It gets better. Game key cards are literally the box with what looks like a cartridge... but the "cartridge" doesnt actually contain any game data. It only contains a link for your switch to download from the eshop.
Actually it’s a protection scheme / scam. Publishers have the option to have Nintendo force you to download the game rather than include it on the chip since people have learned how to “rip” game cards now and put the images online. My problem is that if I get the exact same game off of steam I can make a backup of it and I don’t have to deal with this bullshit.. on the switch 2 I have to make sure I have enough storage and I have to buy expensive memory cards in order to download the game..
I saw that too in the store. I prefer physical cartridges as well, but I checked the Nintendo store and the game was half off (until dec 31) so I made an exception and got the digital download. It’s a fun game, was worth it.
just shows that game cartridges are a cripple nowadays and this will make "collectors" transition over to digital as well. retail distribution used to make 2/3 of a games price, is what we once learned at the university. pair that with everyone who can afford a 20+ USD game, probably also has internet at home, mandatory day 1 patches, unfinished games that are the norm and all of a sudden, this cripple of a product makes sense again. it's basically somewhat of an ad-banner now, containing access to the product, while still being creating visibility in stores.