Game-key cards are different from regular game cards, because they don’t contain the full game data. Instead, the game-key card is your “key” to downloading the full game to your system via the internet.

Pay a premium for a physical copy of your game, and the cartridge may not contain the actual game. Only on Nintendo Switch 2.

  • MurrayL@lemmy.world
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    29 days ago

    Not that I agree with it, but isn’t this what other consoles have done for about a decade already?

    Physical media for games is on its deathbed.

    • Peffse@lemmy.world
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      29 days ago

      Yes/No. Both Sony and Microsoft have quality control processes to ensure that whatever is published is going to play on first entry of the disc.

      That said, publishers use A LOT of workarounds. Day 1 patches to “finish” the game. Download code inserts. And as of recent, mandatory online server check-ins. As far as I’m aware, Nintendo is the only one who allows publishing half the product with required download.

  • EowynCarter@lemm.ee
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    29 days ago

    Not much different from these now day that have only a code.

    Did not buy and went to the e-shop.