Nintendo is Asking for Feedback On Divisive Switch 2 Feature

Nintendo wants to know how Switch 2 owners feel about the system's Game-Key Cards, with a new survey now live. Since first being introduced, the cartridges have remained controversial, with many in the Nintendo Switch 2 community taking to online forums and social media to express their frustration with the medium.

Nintendo Looking Into Reports of Swollen Switch 2 Batteries

The Nintendo Switch 2 has been a roaring success, with over 6 million units sold globally since its June 5 release. However, while feedback for the new hybrid system has been largely positive, Game-Key Cards have remained a hot-button issue, with many lamenting Nintendo's decision to utilize them so frequently. These require players to download the full game to their Switch 2 system, acting as key-authentication cartridges. The biggest concern surrounding Game-Key Cards has to do with preservation, as players must trust that Nintendo will keep their servers perpetually running in order to play the games that they have purchased.

Nintendo Consulted With Third Party Publishers Over Switch 2 Game-Key Cards Feature

New reports indicate that Nintendo consulted with third-party publishers over the controversial Switch 2 game-key cards before using them.

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By Gabriel Machado Pureza

Nintendo Switch 2 Owners Asked to Provide Feedback About Game-Key Cards

In July, Nintendo began sending out a survey to Japanese Switch 2 owners regarding the system's Game-Key Cards. That survey is now live in the West, with the company largely focusing on the divisive feature and the medium fans prefer. Nintendo asks Switch 2 owners why they would consider purchasing physical versions of Nintendo Switch games, with one particularly striking answer stating that physical games "provide a stronger sense of ownership." Those taking the survey are also invited to share their thoughts in writing, with many on social media pointing to Nintendo's shutdown of the Wii U and 3DS digital storefronts as a large reason why Game-Key Cards are so concerning.

Nintendo confirmed in May that first-party Switch 2 games won't use Game-Key Cards, alleviating some concerns. Those who prefer third-party titles are largely out of luck, however, as most developers are utilizing the technology due to the system's cartridges having a 64GB storage limit. Major titles utilizing Game-Key Cards include Sonic X Shadow Generations, Hogwarts Legacy, and Street Fighter 6, with the latter including a code for its DLC that will expire in two years. Understandably, fans have been frustrated by this limitation.

August is shaping up to be a rather quiet month for the Switch 2, though fans interested in the system's unique mouse controls will want to keep an eye out for Drag x Drive on August 14. Several major first-party games are still without concrete release dates, including Kirby Air Riders and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, though the two are still listed as coming in 2025.

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