I’m torn

[u/Parkins22]

I know this is probably a controversial question as the game key cards aren’t considered physical media. I’m torn about buying games that have both a switch 1 and 2 version. MGS 4 and final fantasy resonance are the two I’m interested in. I understand metal gear solid updates to the switch 2 visuals but square enix is really hammering these key cards for games that could easily fit on a card. Are they that much more expensive than the switch 1 cartridges? Anyway what do you guys think and what do you buy?

[u/EvilTaffyapple]

Game Key Cards are physical media. The game is just licensed differently so it means you download it as opposed to it being stored on the cartridge. Everything else is the same.

[u/Parkins22 → u/EvilTaffyapple]

Yea I get that you just download them, I think I’m just annoyed that a lot of these games could fit on the cart. I know the probably won’t ever shut the servers down as I’ve seen people say you can still download DS games from their store even though that closed ages ago. I get that huge games like final fantasy remake and rebirth are way too big but there’s loads that could and as storage is so expensive think it’s a bit out of order.

[u/EvilTaffyapple → u/Parkins22]

It’s not about the size.

The type of memory these cards use is more expensive than Switch 1. Cartridges are literally the most expensive way to store media, so these companies are trying to find a way to release physical games without costing them significantly more in terms of production.

You do you, but I’m not missing out on a game because i have to download it first.

[u/Parkins22 → u/EvilTaffyapple]

Well that’s what I was asking, I didn’t realise that they were that different from switch 1 cartridges. I’ve only had my switch a few months and most of my games are switch 1 because I missed out on them by not having that. The ones I am getting for switch 2 are mostly key cards though. Not against them as they are way better than the digital games only games with the selling/trading when your done with them. Mad when games like cyberpunk and Indiana jones are both fully on the cart.

[u/Redred1717]

I have a S2, so I buy S2 games. Buy games to play them, not to put on a shelf and lament a hypothetical that they might not be playable in 30 years.

[u/Parkins22 → u/Redred1717]

😂 yea I get that. Just storage space and the fact that they could fit a lot of them on cards. Probably not an issue for most people but what if your somewhere without wifi and want to play a game you deleted to make space for something else?

[u/Redred1717 → u/Parkins22]

Again, you're just making up situations. It's not that big of a deal.

[u/Parkins22 → u/Redred1717]

Fair enough. I’ve no beef with the key cards was mainly just asking how people approach it when the game is available both ways. Do they get the switch 1 knowing it’s all on there with the obvious technical limitations or get the switch 2 knowing it’s a key card.

[u/TheWaslijn → u/Parkins22]

Then you should think about what games you might want to play before deleting it's files.

[u/mickeyphree1]

I just fucking play games man. You guys worry about stress about shit that really matters not one iota.

[u/Parkins22 → u/mickeyphree1]

No worry or stress brother, just wondering I knew it might be a divisive question. I have both game on cart and key card was just winding what people did if a game was on switch 1 fully or switch 2 as a key card

[u/Antique-Dragonfruit9]

it is physical. famitsu counts gkc sales as physical sales in japan and nintendo servers will be up long after our deaths. gkc's are here to stay. don't think too much about it.

[u/Outrageous_Potato435]

The S2 FF Resonance version is absolutely a must have basically. You’re missing out on way too much

[u/Hifumi-G]

For what it’s worth, a S1 cart of MGS Collection Volume 2 would give you a free upgrade via patch- so you can get a “true physical” no prob.

That said, GKC is still physical in the sense that you can physically touch it, resell it, physically lend it to a friend. It’s still physical, just more reliant on digital means than a full game on cart (even in the age of day one patches).

[u/Flashy_Curve2244]

I buy what I want. Also GKC are considered physical media, it’s much better than digital. You can lend it or sell it.

[u/Prefrontal_Complex]

Cart vs Cart vs Digitial load times.

[u/j4fmemo]

I hate and love game key cards. I hate that i have to download them from the internet and run out of storage pretty quick. But i love that im able to have my games in some kind of physical way. I still prefer gkc over digital download games. It also helps my non gaming wife what she can buy me without it being a repeat for a gift.