Topic: Game Key Cards... What is the point?

@Jester676 This is not even confirmed.

1. Does your download on the SD card work when moved between consoles?
2. When a Switch is reset to factory settings and then you put the SD card in it doesn't it format it and deletes everything?

Still, it is cheap option for publishers that do not want to spend money on their releases.

@Zuljaras

1. The game only functions when the game-key card is inserted.
2. The cartridge is read-only, it won't be erased. Unless the files are corrupted, which can happen if you remove the cartridge while the game is running, or the pins on the cartridge become corroded, etc.

@Magician Sure but if I copy the download data for that key-cart game from one SD card to another just to be safe and then insert the SD card to a new Switch 2. Can I use the key-cart to play the game without the first-time internet connection requirement (that was done on the other console)?

Is the downloaded game have in its code the verification after the first internet connection? And then it does not need the internet and only need the plastic key-cart?

Or if I reset my Switch and insert the SD card later?

There are so many undefined variables that it is still a very naive thing for people to defend key-carts.

I assume the first-time internet connection will be required for every console you play the game on. It's my understanding that game-key cards are not account-bound. So if you have two Switch 2 consoles, and have downloaded the game to both consoles, you could play on either without an additional online check or download. But you can only play on one console or the other because you only have one game-key card.

If you factory-reset your Switch 2 you would have to redownload the game.

@Magician So we are back to relying on Nintendo's servers which I avoid like the plague

Someone will do this when we get Switch 2 and Switch 2 games.

I've done this with Switch microSD card as long as you don't reformat the sd card the data is still there I just move the data from old sd card to new 1tb recently and the data works. Haven't people talked about how they have multiple microSD saved game data on the same Switch-did people miss others talking they did this?

If that is the same sdcard from before formatted by that same Switch it should recognize the sdcard it formatted and the data would be safe. I did this replacing a slower 1tb with faster 1tb microsd and then copy the game data only don't overwrite the new formatted 1tb and inserted and it recognized the saved game/data on it.

"Key-Cart" would cost the same as "Code-in-Box" game what do you mean they would spend less? Take this if it can happen. Fortnite is no longer a "Code-in-box" cheapskate but a "Key-Cart" imagine the no longer attached to your Nintendo account but "Key-Cart" is the license and you can use the same game on another Switch 2.

Digital eShop your relying on Nintendo Servers? "Key-Cart" as explained is a one time check and download the game and has to be in the Switch 2 during game play as it's the license of the game. Digital is tied to your account and hardstored on the Switch. Digital games can't be moved.

It's an issue that won't arrive for about twenty years, but yes.

I'm not happy about the situation either.

@Jester676 I meant that they opt in to spend less on their releases by using code-in-a-box or key-cart as opposed to putting a working build on a normal cartridge.

Normal physical release > every other way of releasing a game. It is that simple.

Also I am sure that if you reset your Switch you can't play your games on the SD card if you do not verify with a linked Nintendo account.

On Nintendo's site it reads that you can't play games from another Switch console after changing cards.

@Zuljaras "Key-Card" isn't that-they are not tied to a Nintendo account. This is the misinformation that keeps spreading. What Link on Nintendo are you referring to here? If people are going to reference Nintendo FAQ we need links to stop misinformation.
It comes down to cost some small studios can't afford full Switch carts price for their games. And if they can at least put it on "Key-Cart" this make is all the better for consumer since it's no longer "Code-in-Box" this is what makes it good for consumer of Digital games you get your options for games that come a Switch 2 case.
1. Buy eShop Digital/"Code-in-Box" and restricted to the Nintendo account
or
2. Buy "Key-Cart" and have no restriction on what Switch 2 it plays on.
So which deal is better pro-consumer when it comes to Digital games?

It is that simple if you value the ability to play a game 20 years later over everything else. I, for example, quite rarely revisit games once I've completed them, so that factor is not the most important thing for me when buying games. On the other hand, digital games are typically much cheaper than physical ones (and looks like these key-cart games will be cheaper too), which is definitely a key deciding factor for many people, including me. I do still buy regular physical copies of games I'm fairly certain I want to revisit in the future... But for everything else digital is better, since I'm not wealthy.

Neither, it's a wash.

Collectors lose either way.

Most consumers aren't collectors though.

But Zuljaras and I are collectors.

@Magician

Yes, but the question asked in the post you replied to was, "So which deal is better pro-consumer when it comes to digital games?" Not pro-collector, pro-consumer.

Most people who buy video games don't buy them to collect then, so these key-cart games have some obvious advantages for these average consumers, even if those advantages don't apply to collectors.

@Polvasti

Yes, but the question was posed to Zuljaras. Who I assume would agree with what I said.

That said, when it comes to all-digital products such as the game-key card and/or code-in-a-box, at least you can recoup some money with the game-key cards since you can trade or sell them.

@Jester676 As stated on the Nintendo site the first time you start the game you have to be connected online. After that you can be offline and have the cart inserted. BUT what happens after you reset your console? I guess you have to do the online check again. This kind of DRM is what I hate.

@Polvasti I collect games that I know I will play. I am not a senseless collector that just want to own. For me physical games are special because I grew up with them. I know I am in the minority or as you call it a niche but still, I want at least the games I really LOVE to get the "special" treatment of having a playable version of the game on the freaking cart.

So, collecting and gaming is one for me. I casually bring up my NES, SNES etc. and play on them. Nostalgia is hell of a drug

Also wanting a proper physical edition is not hurting the ability for other to enjoy the game.

The only reason we have those "fake" releases is for the publishers to cheap out.

Fake release is tad harsh, but it is the cheapest option for publishers to maximize profit.

Exactly but people latch onto the low hanging fruit.
In case of "Key-Card" they give you options as the License is on the "Key-Card" not on a Nintendo Account. This is the biggest change and people tend to overlook this "The License" to run the game is on the "Key-Card" for games that come only "Key-Card".

@Zuljaras Links...If I reference, I will upmost do to post the Nintendo Links used...if one is going to cited a Nintendo FAQ please provide the links. And if you have concerns email Nintendo Support and ask them your question.