Nintendo says it won't abandon game cartridges despite digital shift
Nintendo's Latin America VP Bill van Zyll said the company has no plans to stop making physical game cartridges. He described Nintendo's stance as consumer-driven and agnostic, noting that the Switch 2 supports both physical and digital games. The comments contrast with Sony's push toward a disc-less future.
Nintendo's Latin America VP Bill van Zyll made the comments to Brazilian YouTube channel Coelho no Japão. He said the company follows consumer preference and remains platform-agnostic, noting Switch 2 offers both physical and digital options. The stance differs from Sony, whose CFO has said it will cautiously continue removing disc drives.
Switch and Switch 2 cartridges cap at 32GB and 64GB. Because some AAA titles exceed that, Nintendo introduced game-key cards, which carry a download license but can still be resold or traded. First-party physical Nintendo games cost $10 more than digital versions as of May 2026, attributed to manufacturing, packaging, and distribution.
Nintendo's continued cartridge support may reassure collectors, families, and players who value resale, lending, and offline access. It could also keep retail stores and secondhand markets relevant for Nintendo products. However, game-key cards and higher physical prices may complicate the ownership benefit, especially for budget-conscious buyers. If Sony proceeds disc-less, the industry could split between digital-first platforms and hybrid physical options, affecting how consumers preserve and share games.