Summary
Amid the current controversy surrounding theNintendo Switch 2key cards, aCyberpunk 2077developer from CD Projekt has weighed in on the topic and expressed the importance of preserving physical media. Nintendo’s Direct, which took a deep dive into the new console back in April, confirmed that theNintendo Switch 2would use physical key cards for some games, instead of the original Switch cartridges. However, these cards do not contain any game data, but instead, act as proof of purchase.
The Direct shared several exciting details covering the new-and-improved Switch console, including confirmation of its June 17, 2025, release date andMario Kart Worldas a launch title. On the heels of the Japanese publisher’s Switch 2 reveal,Nintendo reported a major financial milestonerecently, doubling its market cap since 2016, largely thanks to the original Switch console and the company’s branch into movies and theme parks.
During an interview with The Game Business, CD Projekt’s VP of business development Jan Rosner advised other studios to “not underestimate the physical edition,” concerning Nintendo’s key cards, and explained why choosing to release their game as a “cartridge with a plug and play experience” was “the right thing to do.”Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Editionwill launch on Nintendo’s upcoming console, joining a long list ofgames confirmed for the Switch 2so far, includingElden Ring,Split Fiction, andFinal Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, alongside new titlesHyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonmentand FromSoftware’s new IP,The Duskbloods. Rosner noted that CD Projekt aimed to release a physical Switch 2 cartridge version ofCyberpunk 2077and stated Nintendo players were very receptive to the “plug and play experience.”
Cyberpunk 2077 Dev Responds to Nintendo Switch 2 Key Card Controversy
Joining the CD Projekt dev in the debate,Nightdive Studios commented on the Switch 2 key card controversyrecently as well, where the developer’s CEO criticized Nintendo’s lack of game preservation. Rosner added that physical media is “not going anywhere and Nintendo players are very appreciative of physical editions that are done right.” Furthermore, the VP thought the industry would possibly see many more third-party titles appear on the Switch 2 roster, some of which gamers may not expect.
Adding to CD Projekt’s presence on Nintendo’s upcoming system, some gamers believeCyberpunk 2077’s addition to the Switch 2 roster should just be the tip of the iceberg. The developer’s Project Orion, widely known to be the codename for theCyberpunk 2077sequel, is noted to be a worthy contender to join the Switch 2, since the new console’s tech and voice chat feature could help bring out the best in the game.
