Little Nightmares 3 pre-order art lacks Game-Key Card label, frustrating buyers of Switch 2 games

For some Nintendo fans, buying Switch 2 games is more complicated than expected. Physical releases in retail cases may contain only a download code. Other titles like Little Nightmares 3 ship on cartridges but use the new Game-Key Card option. The media contains only a small amount of data and requires an internet connection for installation. Usually, box covers specify the format, but Little Nightmares 3 pre-order art is missing any label.

It's common for pre-order images to lack details, but some Switch 2 owners argue that the policy needs to change. Gamers who prefer conventional Game Cards often factor the format into buying decisions. Publisher Bandai Namco never revealed that the nightmarish puzzle platformer would rely on a Game-Key Card. That leaves retailers as the next best source of information. Amazon's product page doesn't mention the format, while the Best Buy listing states, "This game has the key card delivery function."

Many analysts believe that Nintendo is gradually transitioning gamers into the digital age. A Game-Key Card is a compromise between digital downloads and conventional cartridges. These Switch 2 games aren't tied to Nintendo Switch Online accounts, so owners can sell, trade, or play them on multiple consoles. Nevertheless, relying on online networks for installation irritates collectors of physical media.

A Game-Key Card also benefits publishers, as it's reportedly less expensive than 64 GB cartridges. The original Switch offered cheaper alternatives with lesser capacities. Considering Little Nightmares 3 Standard Edition costs $39.99, the decision not to use a standard Game Card may have contributed to the lower price.

So far, it's unclear if titles using Game-Key Cards are selling more or less quickly than cartridges. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition utilizes a 64 GB cartridge and has been one of the more successful third-party Switch 2 games. Its developer, CD Projekt Red, argued that publishers shouldn't completely abandon physical releases. Still, unlike Little Nightmares 3, most competing Switch 2 launch titles had already been available on other platforms.

Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.