Since the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, one unexpected point of friction has been the introduction of Key Cards. Many players found this brand-new cartridge format for some of its games confusing, inconvenient, or straight-up misleading. But at least, there is a sign that suggests Nintendo may be paying attention to this issue.
Screenshots circulating on the Japanese forum 5channel reveal that Nintendo might be conducting a limited survey regarding Key Cards. According to screenshots posted by an anonymous user, the questions cover:
- Did you know that some Nintendo Switch 2 physical software comes in a cartridge called a ‘Key Card’?
- Do you know about any of ‘Key Card’ features?
- If a game you want to buy comes in both ‘Key Card’ and ‘Download’ versions, which would you prefer?
- When did you realize that the game you owned was a ‘Key Card’?
- How do you feel about playing a game using ‘Key Card’?
For those not in the loop, the Nintendo Switch 2 Key Card physical format requires users to download the game after purchase. Considering its appearance, this led to confusion and criticism from fans who feel misled by the packaging.
“[Nintendo] should’ve included an option to say ‘I want to buy a regular game card, not a Key Card,'” wrote an annoyed anonymous poster in the 5channel thread. “If Nintendo thought Key Card is a good idea, they’d use them for their own games too,” added another.
Fans also voiced concerns about the hidden internet requirements as well as storage demands.
“My system has 256GB storage + SD card = 500GB total. With games like Like a Dragon or Street Fighter 6, that’ll go fast,” wrote a Switch 2 owner who migrated from the original hardware. “Storage will be full by next summer.”
“The most important thing is once support ends,” said a disgruntled Switch 2 owner. “We might not be able to redownload these games three years from now.”
The quiet rollout of the survey has sparked speculation about the authenticity as well. So far, Nintendo has yet to announce it’s conducting user research on it. “Did this questionnaire also get given to anyone else?” one forum user wrote. Another complained, “I bought a Key Card game, but haven’t gotten the survey.”
Still, some are hopeful Nintendo is at least listening and might do something about the whole Switch 2 Key Card debacle. “I guess Nintendo knows something’s wrong. Hopefully, they’ll actually take action,” wrote a commenter.
