@pikachupikachup You’re exactly right! Nintendo (thus far) isn’t using game key carts for the 1st party releases.
But what I mean when I say “game keys are the cheap and easy way out for Nintendo” is that allegedly, rather than shoulder the marginal cost increase of offering physical cart media in several affordable sizes to their publisher partners, the only physical options are game keys or else expensive 64GB carts. Nintendo is subsidizing their own 1st party games so they can sell them as proper physical releases, essentially eating the cost of those 64GB carts, but as far as we know, they’re not subsidizing the cart cost for 3rd parties who also want to sell the highest quality physical release.
Game key carts are indeed lame. They stink. They’re awful, unsatisfying, and unnecessary except maybe for online service games. But they’re the cheap, easy way out for Nintendo. So here you go consumers, SHRINKFLATION FOR VIDEO GAMES!!
@8bit-Man It’s true, in the Switch Uno days a game would be announced and then we’d have to wait for retailers or Nintendo or somebody to tell us if it was getting a physical or not. Now with Switch Deux we have to research deeper - is the physical just a game key? Sadly, I think going forward we have to presume guilty until proven innocent! It looks like the majority of “physical” Switch 2 games are just going to be these flawed game key cartridges. I’d be pleasantly shocked if Wild Hearts S wasn’t a game key.
I’m really going to miss the “plug & play” peace of mind we usually enjoyed on the OG Switch.
The excellent ACA NeoGeo Selection Vols 3 & 4 delivered this week (including a unique old beatemup Sengoku I remember liking a lot at the local bowling alley about 35 years ago), but I still haven’t slotted them in as Xenoblade Chronicles X: DE is still monopolizing all my gaming time.
Half my skells are lv 50, they’re all named and we’re all airborne, but there’s still some corners of Mira we haven’t flown to yet (too many distractions!). I started chapter 11, so the climax and end-game content is in sight! I have a feeling I’ll be dragging my feet, though, having enjoyed the game so much.
My weekend free time will dwindle a little for the next 4-5 months as, sadly, that perennial favorite game Lawn Mowing Simulator with bonus Fix the Flower Garden content is back, demanding attention. Ah well, it’s good to get out and enjoy the fresh air.
I already paid for one of the damned things when I preordered my Switch 2 - I thought Yakuza Zero was complete on cart, and the GameStop store manager couldn’t confirm. I rolled the dice and lost.
That said, I have little intention of buying more game keys. They’re workarounds which I don’t like. I can’t help thinking that Nintendo could have made proper physical media affordable and accessible again for this generation, had their priorities been different. As it is, they are favoring digital media and trying to appease retailers and their physical-preferring customers with steps like game key carts and digital game sharing, but it’s poor consolation for me.
I purchased over 450 physical games on Switch Uno. Unless things change I’ll be getting just a fraction of that quantity on Switch Deux, rather than buy a bunch compromised products.
Disheartening is putting it lightly. The Switch was the best modern platform to own your games physically. The Switch 2 will seemingly be worse than the disk-based systems. I didn’t expect such a plummet. Rather than trying to support continued physical releases, Nintendo has focused their energies on trying to improve their digital products. In the end, though, digital licenses are still tied to the internet and corporate discretion, and Ill never spend as freely on them as I would proper physical releases.
I loved playing the base game last year, after my physical copy arrived from LRG.
I’ll have to re-buy the game now though - I just saw yesterday that Red Art Games is publishing an updated physical “Stellar Edition” that includes all patches up to 2.0 and 2 DLCs (The Outer Reaches and Yamat the Breach Traveler).
I’m glad 90% of my collection is physical and I don’t have to try to figure out how to share these digital game cards with my kids. All this wackiness for what should be a simple thing.
I already preordered my S2 physical copy and it will be my first encounter with the game. I’m looking forward to it! I’m not really concerned with how it measures up vs the steam deck version, as long as it’s a playable, fun, and reasonably decent looking game.
But seriously, all hail to CD Projekt Red for taking the high road and doing the work to get the complete game on the cartridge (like they did with Witcher 3 on Switch Uno)!
That is the type of publisher effort I want to support!
I wish Star Fox, Kid Icarus, and and Punch-Out would get some love on the Switch 2. Unforgettable "AA" tier Nintendo games from my youth. A nice refresh is overdue for all of them!
If I'm being honest, though, my enthusiasm for Switch 2 prospects has dimmed a bit overall, due to the snub of real physical releases. My dread is we'll get some nice new entries in these storied Nintendo series, but they'll be digital only. The likelihood of me buying and wholeheartedly enjoying them will drop as a consequence. It's not a fun feeling for a relic like me who likes tangible ownership, no strings attached.
I’d mostly agree with Doug, but obviously for a luxury item the magnitude of Switch 2, you have to avoid releasing immediately before or after the year-end Holidays. With the Switch Uno and again this gen, I think Nintendo found a March to mid-year sweet spot where they can launch and then replenish in time for the Holiday rush.
