The Switch 2 generates controversy with his new commitment to the hybrid format, but the former Nintendo managers say that physical games will not completely disappear

In a world in which we download more and more and buy less in the box, Nintendo faces a crossroads with his new Switch 2 console. The cause of the mixture? THE Playing cardsA kind of hybrid between the body and the digital that has left many players with a face of “But what is this?”. They are not cartridges. They do not bring the game inside. They only offer a code to download it. And this, for those who still love to open a box and smell the manual (if they still carry it), is almost a betrayal.

The debate on the end of the physical games

Quiet, what Nintendo ex left the waters. Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang, former marketing of the company responsible and known by the program Nintendo MinuteThey gave their opinion in a recent video in which they analyze this new model and what could mean for the future.

“Nintendo will not eliminate the body,” say the former employees of the great N. And, although the key cards of the game seem an elegant way to open the way to a totally digital future, The same company continues to enhance the retail sales channel like few others in the sector.

As Ellis and Yang explain, these cards are not a total novelty. Become an evolution of Codes sold in stores to download eShop GamesA program that started without great expectations … and has ended up working so well that they now try to bring it further. Yes really, With a presentation that imitates the box of a real gameTo continue capturing that audience who wants to see something tangible on the shelf.

The idea is not to abandon the body, but to expand it. In fact, Ellis clarifies him for Nintendo, The physique also includes having something that can be given, collecting or simply having as a representation of the game in your powereven if it does not contain the software as such.

The digital business, more profitable than ever

Krysta Yang does not cut in underlining a reality that many suspected: Nintendo wins a lot more with digital games. There are no manufacturing, distribution or store commissions. Everything goes directly to its speakers. That’s why they are not surprising that you are looking for solutions they can “To get the user used to a cartridgeless environment“, Even if they still don’t want to make the complete leap.

And, unlike other companies such as PlayStation or Xbox who are already openly flirting with 100% digital, Nintendo continues to take care of its more traditional fan base. According to Ellis, His most faithful audience has a strong emotional bond with physical formatAnd break it would be counterproductive.

Will we see the first park games only in key format?

Even if for now the most important titles will continue to start on the cartridge, It is not excluded that in the future we see Nintendo Games with this new systemEspecially if the first sales accompany.

Yes really, It will all depend on how the public reacts with this first wave of cards. Ellis and Yang insist Nintendo listens to your community a lotAnd if they see that this model does not convince, they could take a step back or rethink their strategy.

And in the end, as both directors points out, Nintendo not only sells games: sell nostalgia, rituals and emotions with their products. Leaving the body would be like eliminating part of that experience. That’s why they believe it There will always be some form of physical support, however smallThis allows the player to maintain that feeling of possession and attachment.

A decision that divides the community

For many fans, the dispute is not only collected. The preservation of video games also comes into play. What will happen within 15 years if the Nintendo servers no longer exist? Can you continue to access those titles? Game cards do not guarantee that duration and who worry.

On the other hand, there are younger or more random players who are already accustomed to all digital and see these cards as a more practical alternative. Is this the gap of the generational game?