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In December 2025, a rumor emerged that Nintendo would offer publishers new cartridge options for Switch 2. Until then, reports suggested the pricey 64 GB media was the only available size. Now, the Stellar Blade Switch 2 port appears to be the first title to use a 32 GB alternative. For supporters of physical games, that could signal a welcome shift—and perhaps persuade more companies to avoid Game-Key Cards or digital-only versions.
A New Cartridge Option Emerges
On September 10, Shift Up clarified that Stellar Blade would ship on a cartridge. A pre-order banner for the Complete Edition then revealed that the Switch 2 title employed a “32GB Game Card.” The Nintendo eShop lists its file size at 25.4 GB, seemingly confirming that the advertisement was referring to the cartridge itself.
That detail matters because Switch 2 game cards have been a point of debate since before launch. Publishers have reportedly weighed physical media against digital distribution, with cost and capacity playing major roles. A 32 GB option gives developers a middle ground: more room than a small indie release needs, but not the expense of a 64 GB card.
The Economics of Physical Games
More companies may follow Shift Up’s lead by requesting reduced-capacity media. If the 64 GB alternative costs $16 as rumored, it is another reason some publishers might embrace the digital age. The late 2025 report also hinted that 16 GB versions were looming. That choice could be especially appealing for Switch 2 games from indie studios that find exclusive eShop distribution more economical.
For players who want to see how the first major 32 GB example is being sold, the Stellar Blade Complete Edition listing is now live on Nintendo’s store.
While physical game advocates are encouraged, the industry still faces economic hurdles. Inflated storage and memory costs already contributed to a price increase on the Nintendo console. Rising NAND flash values may affect Game Cards, offsetting any savings on smaller varieties. In other words, a 32 GB card may be cheaper than a 64 GB one, but it is not immune to broader supply-chain pressure.
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Another issue is the growing number of titles that exceed any cartridge capacity. Like prior entries in the remake trilogy, Final Fantasy 7 Revelation consumes more than 100 GB on the handheld. Consequently, the eShop or a Game-Key Card that requires downloads is necessary. Even if larger media were available, director Naoki Hamaguchi warned slower read speeds could impact performance.
That creates a split reality for Switch 2 owners. Some games can fit comfortably on a 32 GB card, making a complete physical release possible. Others are simply too large, forcing publishers to choose between downloads, Game-Key Cards, or multi-card solutions that rarely make financial sense. The result is a physical market that may become more varied—not necessarily weaker.
Game Cards Seem Here to Stay
Despite the obstacles, some critics of PlayStation’s move away from physical games view Nintendo as a savior. Instead of phasing out cartridges, its rival remains committed to giving partners additional options. Shift Up is equally supportive of non-digital gaming. When announcing a November 5 release date for the Stellar Blade Switch 2 port, it said:
We also understand the importance of physical media, and so we have made sure that Stellar Blade is 100% on cartridge.
For now, the 32 GB Game Card may be just one title’s solution. But if the economics work, it could become a template for publishers who want to keep physical releases alive without committing to the most expensive media available. Nintendo’s cartridge strategy is not disappearing—it is quietly expanding.