Switch 2 Cartridge Size Leaked by Retailer Mistake?
▼ Summary
– A game publisher initially claimed Nintendo announced new, smaller cartridge sizes for the Switch 2, enabling a physical game release.
– The publisher later retracted that claim, stating there has been no official Nintendo announcement about cartridge storage capacities.
– Reports suggest the high cost of physical cartridges, estimated around $16 each, is a major barrier for developers offering full games on-cartridge.
– An analyst confirmed that cost is the primary reason developers choose game-key cards over full cartridges for physical releases.
– Speculation suggests Nintendo might be considering new cartridge options now to manage future memory cost increases for third-party games.
A recent announcement from a game publisher has sparked fresh speculation about the physical media format for Nintendo’s next console, often referred to as the Switch 2. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges and costs associated with producing game cartridges, a topic of significant debate within the industry. Retro and arcade publisher ININ Games initially stated it could now offer a physical version of R-Type Dimensions III for the Switch 2 because Nintendo had announced two new, smaller cartridge sizes. This statement was quickly retracted, with the company issuing a correction clarifying that Nintendo has made no official announcement regarding cartridge storage capacities.
Despite the retraction, the incident has brought renewed attention to the economics of physical game production. ININ Games noted it will still release a physical Switch 2 version of its game, though it will add €10 to the retail price to accommodate the costs. This aligns with longstanding industry reports that producing full game cartridges is an expensive endeavor for developers. Analysts and reports suggest the high cost of cartridges is the primary reason many publishers opt for “game-key cards,” which contain only a download code rather than the full game on the cartridge itself.
Specific figures on these costs are scarce, but previous leaks and reports provide some context. Earlier this year, information suggested Nintendo was offering developers only two physical options: a 64GB cartridge or the game-key card. One report estimated the cost of a physical cartridge at around $16 per unit, a significant expense that cuts into profit margins. Industry analyst Daniel Ahmad emphasized that “cost was always the primary factor between key cards vs full cart releases,” reinforcing the financial pressures developers face.
The question of why Nintendo might introduce new, potentially more affordable cartridge sizes now remains open to interpretation. One perspective from an industry expert suggests it could be a strategic move anticipating future increases in memory costs. By establishing additional cartridge options now, Nintendo could help third-party developers manage expenses more effectively down the line, making the platform more attractive for physical releases. As of now, Nintendo has not commented on the publisher’s statements or the broader speculation about Switch 2 cartridge formats.
(Source: The Verge)
