@ParrakerriRush Doug Bowser said Nintendo "had no plans" to relase games on GKC "for now", he never said that all 1st-party releases will be on cart, it seems plans changed.
@progx Thanks for taking the time and answering in detail again.
It's just frustrating to witness the current state of Nintendo and I hope they make more consumer-friendly decisions in the future like the Nintendo we used to love.
@progx thanks mate, now we can finally agree. I'm sorry if you took offence at my comment, that was not my intention.
I like Nintendo as the 64 way my first console, so it holds a special place in my heart. Nintendo always used to be known for high-quality games with immaticulate attention to detail and a strong pro-consumer attitude. Their games are pure, unadulterated fun. This aspect hasn't changed, fortunately.
I was also blessed enough to meet Iwata-san while I was working for a Japanese airline and he was genuiely the nicest, most approachable CEO I've ever met and his passion for gaming was palpable.
That's the Nintendo I loved. I simply don't like the trajectory the company is taking under current management. GKCs are the perfect example of that and thanks for finally agreeing with me that their only purpose was to appease 3rd party publishers.
I'm a digital gamer and I wouldn't touch GKC with a ten-foot pole. They combine the worst aspects of physical and digital, "all of their weaknesses, none of their strengths", so to speak.
I'm buying digital versions because I'm too lazy to switch carts/discs, don't spend money outside my hobby and have no space to store physical media anymore. The only advantage GKCs offer is the abilty to easily lend or resell the games, that's it. Those points are irrelvant to digital gamers and physical gamers want their collection to be playable offline and feature-complete on the storage medium, so GKCs don't serve any type of gamer at all.
Sorry for the rant, I simply think Nintendo should have higher standards and think of their customers first, not their business partners, so I get slightly iffed if somebody is defending GKCs and blaming 3rd party publishers instead as if GKCs were not a problem Nintendo created themselves.
@progx thanks for your detailed reply, mate, but I still beg to differ that Nintendo are innocent in this GKC debacle.
Nintendo are indeed offering the same options to 3rd party publishers as they are to their 1st and 2nd party devs, with the caveat that 3rd party devs have no option to opt for smaller, cheaper carts, as was the case during the Switch 1 era. There is, however, a crucial, yet significant difference: Nintendo's 1st and 2nd party devs have no intention to use GKCs or codes in a box, only proper 64 GB carts.
So, why are Nintendo offering an additional, much cheaper retail option they have no intention of using for their own games to third party devs at all if codes in a box still exist as the cheapest retail option? Funny, isn't it?
@SuntannedDuck2 Thank you for the detailed answer, mate!
I understand your first point well but unfortuantely publishers and devs are businesses. The times are changing and digital game market share has skyrocketed in recent years. Publishers make way more profit off digital games compared to physical ones.
Indies are an excellent point you're making. As far as I know lots of Indies found great success on the eshop. How many of these relases, however, recieved a proper physical relase on carts? If I'm not mistaken even the staunchiest proponents of physical media accept that Indies release their games digitally only. Physical cart sizes don't matter to Indies as it would be prohibitively expensive to release on a proper SW2 cart. I also doubt most Indies have the necesary ressources to pay for full physical distribution of their titles.
I can relate to your point regarding licensing. I used to be a collector of physical games and limited edtions during the PS3 era but once I ran out of space I moved to digital only as I never resell any of my games. I love to revisit them occasionally. I'm generally never gonna judge anybody for their preference for physical as I used to be one of them. Now I'm just too lazy to switch physical games as I'm getting older.
Regarding refunds: My stance may be different as I generally tend to avoid purchasing games I'm not interested in and gaming is the only hobby I'm spending money on so it doesn't hurt me financially that much if a game I purchased is a dud. I understand that individual situations vary by person, however, so I'm with you, mate.
