Nintendo Switch 2 Game-Key cards may not be gamers’ preferred choice, but developers see significant advantages in this format for tackling hardware constraints, as explained by Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s director, Naoki Hamaguchi.

In an interview with German outlet JP Games, Hamaguchi acknowledged player skepticism while emphasizing the practical benefits for studios. Game-Key cards bypass the 64 GB storage cap of physical cartridges, enabling larger-scale projects on Switch 2 without compromising data demands.

Developers face challenges with cartridge read speeds, which lag behind the console’s internal SSD performance. By adopting the hybrid Game-Key system, studios can optimize load times using the device’s built-in storage—a critical factor for delivering AAA titles that demand seamless asset streaming.

Though Hamaguchi understands resistance to this format, he believes player attitudes may evolve as its role in enabling premium experiences becomes clearer. The optional nature of Game-Key adoption allows flexibility, ensuring ambitious projects can reach the platform without technical trade-offs.

The Game-Key format sparked debate since its Nintendo Switch 2 debut, particularly among physical media enthusiasts. While some studios like CD Projekt Red mastered cartridge optimization for titles like Cyberpunk 2077, others—including Star Wars Outlaws’ team—opted for Game-Key releases to meet technical benchmarks unattainable through traditional media. These decisions highlight the balancing act between platform capabilities and creative ambitions in modern gaming hardware.