Analytics company Circana has released fresh data on the US video game market for 2026, showing a stunning increase in the popularity of a new content distribution format.
Explosive Growth of Digital Cards
Sales of game activation key cards (game-key cards) for the next-generation Nintendo Switch 2 console in the US rose by an incredible 631% year-over-year. This format has become a true driver of the market.
Impact on the Physical Media Market
According to Circana's report, total consumer spending on physical software in 2026 shows the following indicators:
- Year-to-date spending increased by 5% compared to last year, reaching 738 million dollars.
- Download code cards were the main driver of this growth, offsetting the decline in the market for traditional cartridges and discs.
This format allows shoppers to purchase digital versions of games from the physical shelves of retail stores, which has proven extremely convenient for many Nintendo Switch 2 owners.
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