I'm also not happy with the current trajectory the industry is taking (DLC announced before a game is released, the complete version of games locked behind expensive digital deluxe editions, the platform holder's ability to take away game licenses - to name a few) but I fear the old adage "if you don't like it don't buy it" is ineffective in the gmaing industry. It would most realistically mean more layoffs, studio closures and fewer games being produced instead of publishers adapting more consumer friendly practices. I don't want to live in a world where only GaaS (live service games), the annual COD and sports game rehashes are greenlit and developed because they're the safest bets.
Gaming simply grew too big (it's dwarving Hollywood). I enjoyed it more when it was still a niche hobby for nerds.
Overall I agree with most of your points, thanks for taking the time to write such an expansive reply. Cheers, mate!
@progx Fair enough. You provided good points but why do you think do most 3rd party publishers opt to release on GKCs?
It's not just Capcom. So far only a handful of games received the proper phycical cart treatment, most release on GKCs, an option provided by the platform holder.
I have a couple of theories and believe that at least some where within Nintendo's control:
Access speed: SD Express cards are roughly double as fast, SW2 internal storage around five times faster than cartridges. This does not only affect loading times but also asset streaming performance.
File Size: Nintendo are masters of compression, their games rarely exceed double digit GB sizes.Third party games can easily reach triple digits. Storage space constraints are not an issue on BDs as DL discs can hold 100GB of compressed data as all games need to be installed to the internal SSD on PS5, for instance. 64GB may not be enough in the future.
Cost: GKCs cost publishers cents, SW2 cartridges more than 10 USD, which is an upfront cost to publishers.
Nintendo offered 3rd parties the option to release SW1 games on carts or as codes in a box, most chose the former, why is that? I think it helped that there were multiple size options available and carts were roughly as fast as SD cards, so access speeds and asset streaming were not an issue.
@IronMan30 It's an excellent remake of a classic JRPG. There's even an option to upgrade to a SW2 version for a single buck. That version should be closer to Series S|X/PS 5 versions which are technically flawless. It's also Falcom's best looking game to date.
If you like turn-based JRPGs (it's technically a hybrid but turn-based combat is a core mechanic) you'll love this gem.
@progx that's why I said they don't prioritize 3rd party games, as most of their revenue stems from their own games, merch and gachas on iOS/Android.
You make it sound like Capcom are the big bad greedy devs/publishers, yet did you check how many released and upcoming SW2 games are actually shipping on proper carts? Nintendo offers all 3rd parties the option to ship on expensive 64GB carts or cheap GKC. Guess which option most publishers (they're not charities) will choose?
The GKC situation is Nintendo's fault, not their business partners' who are opting for the more affordable option provided by Nintendo.
@HugoGED I assume they prioritized their 1st and 2nd party games as these are still gonna release completely on physical carts proper. 3rd party games are most likely not a priority for Nintendo as most Ninty fans tend to buy Nintendo hardware for Nintendo exclusives.
It's unfortuanate but the writing's on the wall - expect all future 3rd party games to release on Game-Key Cards.
I transitioned to digital at the beginning of the PS4 generation for convencience's sake and because I don't resell my games, so I can't quite grasp the animosity towards Game-Key Cards. It's either GKC or digital only/code in a box as GKC releases would not have received proper physical releases in the first place and it looks like GKCs are here to stay whether players like them or not. Imho the former is a better compromise for players wanting a physical cartridge they can resell.
The situation might've been different if Nintendo offered different cart sizes to publishers, not just the most expensive one.
@RandomRanger no worries, the known numbers are roughly like this: 400 mb/s reading speed on cartridges, 900 mb/s on sd express cards and around 2200 mb/s on internal storage.
So, if you save games to internal storage you may cut down loading times significantly. The nvme2 SSDs in the Series X and PS5 offer reading speeds of 6500 mb/s, so SW2's internal storage is mighty impressive in comparison as it's fitted in a small handheld device.
I'm buying Nintendo hardware for exclusive games only. So far only MKW, Fast RMX and DKB are exclusive, the rest are third party ports or enhanced SW1 games. Gonna wait a couple of years until Ninty deliver more SW2 exclusives and a limited edition OLED model as I'm playing Switch 1 (OLED) exclusively in handheld mode and could never downgrade to a LCD screen. Judging by my personal criteria listed above the launch window line up has been rather disappointing so far.
