse but also keyboard peripherals through a USB connection. Given that the Switch 2 has now also been confirmed to support the mouse in the aforementioned game, it might be fair to think that the hybrid console could work with a USB keyboard as well, at least in some games.

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The mouse-like features of Joy-Con 2 are one aspect that the devs have discussed interesting possibilities for. Recently, CD Projekt Red also shared how Switch 2’s unique controls would fit into Cyberpunk 2077‘s gameplay, revealing that the player could swing their katanas in the game using the Joy-Con 2’s motion controls.

Switch 2 GameChat demands phone number registration

Those who want to use GameChat to interact with their friends while playing on their Switch 2 will need to register their phone numbers with Nintendo. Children under the age of 16 will need approval from their parent or guardian to use this feature.

Promotional image of GameChat feature coming with the Switch 2. (Image source: Nintendo)

Nintendo Switch 2 comes with several new features compared to the original Switch, one of which is GameChat for a more interactive and communal gaming experience. While it was stated in the official information for the feature, the fact that it requires phone number registration seems to have flown under the radar during all the chaos and hype around the Switch 2 itself. While this is a divisive move on Nintendo’s part, most fans believe it isanother positive stepin safeguarding children.

First noticed in ‘Ask The Developer Vol. 17, GameChat – Chapter 1’ feature, the small text on the page states that mobile phone registration will be required to use GameChat. Theofficial GameChat pageon Nintendo’s website explains that this should be the phone number registered to the user’s Nintendo Account. It is essentially a verification method for additional security. The page also adds that some online services may not be available in all countries suggesting that some regions may not be able to use GameChat.

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Nintendo

Furthermore, children who want to use GameChat would need approval from a parent or guardian through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app. This includes children under the age of 16. “A parent or guardian needs to be involved in the set-up and use of GameChat by players younger than age 16. In addition, they must manage the account by using the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on their smart device,” theNintendo Switch Parental Control pagestates.

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GameChat allows up to 12 people to chat or even share their screen while playing games. The options for GameChat can be accessed with the ‘C’ button on the right Joy-Con 2. If user’s have purchased the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera accessory, they can get on a video chat with their group.

The Switch 2 arrives June 5 and the hype around it has been incredible. The console isprojected to sell 20 million unitsin the fiscal year, making it the biggest console launch ever.

Bad news if you splashed out on an expensive gaming TV, Nintendo Switch 2 will only support VRR in handheld mode

One reason to choose a PS5

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Nintendo Switch 2 will only support VRR using its built-in display
This was confirmed in a recent statement from Nintendo
It follows confusion about VRR support in docked mode

Nintendo has confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 will only feature variable refresh rate (VRR) support on its built-in display.

This comes after the companyquietly removed mentions of VRR support in docked mode from its US and Canadasupport websites. It was subsequently removed from the equivalent European support websites.

“The system also supportsHDR, VRR, and frame rates up to 120 fps on compatible TVs,” the website previously stated. This was updated to read: “The system also supports HDR, VRR, and frame rates up to 120 fps on compatible TVs.”

We already know that VRR is supported on the console’s built-in screen, but this change left some potential purchasers wondering whether the system would in fact support VRR when it’s in the dock.

Nintendo has finally clarified the situation in a statement provided toNintendoLife. “Nintendo Switch 2 supports VRR in handheld mode only,” the statement begins. “The incorrect information was initially published on the Nintendo Switch 2 website, and we apologise for the error.”

This could be bad news if you’ve already got your hands on one of thebest gaming TVsor monitors, many of which offer VRR support. The technology dynamically adjusts the screen’s refresh rate to match the frame rate of your games, reducing tearing and giving an overall impression of smoothness.

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It’s supported by both thePlayStation 5andXbox Series XandSeries Sand has become a popular option for gamers with supported displays. In a title likeAssassin’s Creed Shadows, for example, we’ve found that enabling VRR leads to a much more pleasant experience.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025. BothUK pre-orders and US pre-orders are live now.

Nintendo announces free Switch 2 upgrades for twelve Switch 1 games

We’re already familiar with the paid upgrades, but there are also many Switch 1 games that are getting free upgrades for the Switch 2 on its launch day. Nintendo has now published the list of 12 titles, which include Mario, Pokémon and Zelda.

