Game Developer Reveals Why Switch 2’s Physical Game Cards Couldn’t Keep Up with Star Wars Outlaws

CD Projekt Red’s VP of Technology, Charles Tremblay, recently shared insights about the Nintendo Switch 2’s performance in a June interview with IGN. He mentioned that the data transfer speeds with MicroSD Express are impressive, but the Game Card speeds are just average. Interestingly, he noted that the input/output performance on the Switch 2 is strong compared to the slower hard drives that troubled Cyberpunk 2077 on older systems.

It’s puzzling why Nintendo chose to have slower loading speeds for Game Cards with the Switch 2. The original Switch had maximum read speeds of around 90 MB/s for both SD cards and Game Cards. However, the new design for Game Cards streams data at a slower rate, possibly to keep production costs down. Yet, many publishers have expressed concern over the high manufacturing costs of these Game Cards, which might push them toward cheaper alternatives.

An alternative could be allowing players to install games from Game Cards to the console’s internal or expanded storage, a method that competitors like Microsoft and Sony have used effectively. But this can be a hassle for those who want to avoid using up the limited 256GB of internal storage on the Switch 2.

As for developers, they will likely adapt to the Switch 2’s Game Card speeds over time. However, with the industry moving away from physical media, some might hesitate to compromise on loading times for a smaller player base.

Recent statistics show that over 70% of gamers are shifting towards digital purchasing, highlighting the trend away from physical formats. This shift may force companies to rethink their strategies and adapt to players’ preferences for faster, digital-loading experiences.

In summary, while Nintendo’s decisions raise questions about the Switch 2’s Game Card speeds, the gaming landscape is rapidly changing. Players and developers alike may soon prioritize performance and convenience, challenging traditional formats.

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