Guide: Nintendo Switch 2 Game Card And Game-Key Card Differences

There have been lots of confusion over how Game Cards and Game-Key Cards work on Nintendo Switch 2. In this guide, we will break them down part by part so you can easily understand the differences between the two and how they work.

But first, let’s define a few things:

Game Data

Game data refers to the data (file) for a piece of software, such as a video game. It could be present on a medium, such as a Game Card, or downloaded to a microSDXC Express card or internal storage on Nintendo Switch 2.

You need access to the game data in order to play the game tied to it.

License

A license grants the user permission to play the software. Imagine it as a “certificate” that grants you permission to legally play a video game. A license could be stored in different mediums.

You need access to the license in order to play the game tied to it.

==========

What this means is both the game data and license are required in order to play the game. Your game console will usually perform a check to see if the license is tied to an account or Game Card before starting the game.

Now, let’s take a look at the differences between the two and other types of game mediums.

Game Cards

Game Cards (game cartridges) have been used since the days of the NES, and they have largely worked the same over the years.

Game Cards contain both the game data and license for the game. What this means is the Game Card needs to be physically inserted into the system in order for you to play it, as both the game data and license are stored on it.

With the game data physically stored on the Game Card, you don’t have to download the game (with the exception of additional updates or patches) as it will be read from the Game Card itself. You can easily share or resell your Game Card with other people as the license stored on the Game Card will be transferred to them, allowing them to legally play the game.

Summary

• Where is the game data stored?

Game data is stored on the Game Card. You don’t have to download anything to play it (with the exception of additional updates or patches).

• Where is the license stored?

The license is stored on the Game Card. Therefore, the person who owns the Game Card owns the license (legal right) to play the game.

• How to play the game?

The Game Card must be inserted into the system in order to play the game, as both the game data and the license are stored on it.

Game-Key Cards

Game-Key Cards are a new type of physical medium for Nintendo Switch 2.

Unlike Game Cards, Game-Key Cards only contain a license. When the Game-Key Card is inserted into a Nintendo Switch 2, the user will be able to download game data for the game. In order to play the game, the Game-Key Card must be inserted into the system, and the game data must be present in the internal storage or microSDXC Express card. This means that you can’t play the game unless both requirements are met.

You can easily share or resell your Game-Key Card with other people as the license stored on the Game-Key Card will be transferred to them, allowing them to legally download and play the game. This would also mean that unlike games purchased on the Nintendo eShop, the license is not tied to a Nintendo Account, since you cannot resell digital games to other people.

Summary

• Where is the game data stored?

Game data is stored on the console’s internal storage or microSDXC Express card.

• Where is the license stored?

The license is stored on the Game-Key Card. Therefore, the person who owns the Game-Key Card owns the license (legal right) to play the game.

• How to play the game?

The Game-Key Card must be inserted into the system in order to play the game and the game data must be downloaded/installed on the console (this will be triggered by the Game-Key Card if the game data is absent). Without the Game-Key Card, you can’t download and play the game.

==========

Now, let’s compare Game Cards and Game-Key Cards with other types of game mediums.

Digital Games

Digital games are purchased from the Nintendo eShop.

The game data is stored on the console’s internal storage or microSDXC Express Card, and the license is tied to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase.

This means that it is impossible for users to resell or permanently transfer games to other users, as the license stays with the user that purchased the game.

Summary

• Where is the game data stored?

Game data is stored on the console’s internal storage or microSDXC Express card.

• Where is the license stored?

The license is tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased the game. Therefore, the person who owns the Nintendo Account owns the license (legal right) to play the game.

• How to play the game?

Start the game on the console. The game can be started so long as the game data is present and the system is able to verify that the Nintendo Account owns the content (this may require internet access).

Download Codes

Download codes can be purchased at retailers and redeemed for digital games on the Nintendo eShop. Usually, they are sold in download card and code-in-box formats at retail, and delivered via email through online websites.

The game data is stored on the console’s internal storage or microSDXC Express Card, and the license is tied to the Nintendo Account that redeemed the game.

This means that it is impossible for users to resell or permanently transfer games to other users, as the license stays with the user that redeemed the game.

Summary

• Where is the game data stored?

Game data is stored on the console’s internal storage or microSDXC Express card.

• Where is the license stored?

The license is tied to the Nintendo Account that redeemed the game. Therefore, the person who owns the Nintendo Account owns the license (legal right) to play the game.

• How to play the game?

Start the game on the console. The game can be started so long as the game data is present and the system is able to verify that the Nintendo Account owns the content (this may require internet access).

==========

How to tell the difference between a Game Card and Game-Key Card?

You can easily tell the difference by looking at the packaging of the game. If it contains a Game-Key Card, it will be indicated on the packaging with a key symbol. If the packaging is absent, look for the key symbol at the top right corner of the cartridge.