@UndockedActionFemme They're talking about data streaming (moving data in and out) to the disk/ssd, it's not related to streaming files over the internet.
Have you considered including the amount of space required if you review a key-card release as all data needs to be installed to the internal storage or SD card? It might be useful information to players with lots of games stored.
@RiasGremory The reason is money. SW2 carts are expensive, they cost publishers around 10-15 bucks without any cheaper options offered by Nintendo, as was the case with physical SW1 games. Game-Key Cards are dirt cheap in comparison.
Comments 24
Re: Pokémon Pokopia Is Nintendo's First Game-Key Card Release
@ParrakerriRush Doug Bowser said Nintendo "had no plans" to relase games on GKC "for now", he never said that all 1st-party releases will be on cart, it seems plans changed.
Re: Game-Key Cards A "Sales Strategy Decision", Says Resident Evil Requiem Director
@progx Thanks for taking the time and answering in detail again.
It's just frustrating to witness the current state of Nintendo and I hope they make more consumer-friendly decisions in the future like the Nintendo we used to love.
Have a great week, mate!
Re: Poll: Which Starter Pokémon Did You Choose In Pokémon Legends: Z-A?
The little croc was too cute, I had no other choice.
Re: Game-Key Cards A "Sales Strategy Decision", Says Resident Evil Requiem Director
@progx thanks mate, now we can finally agree. I'm sorry if you took offence at my comment, that was not my intention.
I like Nintendo as the 64 way my first console, so it holds a special place in my heart. Nintendo always used to be known for high-quality games with immaticulate attention to detail and a strong pro-consumer attitude. Their games are pure, unadulterated fun. This aspect hasn't changed, fortunately.
I was also blessed enough to meet Iwata-san while I was working for a Japanese airline and he was genuiely the nicest, most approachable CEO I've ever met and his passion for gaming was palpable.
That's the Nintendo I loved. I simply don't like the trajectory the company is taking under current management. GKCs are the perfect example of that and thanks for finally agreeing with me that their only purpose was to appease 3rd party publishers.
I'm a digital gamer and I wouldn't touch GKC with a ten-foot pole. They combine the worst aspects of physical and digital, "all of their weaknesses, none of their strengths", so to speak.
I'm buying digital versions because I'm too lazy to switch carts/discs, don't spend money outside my hobby and have no space to store physical media anymore. The only advantage GKCs offer is the abilty to easily lend or resell the games, that's it. Those points are irrelvant to digital gamers and physical gamers want their collection to be playable offline and feature-complete on the storage medium, so GKCs don't serve any type of gamer at all.
Sorry for the rant, I simply think Nintendo should have higher standards and think of their customers first, not their business partners, so I get slightly iffed if somebody is defending GKCs and blaming 3rd party publishers instead as if GKCs were not a problem Nintendo created themselves.
Have great weekend, mate!
Re: Game-Key Cards A "Sales Strategy Decision", Says Resident Evil Requiem Director
@progx thanks for your detailed reply, mate, but I still beg to differ that Nintendo are innocent in this GKC debacle.
Nintendo are indeed offering the same options to 3rd party publishers as they are to their 1st and 2nd party devs, with the caveat that 3rd party devs have no option to opt for smaller, cheaper carts, as was the case during the Switch 1 era. There is, however, a crucial, yet significant difference: Nintendo's 1st and 2nd party devs have no intention to use GKCs or codes in a box, only proper 64 GB carts.
So, why are Nintendo offering an additional, much cheaper retail option they have no intention of using for their own games to third party devs at all if codes in a box still exist as the cheapest retail option? Funny, isn't it?
Re: Game-Key Cards A "Sales Strategy Decision", Says Resident Evil Requiem Director
@SuntannedDuck2 thanks for sharing your thoughts, mate! Always happy to read some other critical opinions on our beloved hobby's development. Cheers!
