Nintendo Policy Reportedly Blocks Switch 2 Game-Key Cards From Full Cartridge Reprints

A retailer has claimed that Nintendo has a policy in place that stops Switch 2 titles released as game-key cards from being reprinted as traditional cartridges.

Game-key cards have upset some buyers, collectors in particular. Earlier, the retailer had reportedly looked into bringing out full cartridge versions of some titles that were first sold as game-key cards.

A game-key card works differently from a normal cartridge. It holds no game data, so you have to download everything from the internet before you can play. A traditional cartridge lets you insert the card and start right away. The retailer wrote on social media:

When it comes to game-key cards, all the publishers know exactly where VGP stands.

The retailer said it would keep pushing for full cartridge reprints, but at the moment there is a Nintendo policy preventing that. It said it will keep asking questions and keep pressing the publishers on the issue. The retailer did not share any details beyond that, and it did not clarify what the current policy says.