I’m a National Public Radio listener and supporter, but somehow missed this interview with Mr. Bowser, although it did air on Apr 7th, and the Switch 2 and tariff news was coming fast and furious back then. Every now and then NPR will run stories on games and gaming - they actually covered how Saudi money crowbarred Christiano Ronaldo and some random DJ into the new Fatal Fury game: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/24/nx-s1-5246205/fatal-fury-japanese-video-game-cristiano-ronaldo
Trading in my OLED was never even a consideration - I have way too many physical S1 games that I'll want to play natively, rather than risk playing in emulation on S2. When I pick up my Switch Deux this June, I'm thinking I'll still leave my Switch Uno hooked up to the TV. I may finally have to pack up my faithful old Wii U though.
It's a rainy Saturday and I'm sure I'll get in some Xenoblade Chronicles X: DE before family activities and other commitments take me away.
Last weekend I took to the Miran skies and set up a few previously unreachable probes, though I barely progressed since then. Work and the effort to get my Switch 2 on preorder sapped a lot of my energy during the week, but all ended well so I'll try to do a few more affinity quests and push into story chapter 11, at least. That Lifehold isn't gonna find itself! And I must bring this ragtag bunch of humans and xeno friends to some kind of happy resolution before Mario Kart hits in June.
Wishing everybody time to relax with your friends, fam, and fave games this weekend! 🕹💥👾
CRAP I preordered Yakuza yesterday, believing it was legit. Now I have to choose whether to cancel. I wanted to play this game but REALLY do not want to support these game keys.
@Fake-news
Hah, no, it’s just me, Teksette, though I watch Jordan (Physical Paradise) often on YouTube and he’s got a useful stream for people who like to collect physical games. Jordan pretty much trademarked that “ code in the box BS” moniker, but I called it much the same upon learning of such things years ago. 😉
All on the cart 🤩
On the cart, but day one patch 🙂
Base game on cart, but have to download multiplayer/DLC 😑
Significant portion of base game/collected titles must be downloaded ☹️
Game key cartridge crud 😣
Code in the box BS 😩
Cloud version 🤮
I managed to get through to Best Buy at about 1am last night, and preordered a base console. That one was for insurance - I’ll probably end up selling it to a friend for MSRP.
The main event was this morning at my local GameStop. I lined up about 2hours before opening and secured an MK bundle, pro controller, case, screen protector sheet, and 3 launch games (Cyberpunk, TOTK, and Yakuza Zero). I really wanted to buy there locally. Struck up some fun conversations with my fellow enthusiasts to pass the time in line today, and I hope to do so again at the midnight launch!
Had I more vaca time, I’d take Fri 6/5 off to set up and play the new console, but it’ll wait till the weekend.
It’s a relief this ended successfully, but hoo boy I’m done spending money for a while! 😓
Jordan on Physical Paradise (YouTube channel) was saying at least a week ago that the Marvelous games were present on cart. I’m glad for the confirmation though! I’ll be picking up Daemon X Machina for sure 🤖
Were all their releases in Japan really game key carts though?
@Willo567 True enough, you could say anything (and anyone!) has an expiration date. These games physically will outlive Nintendo’s servers, though, and become nontransferable, devalued hunks of plastic at that point. Plus the memory burden for storing these games is passed onto the consumer, when it could have (should have) been stored on the cartridge that cost me $60-70.
Honestly, I’m surprised that Japan seemingly has more uptake of these game key carts than Western markets. There will be many Japanese gamers upset by this news.
I can’t help imagining Nintendo execs twirling their mustaches and feeling proud of themselves at the start of the new generation, charging us more while giving us less, all while keeping their retailers happy. Are bean-counters and shareholders calling the shots now, post-Iwata?
I've yet to played Danganronpa, but 100 Line looked like an adjacent game with one of those "Prefectural Earth Defense Force" anime premises that I could get into. I'm glad to hear my preorder was not in vain! I'll look forward to picking it up later this week. Though I still have a long way to go with XCX:DE, so it may be on the backlog shelf for a while.
I’m enjoying a 3-day weekend and plenty of time with the kiddos. It’s been ages since we had sunny weather on the weekend, so we’ve been taking advantage and spending time outside. But I’m still squeezing in some time for Xenoblade Chronicles X: DE as I’m firmly hooked at this point.
My team is all around lv 39 and I’m rocking a collection of lv 30 skells. I was thinking of tip-toeing toward Cauldros, but given the sage testimony of @Shiryu , I think perhaps I’ll just do some more affinity quests, optimize my data probes, and power-up a bit more. I still have to unlock the coveted flight modules, too.
@Thwomp_Stomper Hey T Stomper! Yes MKW and Fast RMX would be great debut games on your new console! It would be MKW and probably Cyberpunk for me, as I’ve never played it, or maybe just Soul Calibur 2 on NSO. I’ll be trying to preorder at my local GameStop, too, as the manager there is a stand-up guy and I like giving the local retail stores the business. If I strike out there I’ll fall back on the invite the Nintendo website hopefully sends me in early May. With my luck, I’ll get a preorder thru GameStop but then Nintendo will invite me later and I’ll feel obligated to buy. If that happens, I’ll just flip one of them at MSRP plus tax, just to cover my costs and make another video gamer happy. 😊
May the Wah be with you in your preorder endeavors! 😆🍀
I’ll have to wait a few hours and watch in my lunch break tomorrow. Hoping they reveal some meaty single-player and creative content like what my honorable friend @GrailUK lists above!
