UPDATE 5/8/25: Nintendo has closed its survey that asked gamers about their thoughts on physical and digital games. If you try to access it now, you’ll see a message saying, “Sorry, this survey is not currently active.” Many gamers shared their preferences for physical media online, but the outcome of these discussions remains to be seen.
Recently, Eurogamer reached out to Nintendo for comments about the survey and its results.
ORIGINAL 4/8/25: Nintendo recently launched a survey to gather feedback on how gamers feel about physical versus digital games. The survey starts with questions about what consoles you own, including Xbox and PlayStation, before diving into Nintendo-specific queries.
Questions include the number of Nintendo Switch games you’ve bought, whether you’ve sold any, and your overall preferences for physical or digital formats. Participants could choose reasons like wanting to collect physical games or the ease of gifting them to others. Some highlighted that physical games give a stronger sense of ownership.
On social media, many gamers voiced concerns about Nintendo’s new game-key cards for Switch 2. These cards look similar to cartridges but only act as a key for downloading the actual game. After downloading, the card must remain in the console to play. This has sparked worries over game ownership and preservation since everything relies on Nintendo’s servers. Stephen Kick, CEO of Nightdive Studios, expressed disappointment, saying that a company with Nintendo’s legacy should care more about game preservation.
The Nintendo community has had much to say, especially after a recent showcase dubbed the ‘Key-Card Direct’, which highlighted the lack of physical releases. Now, thanks to the survey, fans have a chance to share their thoughts directly with Nintendo.
In exciting news, Nintendo reported selling over 5.82 million Switch 2 consoles worldwide in its first month. Shortly after, the company announced price hikes for the original Switch console and select accessories.
As the gaming landscape evolves, it’s clear that many fans still hold a strong preference for physical media. Their voices continue to shape what gaming will look like in the future.
