Why Star Wars Outlaws’ Developer Defends the Switch 2’s Controversial Game Key Cards: A Fresh Perspective

The Nintendo Switch 2 has stirred up quite a conversation, especially with its game key cards. Unlike traditional cartridges, these cards don’t hold game data. Instead, they let players download games directly from the Nintendo eShop. Developer Rob Bantin, who works as an audio architect on Ubisoft’s Snowdrop engine, shared his thoughts on this choice in connection with the game Star Wars Outlaws.

In a chat with Digital Foundry’s John Linneman, Bantin explained that using full game cards didn’t provide the performance they needed. He said the Snowdrop engine heavily relies on streaming content from the disk to create expansive open-world environments. “Cost didn’t really come up in discussions,” he noted, which shows how performance was the main concern.

Bantin added that if they had designed Star Wars Outlaws specifically for the Switch 2, things might have been different. They initially built the game with the faster SSDs in mind from other consoles, and the Switch 2 appeared later in the development process. “I think our leadership made the right call,” he concluded.

This trend isn’t unique to Ubisoft. Many third-party developers are also using key cards for their Switch 2 releases. Interestingly, CD Projekt Red took a different route with Cyberpunk 2077, offering it as a physical cartridge containing the actual game. Recent data revealed that over 75% of its Switch 2 sales in June were from these physical copies, showing a strong preference among players.

Player reactions on social media highlight a mix of curiosity and frustration. Some express excitement for the new features, while others miss the tangible feel of traditional game cartridges. As the gaming landscape shifts, these discussions reflect broader trends in technology and consumer preferences.

In the long run, it will be fascinating to see how developers adapt. The balance between performance and user experience continues to evolve, affecting how games are played and shared in the future.

For more insights, check out [this detailed report](https://www.nintendo.com/switch), which examines the trends in gaming technology.

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