Re: Game-Key Cards A "Sales Strategy Decision", Says Resident Evil Requiem Director
@SuntannedDuck2 Thank you for the detailed answer, mate!
I understand your first point well but unfortuantely publishers and devs are businesses. The times are changing and digital game market share has skyrocketed in recent years. Publishers make way more profit off digital games compared to physical ones.
Indies are an excellent point you're making. As far as I know lots of Indies found great success on the eshop. How many of these relases, however, recieved a proper physical relase on carts? If I'm not mistaken even the staunchiest proponents of physical media accept that Indies release their games digitally only. Physical cart sizes don't matter to Indies as it would be prohibitively expensive to release on a proper SW2 cart. I also doubt most Indies have the necesary ressources to pay for full physical distribution of their titles.
I can relate to your point regarding licensing. I used to be a collector of physical games and limited edtions during the PS3 era but once I ran out of space I moved to digital only as I never resell any of my games. I love to revisit them occasionally. I'm generally never gonna judge anybody for their preference for physical as I used to be one of them. Now I'm just too lazy to switch physical games as I'm getting older.
Regarding refunds: My stance may be different as I generally tend to avoid purchasing games I'm not interested in and gaming is the only hobby I'm spending money on so it doesn't hurt me financially that much if a game I purchased is a dud. I understand that individual situations vary by person, however, so I'm with you, mate.
I'm also not happy with the current trajectory the industry is taking (DLC announced before a game is released, the complete version of games locked behind expensive digital deluxe editions, the platform holder's ability to take away game licenses - to name a few) but I fear the old adage "if you don't like it don't buy it" is ineffective in the gmaing industry. It would most realistically mean more layoffs, studio closures and fewer games being produced instead of publishers adapting more consumer friendly practices. I don't want to live in a world where only GaaS (live service games), the annual COD and sports game rehashes are greenlit and developed because they're the safest bets.
Gaming simply grew too big (it's dwarving Hollywood). I enjoyed it more when it was still a niche hobby for nerds.
Overall I agree with most of your points, thanks for taking the time to write such an expansive reply. Cheers, mate!
Re: Game-Key Cards A "Sales Strategy Decision", Says Resident Evil Requiem Director
@progx Fair enough. You provided good points but why do you think do most 3rd party publishers opt to release on GKCs?
It's not just Capcom. So far only a handful of games received the proper phycical cart treatment, most release on GKCs, an option provided by the platform holder.
I have a couple of theories and believe that at least some where within Nintendo's control:
Nintendo offered 3rd parties the option to release SW1 games on carts or as codes in a box, most chose the former, why is that? I think it helped that there were multiple size options available and carts were roughly as fast as SD cards, so access speeds and asset streaming were not an issue.
I'd love to hear your opinion.
Re: Japanese Charts: Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Remain Steady Amidst Trails In The Sky Surge
@Gryzor good one, mate, missed opportunity on my end x)
Re: Japanese Charts: Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Remain Steady Amidst Trails In The Sky Surge
@IronMan30 It's an excellent remake of a classic JRPG. There's even an option to upgrade to a SW2 version for a single buck. That version should be closer to Series S|X/PS 5 versions which are technically flawless. It's also Falcom's best looking game to date.
If you like turn-based JRPGs (it's technically a hybrid but turn-based combat is a core mechanic) you'll love this gem.
Re: Game-Key Cards A "Sales Strategy Decision", Says Resident Evil Requiem Director
@progx that's why I said they don't prioritize 3rd party games, as most of their revenue stems from their own games, merch and gachas on iOS/Android.
You make it sound like Capcom are the big bad greedy devs/publishers, yet did you check how many released and upcoming SW2 games are actually shipping on proper carts? Nintendo offers all 3rd parties the option to ship on expensive 64GB carts or cheap GKC. Guess which option most publishers (they're not charities) will choose?
The GKC situation is Nintendo's fault, not their business partners' who are opting for the more affordable option provided by Nintendo.