The Switch 2 will provide popular games from its predecessor with a free upgrade. (Image source: Nintendo)

In addition to the paidupgrade packsforThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom, each costing $9.99, andKirbyand theLost LandandSuper Mario Party Jamboree, each costing $19.99, Nintendo is also optimizing popularSwitch 1titles free of charge for the Switch 2. The complete list includes 12 titles, all of which will be available for the console’s launch on June 5, 2025:

Pokémon™:

Pokémon CrimsonandPokémon Violetwill be graphically optimized for the Switch 2 and will have a higher frame rate for smoother gameplay.

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Super Mario:

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxewill receive an upgrade for better graphics on the handheld and connected TVs.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Furywill also be graphically enhanced, with HDR support and GameShare support, allowing four people to play Super Mario 3D World and two players to play Bowser’s Fury together (one Mario, one Bowser).Bowser’s Furywill also receive HDR support.

Super Mario Odysseewill be graphically enhanced, with HDR support and GameShare support, allowing two people to play simultaneously (one Mario, one Cappy).

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Legend Of Zelda:

The Legend Of Zelda: Link’s Awakening andThe Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdomwill be graphically optimized for Switch 2 and get HDR support.

These Switch 1 games will also receive a free Switch 2 upgrade:

ARMSwill receive optimized frame rate and graphics and will be equipped with HDR support.

Big Brain Academywill receive GameShare support for up to four players and the GameChat function.

Captain Toad: Treasure Trackerwill receive optimized graphics, HDR support and GameShare support, allowing all courses to be played by two players.

The 51 games ofClubhouse Gameswill be equipped with 4-player support for 34 of the included games and GameChat.

Game Builder Garagewill receive optimized graphics and support for mouse controls on the Joy-Con 2.

Nintendo reserves the right to brick your console following “unauthorised use”, in bid to prevent piracy

Game Chat footage recorded to ensure a “safe and family-friendly online environment”.

Nintendo Switch 2 Game Chat trailer screenshot showing Bowser Jr pointing to a ghost next to Bowser looking on

Image credit: Nintendo

Nintendo has updated its Nintendo Account Agreement with a severe warning against “unauthorised use”, in a bid to prevent emulation and piracy.

All those with a Nintendo account will have received an email (including Eurogamer) linking to the updated policy. And, asGame File’s Stephen Totilospotted, the wording for the Licence for Digital Products section has been altered.

Theagreement for UK accountsnow states digital products are “licensed only for personal and non-commercial use”, and that any “unauthorised use of a Digital Product may result in the Digital Product becoming unusable”.

GameChat – Nintendo Direct Nintendo Switch 2

This differs slightly from the US, which states: “You acknowledge that if you fail to comply with the foregoing restrictions Nintendo may render the Nintendo Account Services and/or the applicable Nintendo device permanently unusable in whole or in part.”

For comparison, here’s the original wording (effective since April 2021): “You are not allowed to lease, rent, sublicense, publish, copy, modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble all or any portion of the Nintendo Account Services without Nintendo’s written consent, or unless otherwise expressly permitted by applicable law.”

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And here’s the UK update in full: “Any Digital Products registered to your Nintendo Account and any updates of such Digital Products are licensed only for personal and non-commercial use on a User Device. Digital Products must not be used for any other purpose. In particular, without NOE’s written consent, you must neither lease nor rent Digital Products nor sublicense, publish, copy, modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble any portion of Digital Products other than as expressly permitted by applicable law. Such unauthorised use of a Digital Product may result in the Digital Product becoming unusable.”

The US update is as follows: “Without limitation, you agree that you may not (a) publish, copy, modify, reverse engineer, lease, rent, decompile, disassemble, distribute, offer for sale, or create derivative works of any portion of the Nintendo Account Services; (b) bypass, modify, decrypt, defeat, tamper with, or otherwise circumvent any of the functions or protections of the Nintendo Account Services, including through the use of any hardware or software that would cause the Nintendo Account Services to operate other than in accordance with its documentation and intended use; (c) obtain, install or use any unauthorised copies of Nintendo Account Services; or (d) exploit the Nintendo Account Services in any manner other than to use them in accordance with the applicable documentation and intended use, in each case, without Nintendo’s written consent or express authorisation, or unless otherwise expressly permitted by applicable law. You acknowledge that if you fail to comply with the foregoing restrictions Nintendo may render the Nintendo Account Services and/or the applicable Nintendo device permanently unusable in whole or in part.”

TheNintendo Account Privacy Policyhas also been updated ahead of the release ofSwitch 2. Now, Nintendo will be able to record video and voice chats stored on your console for a limited period of time – if you give consent.

This is intended for anyone who encounters “language or behaviour that may violate applicable laws”, with the company able to review the last three minutes of recorded footage. This is to ensure a “safe and family-friendly online environment”.

