If you're a physical game collector, the idea of building your library with Game-Key Cards is almost certainly something you're not open to. Game-Key Cards are highly controversial and have attracted a variety of criticism from collectors, distributors and developers across the industry.

For those unaware, many Nintendo Switch 2 "˜physical' games are sold as Game-Key Cards, which are cartridges that don't contain the data for your games. Rather granting you the ability to download them from the Switch online store. They are little more than a "˜Code in a Box' which became commonplace for the original Switch.

A limited number of Nintendo Switch 2 games including Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza are full physical releases with the data on the cartridge. However, it seems that an increasing number of publishers are opting for the cost-saving Game-Key Card approach, with Cyberpunk 2077 being one of the very few third-party games using a full cartridge.

Although clearly aware of the backlash to Game-Key Cards, Nintendo have doubled-down on them and have commented previously that Game-Key Cards are here to stay. However, to show a sign that they're listening to their audience Nintendo have reached out to Switch 2 owners in Japan, surveying their thoughts on Game-Key Cards.

The questions that they have asked users include:

• Did you know that Nintendo Switch 2 packaged software includes a game card called a "Game Key Card"?
  • I own Game Key Card software
  • I don't own Game Key Card software but I know about it.
  • I don't know about Game Key Card software.
• Do you know anything about the characteristics of the Game Key Cards? Please select all that you know.
  • If you have downloaded the main game data, you can start playing without connecting to the internet.
  • When playing the game for the first time, you will need to download the game data via the internet.
  • Free space on the device's internal memory or microSD Express card is required to download the main content.
  • You can play the game on another console by downloading the game data and inserting the key card.
  • You must insert the key card into the console to play the game.
  • I never knew any of this.
• After reading the above explanation, if you wanted to buy a piece of software and there was a Game Key Card or a download version available, which would you choose? Please choose the answer that applies.
  • I want to buy Game Key Cards as much as possible.
  • I would rather buy a Game Key Card.
  • I can't choose either.
  • I would rather buy the download version.
  • I want to buy the download version as much as possible.

Credit: VGC / Japanese site SwitchSoku.

Whilst it's unlikely that the results of this survey will ever be made public, it's very interesting to see Nintendo acknowledge that Game-Key Cards are being perceived differently by players.

Whether Nintendo are looking for a change in approach towards Game-Key Cards for their first-party games, or are looking to provide this insight to third-party publishers, these opinion surveys will be valuable insights. I wouldn't be surprised to see these surveys be launched in more Switch 2 markets.

If you're passionate about physical games, take a look at our latest opinion piece on physical games, including how Game-Key Cards are one of the factors that have resulted in a reduce in trust of the physical games market.

Have you picked up any Switch 2 Game-Key Cards? How do you perceive them as a physical collector if you are one? Let us know in the comments below and stick with GSC for all your Nintendo, Switch and gaming news.