The long-standing high cost problem faced by Nintendo Switch2 physical game distribution may be about to see a major turnaround. In the latest video released by the well-known blogger Spawn Wave, through a comparative analysis of the two game cartridge chips, he found key clues that may indicate that smaller capacity cartridges are about to become popular.
In the video, Spawn Wave disassembled and compared the physical cartridge chips of "Mario Kart: World" and the indie game "Secret: Secret of the Universe". Analysis points out that the "G?" code on the chip most likely represents the storage capacity: G6 corresponds to 64GB (2⁶=64) and G4 corresponds to 16GB (2⁴=16)
If this speculation is true, it means that Nintendo is introducing a more flexible cartridge capacity system for Switch 2, allowing publishers to choose appropriate specifications based on the actual size of the game, rather than "one size fits all."
Since the launch of Switch 2, the release form of physical games has been controversial. Initially only two options were available:
64GB Full Game Card:Manufacturing costs are higher, reportedly around $16 per unit
Game Key Card (download key card):The box does not contain game data, only a download code is provided.
Due to the high cost of 64GB cartridges, many small and medium-sized games and independent works are forced to be released in the form of Game Key Cards, causing players to become increasingly dissatisfied with "paying a high price to buy an empty box". In mid-2025, a number of third-party games including "Street Fighter 6" and "Twin Shadow Wonderland" will be released in the form of Key Cards, further intensifying the discussion.
As of now, Nintendo has not released an official statement on the meaning of the chip code or the new cartridge specifications. But feedback and leaks from publishers have shown that this direction is being actively pursued.