I would enjoy a “World Tour” mode that strings together a lap from ALL the courses, like an enduro race. Fuel consumption and a damage meter with strategic pitstops would be neat additions maybe.
Nice editorial Alana! It is amazing to think about just how vast and advanced a game Monolith Soft created for the Wii U ten years ago. I loved the game then - I rambled all over Mira getting way in over my head before I even earned a skell - and I absolutely adore the Definitive Edition now on Switch. For a sci-fi mecha fan like me, this game is a dream come true.
All progress in Xenoblade Chronicles X: DE halted the moment my heroine Camelia was granted her first skell, Rose. Since then I’ve been gleefully rolling around Mira vanquishing indigens and xenos, reminding my victims to “Never underestimate the power of a common woman!”
Perhaps this weekend I’ll try to make some more structured progress in the game, though Ive got some family commitments which take priority. Soaking in all the Switch Deux news has cut into my gaming time, too. I wonder if preorders will open this week here in the US? Either way, I’ve decided not to sweat it, not even about all the sad news about physical S2 games. I’ll trust that physical will find a way, for one last gen. If not, que sera sera! My backlog is future-proof. 😅
Oh Nintendo… way to pass up a golden opportunity to produce a comprehensive “Ultimate Edition” of your 8-year old game. Really they are pinching every penny lately. 😑
@Serpenterror
"Win some, lose some" is a good way for summing up this whole Switch 2 generation so far. As you say, I'm sure Nintendo is caught between pleasing shareholders, pleasing customers, pleasing publishers, retailer partners, etc, and there is probably no way to satisfy everyone. Was Nintendo unwilling to offer a reasonably-priced Switch 2 physical media to their publishing partners, instead opting for these imitation carts that hold nothing but an authorization code (licenses that can expire at Nintendo's sole discretion) to surpress piracy? Just to save money? Maybe Stephen Totilo or some other investigative reporter can dig deep on that one day.
One thing is abundantly clear these last few years - Nintendo, publishers, they're all just going to follow the money. Give them a cheap way out, and most often they're going to take it, consumers' preferences be damned.
I guess we deluded people, who feel that a person who buys media should get to own said media, are just going to have to support the rare, legitimate physical retail releases while we still have the option. I hear Cyberpunk is all on the cartridge, at least, so I'll be buying that.
Enter the Gungeon was a fantastic fun time that had just the right amount of challenge for me. Certainly not easy, but the more you stick with it, the more you're rewarded.
I'll be on-board for the sequel, although I'm with @OorWullie , hoping a 3D version of the game will retain that snappy charm.
Sheesh we knew physical gaming would get worse over time, but it’s sad to see it take such a hit on the Switch Deux. With even Nintendo caving to greed, I imagine legitimate physical as an option will be axed altogether on the next Sony and Xbox generation.
Publishers will abuse the game-key practice to no end, even for paltry little indies or ports of old games like Suikoden that would fit on a conventional cart no problem. Or else they’d love to print it physically but they can’t, because Nintendo doesn’t manufacture cartridges under 32gb??
It just rots to have something we don’t want and didn’t ask for forced on us like this. One thing’s for sure, I’ll be spending a lot less on video games going forward.
Please tell me this is just a rumor. This pair of Suikoden games fit on what is probably a 2 or 4gb cartridge on the OG Switch, but you’re telling me Konami couldn’t afford to actually print these on S2 cartridges?
Jeez just charge us $5 more and PUT THE DANG GAMES ON THE CARTRIDGE. What a misguided attempt at a physical release.
I'll write my opinion for posterity's sake. I'm still on-board for launch, but yes, a lot of the hype has faded a bit. I'd say the S2 hardware exceeded my expectations, but then, so did the price, and that affordability could suffer even more for us in the US as Nintendo tries to figure out or wait out Trump's bully tariffs.
It's all the compromised physical releases that have really saddened me - $80 games, games that are only download keys, games that are Switch 1 data that include (maybe) a one-time code in the box to get the S2 upgrade. Physical games will be subject to tariffs and thus even less likely to come to market vs. cheaper, direct-sale digital game licenses. It's a shame for those of us who like to get more for our gaming money.
Also, hoping and praying that Japan game releases are not region-locked. I have a sinking feeling they will be, along with the Japan-only console.
But a lot of details are still unconfirmed, and I'll remain optimistic as much as I can. We really do have the most impressive Mario Kart and Metroid games ever on the way, and many 3rd-party games we could never have dreamed of playing on an OG Switch, after all!
If what this rep said is accurate - that the physical is just the S1 print of the game with a one-time code to get the S2 upgrade - that will make all these S2 edition games an easy skip for me. I mean the one-time code would be even worse than the “game key cartridge” foolishness that seems to be happening, as those (if I understand correctly) are transferable to other owners at least.
For now I’ll reserve judgement until we get official confirmation.
I swear, though, everything about the S2 launch would be hunky-dory and A-OK (well, except maybe the pricing and the Trump tariff disaster) if only I didn’t prefer physical media. But I do! I think we consumers deserve to own what we purchase, to build a collection, to lend it, sell it, or give it away as we so choose, no strings attached.
