# Nintendo Won't Stop Physical Game Sales

> Nintendo confirms physical Switch 2 games stay available despite digital trends.
- Title: Nintendo Won't Stop Physical Game Sales · VICE | Shortify
- Summary: Nintendo confirms physical Switch 2 games stay available despite digital trends. Nintendo says it will not abandon physical game media for its Switch 2…
- Keywords: nintendo, nintendo switch 2, physical games, digital games, game-key cards, switch 2, news, culture, Won't, Stop, Physical, Game
- Source: VICE — https://vice.com/en/article/nintendo-physical-vs-digital-games-switch-2
- Author: Brent Koepp
- Published: 2026-10-12T14:27:46+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nintendo, nintendo switch 2, physical games, digital games, game-key cards, switch 2, news, culture
## Nintendo Physical Games
Nintendo says it has no plans to abandon physical media for Switch 2.

> We have no plans to abandon physical media
## Nintendo Switch 2 Formats
Switch 2 supports cartridges, game-key cards, and digital downloads.

> Nintendo Switch 2 supports traditional cartridges, game-key cards, and digital downloads
## Game-Key Cards Explained
Game-key cards unlock downloads but require internet for initial game installation.

> Inserting one lets you download the game to your Switch 2’s system memory
## Physical vs Digital Pricing
Physical games cost more due to cartridges, packaging, and distribution expenses.

> Physical releases involve costs such as chips, cartridges, packaging, assembly, transportation, and retail distribution
## Download Codes in Boxes
Some physical boxes contain download codes instead of cartridges.

> Nintendo confirms that some publishers may distribute Switch 2 Edition games this way
## Nintendo's Consumer Preference
Nintendo takes consumer preferences into account when releasing game formats.

> We take consumer preferences very much into consideration
## Key takeaway

Nintendo says it will not abandon physical game media for its Switch 2 console.