According to one company, Nintendo is already working on a solution, but quickly walked back its earlier claims…
Nintendo is reportedly introducing smaller versions of physical game releases for the Nintendo Switch 2, which could reduce the number of titles shipped on the controversial Game-Key Cards. Since the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, these cards have drawn criticism because they only include a digital activation key instead of the actual game data. So far, the vast majority of third-party Nintendo Switch 2 games have been released on Game-Key Cards, reportedly because developers have access to only one cartridge size: 64 GB.
That may soon change. This week, Does It Play claimed on Twitter that Nintendo plans to introduce two new cartridge variants for developers, with capacities of 16 GB and 32 GB, potentially offering cheaper options for physical releases. This appeared to be confirmed by Inin Games, which announced that its upcoming R-Type title will now include the full game on the Nintendo Switch 2 cartridge after Nintendo revealed two new, smaller cartridge formats. According to Inin Games, R-Type Dimensions III will no longer be released as a Game-Key Card and will instead be priced €10 higher to cover increased manufacturing costs.
Correction Regarding Nintendo Cartridge Storage Sizes
We would like to issue a correction regarding statements made earlier today in relation to Nintendo cartridge storage sizes.
There has been no official announcement or confirmation from Nintendo concerning cartridge storage…
— ININ Games (@ININ_Games)
December 19, 2025
The developer later issued a clarification, stating that Nintendo has made no official announcement and has not confirmed cartridge storage capacities. Any references to specific sizes should not be interpreted as official information from Nintendo. At this time, the only confirmed detail is that the upcoming R-Type Dimensions III will be released on a physical cartridge. No further technical specifications have been officially confirmed.
In April, Stephen Kick, CEO of Nightdive Studios, told GamesIndustry that it is disappointing to see Nintendo act this way, arguing that a company with such a long and historic legacy should take game preservation more seriously.
Source: VGC
