Physical media for Switch 2 might feel like a fading legacy—but it’s more relevant now than ever. As download-only releases become the norm and cloud gaming gains momentum, Nintendo fans are left wondering: are we watching the cartridge era disappear?
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Not so fast. Because despite the industry’s shift toward digital, cartridges still matter. Here’s why they’re worth defending—and how Switch 2 could keep them alive.
More Than Plastic: Why Cartridges Still Have Value
There’s a reason collectors—and even casual gamers—prefer physical. A cartridge means ownership. It’s tactile. Tradeable. A thing you can lend, display, and preserve.
With Switch 2 games like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition confirmed to use full 64GB cartridges, it’s clear some publishers still see value in physical editions. CD Projekt even said it outright: “We believe the physical release is important for Nintendo platforms.”
Preservation, Not Just Nostalgia
Games are being delisted. Servers shut down. Patches pulled. Digital libraries aren’t forever—they’re licensed conveniences. Cartridges give games permanence.
Physical media for Switch 2 ensures that future players can experience games as they were. It protects against bad updates, licensing collapses, and vanishing storefronts. It’s not just about retro vibes—it’s about resilience.
But Will It Stick Around?
Nintendo’s commitment to cartridges is unique. Sony and Microsoft have gone all-in on digital ecosystems. But Nintendo still designs around portability and accessibility—and cartridges are ideal for that format.
However, we’re seeing more and more boxes with “Download Required” labels. And for games like Call of Duty or Mortal Kombat 1, the cartridge is often just a boot key.
If publishers want physical to thrive, they need to treat it like a full product. No codes. No split installs. Give us complete games—on the card.
Final Thoughts
Physical media isn’t dead. It’s just under pressure. And Switch 2 could be the last mainstream console to carry that torch.
For collectors, preservationists, and fans who love to hold their games, cartridges still mean something. Not just nostalgia—but trust, ownership, and permanence.
Do you still buy physical on Switch? Let us know in the comments—and tell us which cartridge you’ll never let go of.
