Sonic Racing: Crossworlds Ushers in a New Era with Game-Key Cards for Switch 2

The upcoming release of Sonic Racing: Crossworlds for the Switch 2 introduces an unconventional method by presenting the game on a unique Game-Key Card. This unusual approach has stirred conversation ever since the April presentation when the concept was first introduced.

Instead of offering a full-fledged physical game, the system uses a card that acts as a key, allowing users to download the complete game. The design means that while you hold something tangible, the card itself contains only the means to unlock the digital content.

Many enthusiasts who prefer collecting physical titles value the idea of preserving a complete library. They worry that if download servers were ever shut down or if updates were used to replace the original version permanently, their collections might lose their authenticity. With Game-Key Cards, however, the option to maintain a full, unaltered physical copy becomes limited. Users may encounter the common drawbacks of both formats—needing to download the game and the risk of misplacing the card—despite the minor benefit of being able to resell the item later.

Due to these concerns, some collectors have opted to support only those releases that provide the full game on a cartridge, a feature that is increasingly rare among major titles. Recent reports indicate that Sonic Racing: Crossworlds for Switch 2 will follow the Game-Key Card model, as stated by Sega’s support team. While there have been instances of misleading support in the past, it may be wise to reconsider expectations. How do you feel about purchasing physical games for the Switch 2, and does the format of the game delivery influence your decision?