Developers of third-party Switch 2 games express frustration, with Game-Key Cards a concern

The Switch 2 has set new benchmarks for console sales, with Nintendo games also extremely popular. Unfortunately, third-party developers haven’t reaped the benefits of the successful handheld. According to a Bloomberg report, several months after its release, these creators still feel excluded by Nintendo.

One publisher explained to journalist Takashi Mochizuki that “Nintendo needs to remedy its treatment of third-party game designers if it wants to see them flourish on the Switch 2”. A limiting factor for the appeal  of Switch 2 games is the use of Game-Key Cards. A majority of the titles featured at the recent Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase use this option.

As an analyst remarked in the article, they don’t offer the convenience of cartridge-free digital gaming. At the same time, unlike traditional physical media, users must download the bulk of a title’s files. Buyers and developers aren’t the only critics of Game-Key Card formats. Mochizuki revealed that during a Nintendo investors meeting, a shareholder openly questioned the format.

Limitations of Switch 2 cartridges

Much of the frustration stems from the scant distribution options for Switch 2 games. Companies can only choose 64GB cartridges that have a higher cost than Game-Key Cards or digital releases. Yet, many titles would fit on smaller and more affordable media. In some cases, like with Square Enix’s Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, game files exceed 64GB.

Dev kit availability is likely another reason why third-party Switch 2 support hasn’t realized its potential. Without studios having access to these tools, it’s impossible to develop games for the handheld. Unfortunately, rumors suggest that the approval process is even more challenging than with the Switch.

With Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition an exception, most third-party games have suffered slow sales. For now, some developers seem to be avoiding the new console altogether. To compete with first-party Nintendo games, these companies need the gaming giant to be more accommodating.