April was a huge month for Nintendo. It was the month that they opted to roll out the red carpet for their Nintendo Switch 2 in the form of a Nintendo Direct. We got a lot of information during this presentation, including both hardware and video game software. However, one of the features that might have displeased some fans is Game Key Cards. Today, we’re discovering that Limited Run Games will not be using Game Key Cards for future releases.
If you’re unaware, Nintendo introduced the Game Key Card component for its Nintendo Switch 2. This is nothing too unusual for some releases across console platforms. Essentially, this cartridge won’t feature the game files. Instead, if a developer goes this route, they will include a cartridge that acts as a key for the digital shop to download the game. In some cases, this could be due to just how big the game is to feature on the cartridge.
Not all physical game releases will include a Game Key Card. This is just an option that developers could consider. However, as mentioned earlier, Limited Run Games is not going to take this route for any future game releases it brings out for the Nintendo Switch 2.
We’re finding out this news from Bossrush, which spoke directly to a marketing representative for Limited Run Games at PAX East 2025. It was confirmed that any Switch 2 releases will contain the full game on the cartridge, which is great news for fans who like to enjoy physical releases.
This does make sense, as Limited Run Games got its start by providing consumers with physical game releases for digital-only titles. The company exploded because of this move, which made some game releases incredibly desirable since, as the name implies, the games are sold in limited quantities. So, at least we can rest assured that these games won’t be boxed Game Key Cards. Now, we can at least hope there’s no concerns that will arise like the previous NES cartridge fiasco.
