Why Japan’s National Library Declares Game-Key Cards Ineligible for Preservation: What It Means for Digital Collectors

Japan’s National Diet Library (NDL) is a major hub for preserving media, including video games. Since 2000, it has collected a vast array of game CDs and cartridges. However, it recently announced that Game-Key Cards for the Nintendo Switch 2 won’t be part of its collection.

This decision isn’t shocking if you understand what Game-Key Cards really are. These cards don’t store any game data. Instead, they are just licenses to download games from the eShop. This raises concerns about preservation. If the eShop shuts down, any games tied to these cards could become inaccessible.

The NDL stated, “Since a key card, on its own, does not qualify as content, it falls outside of our scope for collection and preservation.” This highlights the limitations of a format that relies solely on digital access.

Recent trends show that Nintendo is gathering feedback on these cards. However, they haven’t committed to expanding options for third-party games or consumers. Currently, very few third-party titles have been released physically for the Switch 2. One of the few, Yooka-Replaylee, is rumored to have an announcement soon.

Expert opinions on this topic align with concerns about digital-only formats. According to a report from the International Game Developers Association, over 60% of developers believe physical copies play a crucial role in preserving game history. The worry is that as more titles shift to digital or hybrid formats, valuable pieces of gaming culture could vanish.

As for user reactions, many on social media express frustration. They feel that reliance on digital formats makes them vulnerable to losing access over time. The conversation around Game-Key Cards reflects broader worries over the sustainability of digital media in gaming.

In an era where digital content is becoming more common, it’s essential to think about how we preserve our gaming history. For a look at more on this topic, visit resources like Famitsu and Automaton.

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Nintendo, Nintendo Switch 2, Game Key Card