First Glimpse At The Nintendo Switch 2 Physical Games Appear Online

Across the landscape of physical support, Nintendo Switch remains to be the leader in sales for the medium amid the growing number for digital purchases. In 2024, in-box sales only accounted for 16 percent across all platforms. As per TweakTown’s analysis of Nintendo’s Q3 FY23 financial report, more than half of games sales then were physical.

Now a year later with the Nintendo Switch 2 soon on the horizon, aiming to launch in June 2025, there are concerns about how physical games will be handled on the new console. Recently, the firm shared new ‘Game-Key Cards’ which requires the client to complete an online install to download to the system. Not to mention the new initiative with Virtual Game Cards appears to usher a new digital push by Nintendo.

Amid that, there for sure will still be physical releases for the Nintendo Switch 2. During the presentation last week, Nintendo did illustrate how the Nintendo Switch 2 cartridge will differ from the original Nintendo Switch. And, it’s a new color. In an interview with GameSpot, Nintendo Switch 2 hardware architect Takuhiro Dohta shared that the taste will also be as bad as the original.

“We don’t want anybody to be at risk of any unwanted consumption. We have indeed made it so that if it enters your mouth, you’ll spit it out.” Dohta added: “I do not advise that you do [taste the cartridge].” In the interview, he also admitted to tasting the cartridge once to sample the flavoring. “When the Nintendo Switch was being developed, I did lick it once, but never again. I can’t believe that other people are trying that.”

Additionally, there are also images appearing online for the packaging as well. Retailers like GameStop & Best Buy have already begun sharing listings for upcoming releases. Via X, user @MrSheika during a hands-on event for the Nintendo Switch 2 also snapped some pictures of the new design. Embracing the red for the new casing, the spine of the case also shows to be more pronounced; bearing similarities to the GameCube design.

Are you interested in purchasing games physically for the Nintendo Switch 2?