Please, in most cases it should be so simple - just print the full game on the cartridge. 🙇🏻♀️
@Shiryu It turns out that on my Wii U save file, I was only lv 23 and not yet starting Chapter 5 even. But I had explored and probed a lot more of Mira than I have now at lv 25 on the Switch. So no wonder I was shocked! This week was the first time I saw the XCX story amp up so much!
And I hear you, I’m enjoying all the upgrades and what little new content I’ve recognized so far in this Definitive Edition. What an adventure!
@Morsel The shock came for me at the end of Chapter 5. So maybe it wasn’t as shocking for everyone?
@Shiryu Truly it’s a shocking plot twist! It caught me completely off guard, so now I wonder if I didn’t play that far back on the Wii U. Either that or my memory is worse than I thought! 😅 Maybe I’ll load up my Wii U save file from 10 years ago and see where I was.
Wow what a turbulent week of news - the highs of the S2 Direct, the lows of the pricing and all the compromises, the frustration and disbelief over living in the richest nation on earth, but it’s run by a paranoid egomaniac mafia boss tearing down our government while thinking the entire world is RIPPING US OFF…. it’s been exhausting.
This weekend I’ll mostly be avoiding news and just keep going in Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Ed which has been an absolute treat. I, too, just hit that huge [REDACTED] plot twist that @Shiryu mentioned above and I’m still fiercely motivated to progress in this game. (As if the lure of earning your own mecha wasn’t enough!)
Wishing everyone a weekend of serenity and bliss! 🕹🧘🏻♀️
Having the S2 Direct overlap Dictator Don's "Liberation Day" tariff insanity on April 2nd was the worst possible luck for Nintendo. The seismic shift toward global insecurity that night made Nintendo's higher pricing an extra-easy target for a lot of rage.
MKW looks amazing, and I pray somehow we'll see some features revealed during the next Direct that can justify the premium price a bit. But $80.00 is a very tough pill to swallow.
Comments 2,857
Re: Former Assassin's Creed Lead Isn't Happy About Switch 2's Game-Key Cards
@pikachupikachup
You’re exactly right! Nintendo (thus far) isn’t using game key carts for the 1st party releases.
But what I mean when I say “game keys are the cheap and easy way out for Nintendo” is that allegedly, rather than shoulder the marginal cost increase of offering physical cart media in several affordable sizes to their publisher partners, the only physical options are game keys or else expensive 64GB carts.
Nintendo is subsidizing their own 1st party games so they can sell them as proper physical releases, essentially eating the cost of those 64GB carts, but as far as we know, they’re not subsidizing the cart cost for 3rd parties who also want to sell the highest quality physical release.
Re: Former Assassin's Creed Lead Isn't Happy About Switch 2's Game-Key Cards
Game key carts are indeed lame. They stink. They’re awful, unsatisfying, and unnecessary except maybe for online service games. But they’re the cheap, easy way out for Nintendo. So here you go consumers, SHRINKFLATION FOR VIDEO GAMES!!
Re: 'Wild Hearts S' Switch 2 Release Detailed By Koei Tecmo
@8bit-Man
It’s true, in the Switch Uno days a game would be announced and then we’d have to wait for retailers or Nintendo or somebody to tell us if it was getting a physical or not. Now with Switch Deux we have to research deeper - is the physical just a game key?
Sadly, I think going forward we have to presume guilty until proven innocent! It looks like the majority of “physical” Switch 2 games are just going to be these flawed game key cartridges. I’d be pleasantly shocked if Wild Hearts S wasn’t a game key.
I’m really going to miss the “plug & play” peace of mind we usually enjoyed on the OG Switch.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (3rd May)
The excellent ACA NeoGeo Selection Vols 3 & 4 delivered this week (including a unique old beatemup Sengoku I remember liking a lot at the local bowling alley about 35 years ago), but I still haven’t slotted them in as Xenoblade Chronicles X: DE is still monopolizing all my gaming time.
Half my skells are lv 50, they’re all named and we’re all airborne, but there’s still some corners of Mira we haven’t flown to yet (too many distractions!). I started chapter 11, so the climax and end-game content is in sight! I have a feeling I’ll be dragging my feet, though, having enjoyed the game so much.
My weekend free time will dwindle a little for the next 4-5 months as, sadly, that perennial favorite game Lawn Mowing Simulator with bonus Fix the Flower Garden content is back, demanding attention. Ah well, it’s good to get out and enjoy the fresh air.
Wishing everyone an invigorating weekend! 🕹🌷🌱
Re: Talking Point: Will You Be Buying Any Game-Key Card Switch 2 Games?
I already paid for one of the damned things when I preordered my Switch 2 - I thought Yakuza Zero was complete on cart, and the GameStop store manager couldn’t confirm. I rolled the dice and lost.
That said, I have little intention of buying more game keys. They’re workarounds which I don’t like. I can’t help thinking that Nintendo could have made proper physical media affordable and accessible again for this generation, had their priorities been different. As it is, they are favoring digital media and trying to appease retailers and their physical-preferring customers with steps like game key carts and digital game sharing, but it’s poor consolation for me.