The update comes ahead of theGame Chat feature on Switch 2, where players can essentially video call each other during gameplay.

Back in March,Nintendo shared a legal victory over French file-sharing company Dstorage, which it stated was “significant…for the entire games industry”.

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It followed a string of moves against piracy, including theshutdown of Switch emulator Yuzuand alawsuit against a streamer who regularly played pirated copies of Nintendo games ahead of release.

Nintendo thinks spying is the answer to making GameChat on the Switch 2 safe

Nintendo is in for a rude awakening

(Image credit: Nintendo)

The new Discord-like GameChat feature for theNintendo Switch 2may come with a major privacy compromise.

In its effort to strengthen child safety on GameChat, Nintendo may spy on all your calls, chats, and messages.

That makes sense from a moderation perspective, but could alienate gamers despite good intentions on Nintendo’s part.

Here’s what gamers should know.

Nintendo quietly announces it might be spying on GameChat activity

This week, Nintendo quietlyupdated its Privacy Policyto include a major change for GameChat, its Discord clone for the Switch 2. The update effectively reveals that Nintendo may be watching all of your activity in GameChat in attempt to ensure safety.

According to Nintendo, “We clarified that we may collect, monitor and record audio and video of your chat sessions with other users to provide a safe and secure environment.”

This means anything you say or do in your GameChat sessions could be monitored by Nintendo. It isn’t clear how Nintendo plans to analyze GameChat activity or how it might deal with unwanted behavior, but it’s clear Nintendo plans to have some level of surveillance on GameChat.

Nintendo first announcedGameChatback in April during the official Switch 2 reveal. It’s a built-in video and chat feature with a dedicated button on the Switch 2. The demo footage of the feature looks blatantly similar to Discord, only with visibly grainy video quality and seemingly low framerates. It will be free until March 31, 2026, but after that you will need a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership to use GameChat.

Unfortunately for Nintendo, a lot of gamers might be passing on this Discord wannabe after this news, and that’s probably the right call.

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Is it worth using GameChat on the Switch 2? Probably not.

I understand why Nintendo is implementing this Privacy Policy change, but unfortunately for most gamers it’s just another reason to skip GameChat.

Making any kind of social feature like this kid-friendly is very difficult to do without some sort of surveillance or kneecapping the service itself, like the limited pre-written chat options you get in kid-friendly MMOs.

This surveillance measure, along with seemingly poor resolution on GameChat, make it an all-around less attractive option for gaming calls and chats compared to Discord. If you’re already using Discord, the possible convenience of having GameChat built-in on the Switch 2 is likely not worth sacrificing your privacy and the higher-resolution video and screen sharing you can get on Discord.

While, of course, you can never be 100% sure that anything you say or do online is completely private and un-monitored, it’s clear from Nintendo’s updated privacy policy that GameChat will likely be less private than Discord.

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Parents may be tempted to overlook that with the assumption that GameChat will be safer for their kids, but no amount of surveillance is going to make GameChat 100% kid-friendly. The best solution is for parents to make sure their kids know how to be safe online and stick to chatting only with known friends and not strangers, rather than trusting Nintendo to keep everyone safe.

The Switch 2 Pro Controller will have the same colossal battery life as the original, with a significantly shorter charge time, according to Nintendo

It’ll no longer take close to a full work day

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller on a stand

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller’s tech specs have been revealed
According to Nintendo, its charging time will be significantly reduced
The new gamepad is also ever so slightly slimmer and lighter

There’s some great news if you’re looking to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller to go along with the new console in June.

Spotted byNintendo Life, Nintendo’s officialtechnical specificationsfor the Switch 2 Pro Controller have been revealed on its website.

While there are some slight differences in size and weight compared to the original version, the big change here is in battery charge time. On the revised Pro Controller, it’s now just 3.5 hours, down from the 6 hours of thatfirst model.

Better still, theNintendo Switch 2’s Pro Controller appears to feature the same mammoth battery life (around 40 hours) as the original. Factor in that significantly shortened charge time, and you have a controller that should be ready to go for wireless use more frequently.

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Here’s a breakdown of the key specs between the Switch 2 Pro Controller and its predecessor:

	Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller	Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Dimensions	4.1 x 5.8 x 2.4in / 105 x 148 x 60.2mm	4.2 x 6.0 x 2.4in / 106 x 152 x 60mm
Weight	0.52lbs / 235g	0.54lbs / 246g
Battery life	Approx. 40 hours	Approx. 40 hours
Charge time	3.5 hours	6 hours
Connectivity	Bluetooth (wireless), USB-C (wired)	Bluetooth (wireless), USB-C (wired)
Vibration	HD Rumble 2	HD Rumble

Nintendo does warn that to achieve that charge time of 3 and a half hours, you’ll want to use an appropriate charging method. These include the Nintendo Switch 2’s AC adapter or the included USB-C charging cable. Any third-party variants could negatively impact overall charging time.

