Nintendo survey on physical vs. digital Switch 2 games follows Japanese study on Game-Key Cards

Nintendo recently surveyed Japanese gamers about the use of Game-Key Cards. Now, Nintendo of America is following suit, with a similar questionnaire. The new survey doesn't mention Game-Key Cards, but it gauges preferences for digital or physical Switch 2 games. Some analysts have blamed slow third-party sales on publishers avoiding costly cartridges.

WOKENJJT shared the latest communication from the company on social media. The Nintendo survey asks respondents whether digital or physical Switch or Switch 2 games have more appeal. It then polls gamers about digital codes, digital downloads in retail cases, and cartridges. The questions note that only cartridges can be resold or shared.

While Nintendo ships first-party games like Mario Kart World on physical media, many partners have gone digital. To this point, third-party efforts have struggled to find support on the new handheld. June Circana data revealed that Nintendo's titles dominated Switch 2 game sales. The exception was the Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition port. However, its developer shunned digital formats in favor of Game Cards.

Game-Key Cards are a compromise between digital codes and traditional Game Cards. Even so, buyers must download the bulk of a game's files before playing. Many publishers have embraced the option, but not all consumers are as enthusiastic.

Digital releases have had some success, with Deltrarune leading the Nintendo eShop charts during June. Nevertheless, when new games like Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds ship on cartridges, buyers celebrate.

Will Switch 2 publishers reverse course on digital gaming?

The physical vs. digital debate isn't relevant only for Nintendo. Microsoft initially elected to release Xbox Game Studios titles without discs. Perhaps in response to criticism, some versions of console games like The Outer Worlds 2 will now employ physical media.

Nintendo doesn't have complete control over what formats its partners use. Still, there have been rumors of pricey 64GB Switch 2 cartridges being the sole option. Depending on survey feedback, the gaming giant could create more cost-effective solutions.

With the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase on July 31st, buyers will soon find out if publishers have already shifted their strategies.