Re: Game-Key Cards A "Sales Strategy Decision", Says Resident Evil Requiem Director
@HugoGED I assume they prioritized their 1st and 2nd party games as these are still gonna release completely on physical carts proper. 3rd party games are most likely not a priority for Nintendo as most Ninty fans tend to buy Nintendo hardware for Nintendo exclusives.
Re: Game-Key Cards A "Sales Strategy Decision", Says Resident Evil Requiem Director
It's unfortuanate but the writing's on the wall - expect all future 3rd party games to release on Game-Key Cards.
I transitioned to digital at the beginning of the PS4 generation for convencience's sake and because I don't resell my games, so I can't quite grasp the animosity towards Game-Key Cards. It's either GKC or digital only/code in a box as GKC releases would not have received proper physical releases in the first place and it looks like GKCs are here to stay whether players like them or not. Imho the former is a better compromise for players wanting a physical cartridge they can resell.
The situation might've been different if Nintendo offered different cart sizes to publishers, not just the most expensive one.
Re: Japanese Charts: Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Remain Steady Amidst Trails In The Sky Surge
@IronMan30 Spoiler alert: it's stellar.
Re: Final Fantasy 7 Remake For Switch 2 Slips Into 2026, Game-Key Card Confirmed
@1UP-HUSKY 64 GB is the max size.
Re: Ubisoft Employee Explains Why Star Wars Outlaws Is A Game-Key Card
@RandomRanger no worries, the known numbers are roughly like this: 400 mb/s reading speed on cartridges, 900 mb/s on sd express cards and around 2200 mb/s on internal storage.
So, if you save games to internal storage you may cut down loading times significantly. The nvme2 SSDs in the Series X and PS5 offer reading speeds of 6500 mb/s, so SW2's internal storage is mighty impressive in comparison as it's fitted in a small handheld device.
Re: Poll: Three Months In, How Would You Rate Switch 2's Library So Far?
I'm buying Nintendo hardware for exclusive games only. So far only MKW, Fast RMX and DKB are exclusive, the rest are third party ports or enhanced SW1 games. Gonna wait a couple of years until Ninty deliver more SW2 exclusives and a limited edition OLED model as I'm playing Switch 1 (OLED) exclusively in handheld mode and could never downgrade to a LCD screen. Judging by my personal criteria listed above the launch window line up has been rather disappointing so far.
Re: Ubisoft Employee Explains Why Star Wars Outlaws Is A Game-Key Card
@RandomRanger SW2's internal storage is roughly five times faster than cartridges and a little over two times faster than sd express cards.
Re: Ubisoft Employee Explains Why Star Wars Outlaws Is A Game-Key Card
@UndockedActionFemme They're talking about data streaming (moving data in and out) to the disk/ssd, it's not related to streaming files over the internet.
Re: Review: Star Wars Outlaws (Switch 2) - An Underrated Adventure, A Super-Solid Port
Have you considered including the amount of space required if you review a key-card release as all data needs to be installed to the internal storage or SD card? It might be useful information to players with lots of games stored.
Re: Former PlayStation Head Praises Nintendo For Being "In Touch With Their Fan Base"
@BaldB3lper78 Same here. I buy Nintendo hardware for exclusives and everything else on PS5/Steam.
Re: Donkey Kong Bananza Director Acknowledges Performance Drops: "We Prioritized Fun And Playability"
@AllBLK Reminds me of the good old N64 days.
Re: Ys X: Proud Nordics Reportedly Includes 120fps Performance Mode On Switch 2
@RiasGremory The reason is money. SW2 carts are expensive, they cost publishers around 10-15 bucks without any cheaper options offered by Nintendo, as was the case with physical SW1 games. Game-Key Cards are dirt cheap in comparison.
Re: PS5 Hit 'Stellar Blade' Is Reportedly In Consideration For The Switch 2
@HugoGED it's less than 40 GB on PS5, so size shouldn't be an issue.