Strict Rules for Physical Editions on Switch 2
A well-known retailer (specifically Video Games Plus / VGP) reported the existence of an internal Nintendo rule that directly affects the release of physical editions. According to the information obtained, the company prohibits re-releasing full versions of games on cartridges if they were initially released in the format of digital key cards (game-key cards).
Disappointment for Collectors
The practice of releasing download code cards in physical boxes has long caused outrage among many gamers and especially collectors who want to own the game itself on physical media, rather than just an activation key. The retailer considered cooperating with publishers to re-release certain projects on real, full cartridges for Switch 2, but ran into the platform's policy:
- Games that launched as game-key cards cannot be officially reprinted as full cartridges;
- This limits initiatives by independent distributors to preserve physical copies;
- Players will have to accept the publisher's initial release choice.
Nintendo has not yet officially commented on this policy, but such restrictions could significantly change the market for limited and collector's editions for Switch 2.
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