Nintendo is seeking feedback on its controversial game-key cards in a new survey

Nintendo has sent a survey to fans seeking feedback on the topic of physical and digital games, including the Switch 2’s controversial “game-key cards” that still require full digital downloads.

The details:

• Prior to the Switch 2’s release, it was revealed that some physical games would not be included on a traditional cartridge. Instead, Nintendo created a new format, a “game-key card,” which would act as a reusable download key for digital games, allowing the game to be resold but not function unless an internet connection was available to install it.
• Nintendo’s new survey now allows players to voice their opinions on the topic of digital vs. physical games and the new format. The survey asks participants what consoles they own, how often they gift games, and how many physical releases they have resold at a later date.
• The survey then asks if players “prefer purchasing games in physical format or in digital format” when it comes to the Switch, followed by another question asking why physical releases may be preferred, such as collecting, gifting, and the sense of ownership.
• It also lists the various ways games can be purchased on the console, and while not directly named, game-key cards make an appearance as “physical, requiring digital download.” Participants can then select the likelihood of them buying a game using this format, ranging from definitely would buy to not buying them at all.
• Unsurprisingly, game-key cards have met with backlash from players who claim that the format is a threat to game preservation and ownership as a whole. While it has been argued that the format is cheaper than a traditional cartridge, many fans have stated that they would much rather pay the additional cost, with Cyberpunk 2077 being an example of a huge AAA title being given a full physical release.

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