Nintendo adds a new wrinkle to its game-distribution system. Here's what you get with a game-key card and how to tell what you're really buying before you check out.

Fans hated the idea of game-key cards, but now that they're here, Nintendo wants to know what Switch 2 owners think about them.

The Nintendo Switch 2, which launched earlier this summer, predominantly makes use of Nintendo’s new game key cards. These cards look nearly identical to traditional Switch cartridges.

A Nintendo survey about Switch and Switch 2 games, in particular game-key card, digital copies, and cartridges, is online.

All Nintendo Switch 2 editions of the game show the "Game-Key Card" indicator on the bottom of the box art, rather than a full box indicating a physical edition.