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We can also see that the Switch 2 Pro Controller has been ever so slightly refined in terms of size and weight, coming in just a bit slimmer and lighter than the first model. It’s a tiny difference, though, and one that won’t really manifest unless you have each side by side.

Nintendo quietly removes mentions of VRR support from its US and Canada Switch 2 websites

It seems that VRR support will no longer be a feature at launch

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Nintendo has quietly removed the mention of VRR support from some of its regional Switch 2 websites
The US, Canada, and Japan websites no longer feature the mention of VRR support
As of writing, the UK website still mentions VRR, but could still be removed

Nintendo has quietly removed any mention of variable refresh rate (VRR) support from some of its regionalSwitch 2websites, suggesting the console may not offer the feature after all.

That’s according to Digital Foundry’s Oliver Mackenzie (viaVGC), who spotted that the US website has been updated since theNintendo Switch 2 Direct, and no longer mentions VRR support for docked play.

Now it reads: “Take in all the detail with screen resolutions up to4Kwhen you connect the Nintendo Switch 2 system to a compatible TV using the dedicated dock. The system also supportsHDRand frame rates up to 120 fps on compatible TVs.”

It’s not just the US website that has been updated, but theCanadaandJapansites too.

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As of writing, theUKsite still mentions that the Switch 2 “supports HDR, VRR, and frame rates up to 120 fps on compatible TVs,” but Nintendo may be in the process of removing it from all its regional sites.

It’s unclear why Nintendo has made changes, but Mackenzie theorises that VRR support may not be available at launch. However, the Switch 2 in handheld looks like it will still offer VRR thanks toNvidia G-Sync, which will ensure “ultra-smooth, tear-free gameplay.”

Everything we needed to know about theSwitch 2’s specswas revealed during the Direct earlier this month, where it was also confirmed that the console will have a bigger screen, from 6.2 inches to 7.9 inches, 256GB of internal storage, and a mouse function for its magnetic Joy-Con controllers.

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The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, 2025, for $449.99 / £395.99 or $499.99 / £429.99 for aMario Kart Worldbundle.

MicroSD Express vs microSD card: What’s the difference?

It comes down to speed, price, and compatibility

(Image credit: Petapixel)

For about two decades, traditionalmicroSD cardswere the storage solution of choice for portable devices like mobile phones andhandheld consoles.

However, the evolution of storage solutions has led to the development of microSD Express, an advancement over its predecessor.

While microSD cards and microSD Express appear the same, their specifications and applications differ. You may be wondering why you haven’t heard about microSD Express – that’s because the technology is not only relatively new, but its adoption has been quite slow.

microSD Express vs microSD card – the basics

microSD Express is an advanced version of microSD that uses PCIe and NVMe interfaces similar to high-end SSD storage solutions to achieve significantly faster transfer speeds of up to 985MB/s.

This storage format was first released by the SD Association in 2019, and since then, several brands have developed cards with guaranteed minimum speeds of 150MB/s, 300MB/s, 450MB/s, or 600MB/s, as indicated by the “E” symbol on the card label. These cards, however, have not seen wide usage until recently, when Nintendo announced plans to use them for expanded storage in the upcomingSwitch 2.

On the other hand, a microSD card is a small, removable storage device that has been widely used in smartphones, tablets, cameras, and gaming consoles. Originally launched in 2005, the format has evolved into SDHC, SDXC, and SDUC variants, with capacities up to 2TB.

These cards use the SD interface and are classified based on speed. Most consumer devices today support UHS-I cards, with read speeds up to 100MB/s. Less common UHS-II and UHS-III cards can reach speeds of up to 300MB/s and 600MB/s, respectively.

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Speed and performance

The obvious advantage of microSD Express over microSD is transfer speed. Its interfaces enable faster write speeds, allowing for seamless recording and quicker file transfers. Another key benefit is reduced latency, thanks to NVMe technology.

Unlike traditional microSD cards, which rely on older interfaces, microSD Express offers lower response times when accessing data. This leads to faster system responsiveness, especially when opening large files, running applications, or switching between stored media.

