Summary

  • Cyberpunk 2077 dev comments on the Nintendo Switch 2 key card controversy.
  • CD Projekt's Jan Rosner advised other studios to "not underestimate the physical edition."
  • The dev also noted that releasing Cyberpunk 2077 on the Switch 2 as a “cartridge with a plug and play experience” was “the right thing to do.”

Amid the current controversy surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 key cards, a Cyberpunk 2077 developer from CD Projekt has weighed in on the topic and expressed the importance of preserving physical media. Nintendo’s Direct, which took a deep dive into the new console back in April, confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2 would use physical key cards for some games, instead of the original Switch cartridges. However, these cards do not contain any game data, but instead, act as proof of purchase.

The Direct shared several exciting details covering the new-and-improved Switch console, including confirmation of its June 5, 2025, release date and Mario Kart World as a launch title. On the heels of the Japanese publisher’s Switch 2 reveal, Nintendo reported a major financial milestone recently, doubling its market cap since 2016, largely thanks to the original Switch console and the company’s branch into movies and theme parks.

Cyberpunk 2077 Nintendo Switch 2 promo key art red background 2x1 composite with game logo
Cyberpunk 2077 Nintendo Switch 2 Version Has Unique Joy-Con Feature

CDPR hints at a unique Joy-Con feature that Cyberpunk 2077 will offer on the Switch 2, in addition to sharing more details about the upcoming port.

During an interview with The Game Business, CD Projekt's VP of business development Jan Rosner advised other studios to “not underestimate the physical edition,” concerning Nintendo’s key cards, and explained why choosing to release their game as a “cartridge with a plug and play experience” was “the right thing to do.” Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will launch on Nintendo’s upcoming console, joining a long list of games confirmed for the Switch 2 so far, including Elden Ring, Split Fiction, and Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, alongside new titles Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and FromSoftware’s new IP, The Duskbloods. Rosner noted that CD Projekt aimed to release a physical Switch 2 cartridge version of Cyberpunk 2077 and stated Nintendo players were very receptive to the “plug and play experience.”

Cyberpunk 2077 Dev Responds to Nintendo Switch 2 Key Card Controversy

Joining the CD Projekt dev in the debate, Nightdive Studios commented on the Switch 2 key card controversy recently as well, where the developer’s CEO criticized Nintendo’s lack of game preservation. Rosner added that physical media is “not going anywhere and Nintendo players are very appreciative of physical editions that are done right.” Furthermore, the VP thought the industry would possibly see many more third-party titles appear on the Switch 2 roster, some of which gamers may not expect.

Adding to CD Projekt’s presence on Nintendo’s upcoming system, some gamers believe Cyberpunk 2077’s addition to the Switch 2 roster should just be the tip of the iceberg. The developer’s Project Orion, widely known to be the codename for the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, is noted to be a worthy contender to join the Switch 2, since the new console’s tech and voice chat feature could help bring out the best in the game.

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Nintendo Switch 2 Tag Page Cover Art
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Brand
Nintendo
Operating System
Proprietary
Storage
256GB internal / MicroSD
Resolution
1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)
App Store
Nintendo eShop
Wi-Fi
Yes
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Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info