I purchased over 450 physical games on Switch Uno. Unless things change I’ll be getting just a fraction of that quantity on Switch Deux, rather than buy a bunch compromised products.
Re: Nightdive Studios' CEO Says That Game-Key Cards On Switch 2 Is "Disheartening"
Disheartening is putting it lightly. The Switch was the best modern platform to own your games physically. The Switch 2 will seemingly be worse than the disk-based systems. I didn’t expect such a plummet. Rather than trying to support continued physical releases, Nintendo has focused their energies on trying to improve their digital products. In the end, though, digital licenses are still tied to the internet and corporate discretion, and Ill never spend as freely on them as I would proper physical releases.
Re: Random: Clair Obscur Director Celebrates Amazing Switch RPG Which Launched On Same Day
I picked up Hundred Line, but won’t get to touch it until I finish XCX:DE. It’s high up on my backlog priority list though!
Re: Awesome Roguelike 'Astral Ascent' Doubles In Size With Ver. 2.0 Launch & New DLC
I loved playing the base game last year, after my physical copy arrived from LRG.
I’ll have to re-buy the game now though - I just saw yesterday that Red Art Games is publishing an updated physical “Stellar Edition” that includes all patches up to 2.0 and 2 DLCs (The Outer Reaches and Yamat the Breach Traveler).
Re: Nintendo Switch System Update 20.0.0 Is Now Live, Here Are The Full Patch Notes
Imagine if they added themes in this update! 🤣
I’m glad 90% of my collection is physical and I don’t have to try to figure out how to share these digital game cards with my kids. All this wackiness for what should be a simple thing.
Re: Cyberpunk 2077 On Switch 2 Is "Best Way" To Play Handheld Says CD Projekt Red
I already preordered my S2 physical copy and it will be my first encounter with the game. I’m looking forward to it! I’m not really concerned with how it measures up vs the steam deck version, as long as it’s a playable, fun, and reasonably decent looking game.
But seriously, all hail to CD Projekt Red for taking the high road and doing the work to get the complete game on the cartridge (like they did with Witcher 3 on Switch Uno)!
That is the type of publisher effort I want to support!
Re: Talking Point: Which Nintendo Series Are You Most Excited To See Return On Switch 2?
I wish Star Fox, Kid Icarus, and and Punch-Out would get some love on the Switch 2. Unforgettable "AA" tier Nintendo games from my youth. A nice refresh is overdue for all of them!
If I'm being honest, though, my enthusiasm for Switch 2 prospects has dimmed a bit overall, due to the snub of real physical releases. My dread is we'll get some nice new entries in these storied Nintendo series, but they'll be digital only. The likelihood of me buying and wholeheartedly enjoying them will drop as a consequence. It's not a fun feeling for a relic like me who likes tangible ownership, no strings attached.
Re: Random: Missed Out On A Switch 2 Pre-Order? Sakurai Has The Perfect Solution
Very appropriate! I’m sure there are many of us in NA, too, who wish we could forget all about the preorder fiasco last week. 😵💫
Re: Elden Ring Has Now Shipped Over 30 Million Copies Ahead Of Switch 2 Launch
Switch Deux will be my first chance to try this game. If only it could be a proper physical release, I'd be overjoyed!
Re: Nintendo Of America President On Timing Of Switch 2's Release Date
I’d mostly agree with Doug, but obviously for a luxury item the magnitude of Switch 2, you have to avoid releasing immediately before or after the year-end Holidays. With the Switch Uno and again this gen, I think Nintendo found a March to mid-year sweet spot where they can launch and then replenish in time for the Holiday rush.
I’m a National Public Radio listener and supporter, but somehow missed this interview with Mr. Bowser, although it did air on Apr 7th, and the Switch 2 and tariff news was coming fast and furious back then.
Every now and then NPR will run stories on games and gaming - they actually covered how Saudi money crowbarred Christiano Ronaldo and some random DJ into the new Fatal Fury game:
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/24/nx-s1-5246205/fatal-fury-japanese-video-game-cristiano-ronaldo
Re: Poll: GameStop Offers A Tempting Switch 2 Trade-In Deal, But Is It Really Worth It?
Trading in my OLED was never even a consideration - I have way too many physical S1 games that I'll want to play natively, rather than risk playing in emulation on S2.
When I pick up my Switch Deux this June, I'm thinking I'll still leave my Switch Uno hooked up to the TV. I may finally have to pack up my faithful old Wii U though.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (26th April)
It's a rainy Saturday and I'm sure I'll get in some Xenoblade Chronicles X: DE before family activities and other commitments take me away.
Last weekend I took to the Miran skies and set up a few previously unreachable probes, though I barely progressed since then. Work and the effort to get my Switch 2 on preorder sapped a lot of my energy during the week, but all ended well so I'll try to do a few more affinity quests and push into story chapter 11, at least. That Lifehold isn't gonna find itself! And I must bring this ragtag bunch of humans and xeno friends to some kind of happy resolution before Mario Kart hits in June.
Wishing everybody time to relax with your friends, fam, and fave games this weekend! 🕹💥👾
Re: Every Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Card Release
CRAP I preordered Yakuza yesterday, believing it was legit. Now I have to choose whether to cancel.
