Physical games on Nintendo Switch 2 still matter—more than publishers want to admit. In a digital-first era, CD Projekt Red is pushing back. Instead of releasing Cyberpunk 2077 as a download-only title, they’re putting it on a real cartridge. The message? Physical media still matters in 2025.

We live in an era where publishers think a box with a download code counts as a “physical game.” CD Projekt Red disagrees—and I’m with them.

During a recent discussion around the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Cyberpunk 2077, a CD Projekt exec made it clear: the plan is to ship a real cartridge—not a key, not a voucher, not an empty shell. Their reasoning? Simple:

“Do not underestimate the value of a real physical edition.”

Why Physical Games on Nintendo Switch 2 Are About More Than Nostalgia

Some people think defending physical games is a boomer take. It’s not. Try lending a download key to a friend. Try reselling it. Try preserving it for collectors 10 years from now.

Physical editions give us flexibility. They carry value. And in a time where publishers delist titles overnight or patch broken games months later, physical is a way to protect players—not just profits.

CD Projekt gets it. Which is wild, considering Cyberpunk launched as a buggy disaster. But since then, they’ve shown a deeper understanding of what it means to own a game. Respect to that.

Switch 2 Needs to Set the Standard for Physical Games

Nintendo’s legacy is built on physical media. From Game Boy carts to DS cases to Amiibo-laden boxes, they’ve always understood the power of packaging. The Switch 2 is their chance to double down—not ditch it.

If Nintendo lets third-party publishers flood shelves with empty boxes, they’ll be doing a disservice to the people who’ve kept physical alive this long. And it’s not just collectors—it’s parents buying for their kids. It’s fans trying to support local stores. It’s gamers who want to own what they pay for.

This may be the first third-party test of how well physical games on Nintendo Switch 2 can sell. And if Cyberpunk does well? It sends a message that download-only isn’t the future—it’s a trap.

Final Thoughts

Physical games on Nintendo Switch 2 are a test of values. Convenience versus ownership. Revenue versus respect. CD Projekt Red isn’t just launching a cartridge—they’re launching a reminder that physical still has a place in the industry.

Publishers, take note. The next time you think about slapping a keycard into a case, maybe do what CD Projekt is doing instead—and show up with the real thing.

Would you still buy a Switch 2 game if it was just a download code? Hit the comments—I want to know where you stand.