Key Takeaways
- Nintendo Switch 2 game cartridges are intentionally designed to taste unpleasant, discouraging accidental ingestion.
- The recent Switch 2 Direct presentation introduced thrilling new features and upcoming titles, including Mario Kart World and The Duskbloods.
- Pricing for both digital and physical game formats for the Switch 2 is rising, with some physical cartridges lacking data storage capabilities.
Nintendo’s Switch 2 aims to impress gamers with a plethora of exciting game titles, though it won’t be winning any awards for the flavor of its game cartridges. Recently, during the highly anticipated Switch 2 Direct event, Nintendo unveiled a wealth of captivating details regarding the new console. Highlights included innovative features such as the Joy-Con 2’s mouse mode and the introduction of a new GameChat “C”button, alongside a myriad of titles from renowned franchises, including Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Kirby Air Riders. A notable reveal was the unexpected multiplayer game from FromSoftware named The Duskbloods.
In a move that follows the original Switch’s strategy, the Nintendo Switch 2 will support both digital downloads and physical game copies. While feedback on the Switch 2 Direct was predominantly positive, a cloud of disappointment loomed with reports of increased prices for both game formats. Digital game prices are reportedly climbing to $80, a $10 rise from the previously elevated industry standard of $70 that came into effect a few years ago. Even more staggering, physical game prices are reaching $90, leading to frustration among Nintendo enthusiasts, especially with the news that some physical titles will function merely as game keys without any data storage.
Nintendo Switch 2 Game Cartridges: A Distasteful Design
Among the leading console manufacturers, Nintendo distinguishes itself as particularly child-friendly, with a focus on family-friendly games and a whimsical approach in its overall branding. Ironically, the company is also known for producing the smallest physical media in the gaming sector: its SD card-sized game cartridges. This trend is not new for Nintendo, which has a long history with various media formats, from Game Boy cartridges to the unique miniDVDs of the GameCube. To enhance the safety of these compact cartridges, Nintendo is going above and beyond by adding an unpleasant taste designed to discourage kids and pets from chewing or swallowing them.
We don’t want anybody to be at risk of any unwanted consumption. We have indeed made it so that if it enters your mouth, you’ll spit it out.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for release on June 5, coinciding with the launch of Mario Kart World, which stands as the console’s flagship title. The console will retail for $450, while a package featuring Mario Kart World is expected to be priced at $500. Nintendo is currently reviewing pre-order plans following a delay stemming from recent U.S. tariff impacts.