Backward compatibility concerns

One major drawback of microSD Express is its lack of full backward compatibility. If you use a microSD Express card in an older device with a traditional microSD slot, the transfer speed drops to UHS-I levels, which can be disappointing. In addition, devices made for microSD Express are exclusive, meaning regular microSD cards will not work in them.

This compatibility issue is clear with the Nintendo Switch 2, which only supports microSD Express cards. Users now need to purchase new storage solutions, even if they have plenty of data on older microSD cards from previous Switch models. This shift has caused frustration among users who expected backward compatibility to be preserved.

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Use cases and adoption

microSD Express cards are not designed for all use cases. If you mainly store regular photos and videos on mobile phones or cameras, a standard microSD card will do just fine.

microSD Express shines in scenarios where high-speed data transfer is critical, with one key example being gaming.

Games are data-intensive, and faster read/write speeds reduce load times, improve performance, and make gameplay smoother. This is likely a key reason why the Nintendo Switch 2 adopted microSD Express.

Standard microSD cards often struggle with large files, leading to dropped frames or slow transfers when dealing with high data rates, such as4Kor8Kvideo. This makes microSD Express especially valuable for filmmakers and content creators.

Cost and availability

That all said, getting a microSD Express card isn’t easy. Few brands currently produce them, and availability may be limited in some regions.

Also, because the technology is still developing and uses more advanced components, microSD Express cards tend to be more expensive. For example, a 1TB microSD Express card from Lexar costs around $200, while a standard 1TB microSD card from the same brand is priced under $70.

Should you upgrade to microSD Express?

Whether to switch to microSD Express depends on your needs and device compatibility. If your device requires it, like the Nintendo Switch 2, then upgrading is necessary. But if your device only supports standard microSD cards, there’s little benefit, as speeds will drop by almost 90%. That said, if low latency is a priority, it may still be worth considering.

For general users who want affordable storage for smartphones, cameras, or other devices, traditional microSD cards remain a practical choice. Professionals working with high-speed applications, may find microSD Express to be a worthwhile investment.

Future of microSD Express

Portable computing devices, including laptops, tablets, and handheld gaming PCs, now use high-grade hardware and often rely on expandable storage for larger apps and media. For example, some mobile phones and cameras can now record in 8K, which puts a lot of pressure on storage performance.

A one-minute 8K video can be as large as 20GB. Saving this to a regular microSD card could take around four minutes, while a microSD Express card could do it in about 30 seconds. That is a significant difference that could drive the adoption of microSD Express.

Still, the future of microSD Express really depends on how many device manufacturers choose to support it. If more consoles, cameras, and portable devices integrate the format, prices may come down and the market could expand.

Nintendo says Game-Key Cards are not tied to accounts and can be loaned or resold

Game-Key Cards for the Nintendo Switch 2 are like physical game cards but without the game on them, and will prompt owners to download the game digitally. Now, Nintendo clarifies that they can be loaned or resold like regular game cards.

The Game-Key Card is always required to play a game. (Image source: Nintendo)

Alongside a new type of Game Card, Nintendo also announced that the Switch 2 will support what is calledGame-Key Cardswhich look like Game Cards but don’t contain an actual game. Instead, they are described as a key todownloading the full gameto your Switch 2. Now, Nintendo has provided new information about the Game-Key Cards.

When a Game-Key Card is purchased, buyers will have to insert it into the console and then proceed to download the game. An internet connection will be required the first time you launch the game for the first time. Subsequently, players will only need to insert the Game-Key Card into the Switch 2 to play, just like they do with a Game Card.

While that might sound as if the Game-Key Card is tied to a console, that isn’t the case. According to Nintendo’s Testuya Sasaki, the Game-Key Card isn’t tied to a console or Nintendo account, as they can be loaned, rented, and resold just like a regular Game Card.

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An example of the packaging for a Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Card. (Image source: Nintendo)

Apparently, the reason for Game-Key Cards according to information provided by Nintendo America’s president, Doug Bowser, to The Verge, is so that publishers can sell physical copies of games that are larger than the 64GB capacity of the Nintendo Switch 2 Game Cards. However, it is impossible to rule out that some publishers will opt for Game-Key Cards even if their games don’t reach the 64GB max file size of a Switch 2 Game Card.

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Despite the clarification that Game-Key Cards are not tied to accounts as is the case with digital downloads, there are those who are concerned about the future of these type of games several years into the future if the servers are shut down.

Considering owners of theNintendo 3DSandWii Ucan still redownload previously purchased games and download updates for their games despite theclosure of the eShopfor these consoles, it is safe to assume that those who purchase Game-Key Cards will always have access to download their games years down the line.