I wanted to play this game but REALLY do not want to support these game keys.
Re: Switch 2 "Code-In-A-Box" Physical Game Listing Spotted Online
@Fake-news
Hah, no, it’s just me, Teksette, though I watch Jordan (Physical Paradise) often on YouTube and he’s got a useful stream for people who like to collect physical games. Jordan pretty much trademarked that “ code in the box BS” moniker, but I called it much the same upon learning of such things years ago. 😉
Re: Switch 2 "Code-In-A-Box" Physical Game Listing Spotted Online
Physical game cheap-o-meter, from best to worst:
All on the cart 🤩
On the cart, but day one patch 🙂
Base game on cart, but have to download multiplayer/DLC 😑
Significant portion of base game/collected titles must be downloaded ☹️
Game key cartridge crud 😣
Code in the box BS 😩
Cloud version 🤮
Re: Poll: So, Did You Manage To Get A Switch 2 Pre-Order In? (North America)
I managed to get through to Best Buy at about 1am last night, and preordered a base console.
That one was for insurance - I’ll probably end up selling it to a friend for MSRP.
The main event was this morning at my local GameStop. I lined up about 2hours before opening and secured an MK bundle, pro controller, case, screen protector sheet, and 3 launch games (Cyberpunk, TOTK, and Yakuza Zero). I really wanted to buy there locally. Struck up some fun conversations with my fellow enthusiasts to pass the time in line today, and I hope to do so again at the midnight launch!
Had I more vaca time, I’d take Fri 6/5 off to set up and play the new console, but it’ll wait till the weekend.
It’s a relief this ended successfully, but hoo boy I’m done spending money for a while! 😓
Re: Marvelous USA Confirms Its Switch 2 Physical Releases Will Contain The "Full Game"
Marvelous news!
Jordan on Physical Paradise (YouTube channel) was saying at least a week ago that the Marvelous games were present on cart. I’m glad for the confirmation though!
I’ll be picking up Daemon X Machina for sure 🤖
Were all their releases in Japan really game key carts though?
Re: Random: It's Official, Nobody Likes Monty Mole
Oh no! This is so sad!! My kids and I love Monty! We’ll be fighting over him in MKW.
Be strong Monty. You are loved 💜
Re: Switch 2 Game-Key Cards Won't Make It Easy For Physical Collectors In Japan
@Willo567
True enough, you could say anything (and anyone!) has an expiration date.
These games physically will outlive Nintendo’s servers, though, and become nontransferable, devalued hunks of plastic at that point. Plus the memory burden for storing these games is passed onto the consumer, when it could have (should have) been stored on the cartridge that cost me $60-70.
Honestly, I’m surprised that Japan seemingly has more uptake of these game key carts than Western markets. There will be many Japanese gamers upset by this news.
I can’t help imagining Nintendo execs twirling their mustaches and feeling proud of themselves at the start of the new generation, charging us more while giving us less, all while keeping their retailers happy. Are bean-counters and shareholders calling the shots now, post-Iwata?
Re: Every Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key Card Release
Thank you for this guide! It’ll help me steer clear of these accursed things. 😑
Re: Switch 2 Game-Key Cards Won't Make It Easy For Physical Collectors In Japan
Dear Nintendo and Publishing Partners,
I like my physical game cartridges without expiration dates, so I won’t be buying any of your “game key cartridges.”
Sincerely,
Concerned Consumer
Re: Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Update Now Live (Version 1.0.2), Here Are The Full Patch Notes
Stability X10 augment for my skell 😎
Re: Review: The Hundred Line - Last Defense Academy (Switch) - An Addictive VN & Tactics Blend With Notes Of Persona
I've yet to played Danganronpa, but 100 Line looked like an adjacent game with one of those "Prefectural Earth Defense Force" anime premises that I could get into. I'm glad to hear my preorder was not in vain!
I'll look forward to picking it up later this week. Though I still have a long way to go with XCX:DE, so it may be on the backlog shelf for a while.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (19th April)
I’m enjoying a 3-day weekend and plenty of time with the kiddos. It’s been ages since we had sunny weather on the weekend, so we’ve been taking advantage and spending time outside. But I’m still squeezing in some time for Xenoblade Chronicles X: DE as I’m firmly hooked at this point.
My team is all around lv 39 and I’m rocking a collection of lv 30 skells. I was thinking of tip-toeing toward Cauldros, but given the sage testimony of @Shiryu , I think perhaps I’ll just do some more affinity quests, optimize my data probes, and power-up a bit more. I still have to unlock the coveted flight modules, too.
Wishing everyone a warm and wonderful weekend! 🕹🐰
Re: Nintendo Switch 2 US Pre-Orders Start 24th April, System & Launch Game Pricing Unchanged
@Thwomp_Stomper
Hey T Stomper! Yes MKW and Fast RMX would be great debut games on your new console! It would be MKW and probably Cyberpunk for me, as I’ve never played it, or maybe just Soul Calibur 2 on NSO.
I’ll be trying to preorder at my local GameStop, too, as the manager there is a stand-up guy and I like giving the local retail stores the business. If I strike out there I’ll fall back on the invite the Nintendo website hopefully sends me in early May.
With my luck, I’ll get a preorder thru GameStop but then Nintendo will invite me later and I’ll feel obligated to buy. If that happens, I’ll just flip one of them at MSRP plus tax, just to cover my costs and make another video gamer happy. 😊
May the Wah be with you in your preorder endeavors! 😆🍀
Re: Nintendo Switch 2 US Pre-Orders Start 24th April, System & Launch Game Pricing Unchanged
Well I’m glad Nintendo has committed to a date and price, and I’ll try to preorder my console, pro controller, and a couple physical games next week.
I’m just so sad all this wait, uncertainty, and extra expense is necessary.
It’s obvious who we have to thank for that. (Hint: it’s not Nintendo.)
Re: Nintendo Confirms Duration For Tomorrow's Mario Kart World Direct
I’ll have to wait a few hours and watch in my lunch break tomorrow. Hoping they reveal some meaty single-player and creative content like what my honorable friend @GrailUK lists above!
I would enjoy a “World Tour” mode that strings together a lap from ALL the courses, like an enduro race. Fuel consumption and a damage meter with strategic pitstops would be neat additions maybe.
Re: Opinion: In A Post BOTW And Elden Ring World, Xenoblade Chronicles X Is Still Daunting
Nice editorial Alana! It is amazing to think about just how vast and advanced a game Monolith Soft created for the Wii U ten years ago. I loved the game then - I rambled all over Mira getting way in over my head before I even earned a skell - and I absolutely adore the Definitive Edition now on Switch. For a sci-fi mecha fan like me, this game is a dream come true.
I would wholeheartedly support a sequel.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (12th April)
All progress in Xenoblade Chronicles X: DE halted the moment my heroine Camelia was granted her first skell, Rose. Since then I’ve been gleefully rolling around Mira vanquishing indigens and xenos, reminding my victims to “Never underestimate the power of a common woman!”
Perhaps this weekend I’ll try to make some more structured progress in the game, though Ive got some family commitments which take priority. Soaking in all the Switch Deux news has cut into my gaming time, too. I wonder if preorders will open this week here in the US? Either way, I’ve decided not to sweat it, not even about all the sad news about physical S2 games. I’ll trust that physical will find a way, for one last gen. If not, que sera sera! My backlog is future-proof. 😅
Wishing everyone an excellent weekend! 🕹👾
Re: Zelda: BOTW Switch 2 Edition Won't Include The DLC, Nintendo Confirms
Oh Nintendo… way to pass up a golden opportunity to produce a comprehensive “Ultimate Edition” of your 8-year old game.
Really they are pinching every penny lately. 😑
Re: Three Sega Genesis / Mega Drive Games Have Been Added To Switch Online's Expansion Pack
Nice! 3 quality games I put a lot of time into back then! Friends and I never did beat E-SWAT.
Re: Hades II Will Officially Launch On Switch 2 & Switch Ahead Of Other Consoles
Hades was a marvelous experience and I’ve been looking forward to the sequel.
I’ll pick it up on S1 or S2, wherever the physical release is better.
Re: Switch 2 Game-Key Cards Aren't Tied To Nintendo Accounts
@Serpenterror
"Win some, lose some" is a good way for summing up this whole Switch 2 generation so far. As you say, I'm sure Nintendo is caught between pleasing shareholders, pleasing customers, pleasing publishers, retailer partners, etc, and there is probably no way to satisfy everyone. Was Nintendo unwilling to offer a reasonably-priced Switch 2 physical media to their publishing partners, instead opting for these imitation carts that hold nothing but an authorization code (licenses that can expire at Nintendo's sole discretion) to surpress piracy? Just to save money? Maybe Stephen Totilo or some other investigative reporter can dig deep on that one day.
One thing is abundantly clear these last few years - Nintendo, publishers, they're all just going to follow the money. Give them a cheap way out, and most often they're going to take it, consumers' preferences be damned.
I guess we deluded people, who feel that a person who buys media should get to own said media, are just going to have to support the rare, legitimate physical retail releases while we still have the option. I hear Cyberpunk is all on the cartridge, at least, so I'll be buying that.
Re: Devolver's Awesome New Games Got Lost During The Dodgy Switch 2 Livestream
Enter the Gungeon was a fantastic fun time that had just the right amount of challenge for me. Certainly not easy, but the more you stick with it, the more you're rewarded.
I'll be on-board for the sequel, although I'm with @OorWullie , hoping a 3D version of the game will retain that snappy charm.
Re: Switch 2 Game-Key Cards Aren't Tied To Nintendo Accounts
Sheesh we knew physical gaming would get worse over time, but it’s sad to see it take such a hit on the Switch Deux. With even Nintendo caving to greed, I imagine legitimate physical as an option will be axed altogether on the next Sony and Xbox generation.
Publishers will abuse the game-key practice to no end, even for paltry little indies or ports of old games like Suikoden that would fit on a conventional cart no problem. Or else they’d love to print it physically but they can’t, because Nintendo doesn’t manufacture cartridges under 32gb??
It just rots to have something we don’t want and didn’t ask for forced on us like this.
One thing’s for sure, I’ll be spending a lot less on video games going forward.
Re: Konami Appears To Be Releasing Suikoden I & II HD Remaster On Switch 2
Please tell me this is just a rumor.
This pair of Suikoden games fit on what is probably a 2 or 4gb cartridge on the OG Switch, but you’re telling me Konami couldn’t afford to actually print these on S2 cartridges?
Jeez just charge us $5 more and PUT THE DANG GAMES ON THE CARTRIDGE.
What a misguided attempt at a physical release.
Re: Opinion: A Few Too Many Questions & Unwelcome Surprises Are Taking The Shine Off The Switch 2 Reveal
I'll write my opinion for posterity's sake. I'm still on-board for launch, but yes, a lot of the hype has faded a bit. I'd say the S2 hardware exceeded my expectations, but then, so did the price, and that affordability could suffer even more for us in the US as Nintendo tries to figure out or wait out Trump's bully tariffs.
It's all the compromised physical releases that have really saddened me - $80 games, games that are only download keys, games that are Switch 1 data that include (maybe) a one-time code in the box to get the S2 upgrade. Physical games will be subject to tariffs and thus even less likely to come to market vs. cheaper, direct-sale digital game licenses. It's a shame for those of us who like to get more for our gaming money.
Also, hoping and praying that Japan game releases are not region-locked. I have a sinking feeling they will be, along with the Japan-only console.
But a lot of details are still unconfirmed, and I'll remain optimistic as much as I can. We really do have the most impressive Mario Kart and Metroid games ever on the way, and many 3rd-party games we could never have dreamed of playing on an OG Switch, after all!
Re: Poll: Box Art Brawl - Nintendo Switch 2 Special
My vote is for less legalese on box art!
(Incidentally, I went with MKW.) 😁
Re: 'Switch 2 Editions' Are Supposedly A Switch Game Card And Download Code For The Upgrade Pack
If what this rep said is accurate - that the physical is just the S1 print of the game with a one-time code to get the S2 upgrade - that will make all these S2 edition games an easy skip for me. I mean the one-time code would be even worse than the “game key cartridge” foolishness that seems to be happening, as those (if I understand correctly) are transferable to other owners at least.
For now I’ll reserve judgement until we get official confirmation.
I swear, though, everything about the S2 launch would be hunky-dory and A-OK (well, except maybe the pricing and the Trump tariff disaster) if only I didn’t prefer physical media. But I do! I think we consumers deserve to own what we purchase, to build a collection, to lend it, sell it, or give it away as we so choose, no strings attached.
Please, in most cases it should be so simple - just print the full game on the cartridge. 🙇🏻♀️
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (5th April)
@Shiryu
OMG she’s beautiful!
Particle cannons and beam swords in all the right places.
I’m intensely jealous 😆
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (5th April)
@Morsel
Haha yes I guess I’m just easily shocked. 😅
You raise a good point about all the aliens! I think a Ma’non with whom I chatted alluded to miranium being a miracle resource, so there’s that.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (5th April)
@Shiryu
It turns out that on my Wii U save file, I was only lv 23 and not yet starting Chapter 5 even. But I had explored and probed a lot more of Mira than I have now at lv 25 on the Switch.
So no wonder I was shocked! This week was the first time I saw the XCX story amp up so much!
And I hear you, I’m enjoying all the upgrades and what little new content I’ve recognized so far in this Definitive Edition. What an adventure!
@Morsel
The shock came for me at the end of Chapter 5.
So maybe it wasn’t as shocking for everyone?
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (5th April)
@Shiryu
Truly it’s a shocking plot twist! It caught me completely off guard, so now I wonder if I didn’t play that far back on the Wii U. Either that or my memory is worse than I thought! 😅
Maybe I’ll load up my Wii U save file from 10 years ago and see where I was.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (5th April)
Wow what a turbulent week of news - the highs of the S2 Direct, the lows of the pricing and all the compromises, the frustration and disbelief over living in the richest nation on earth, but it’s run by a paranoid egomaniac mafia boss tearing down our government while thinking the entire world is RIPPING US OFF…. it’s been exhausting.
This weekend I’ll mostly be avoiding news and just keep going in Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Ed which has been an absolute treat. I, too, just hit that huge [REDACTED] plot twist that @Shiryu mentioned above and I’m still fiercely motivated to progress in this game. (As if the lure of earning your own mecha wasn’t enough!)
Wishing everyone a weekend of serenity and bliss! 🕹🧘🏻♀️
Re: "Don't Let Nintendo Ruin The Entire Industry" - Is $80 For Mario Kart World A Bridge Too Far?
Having the S2 Direct overlap Dictator Don's "Liberation Day" tariff insanity on April 2nd was the worst possible luck for Nintendo. The seismic shift toward global insecurity that night made Nintendo's higher pricing an extra-easy target for a lot of rage.
MKW looks amazing, and I pray somehow we'll see some features revealed during the next Direct that can justify the premium price a bit. But $80.00 is a very tough pill to swallow.
Re: Nintendo Delays Switch 2 Pre-Orders In The US Amidst New Trump Tariffs
Removed