Nintendo fans, get ready for some exciting news! According to a senior executive at CD Projekt, the team behind the highly anticipated Cyberpunk 2077, it’s important not to overlook the significance of physical games in the Nintendo ecosystem.
As the industry gears up for the launch of the Switch 2, CD Projekt is taking a bold stand by offering Cyberpunk 2077 on an actual game cartridge—an increasingly rare choice in today’s digital-dominated landscape. This makes them a standout among many developers who are opting for ‘key cards’ that merely act as a trigger for downloading the game from the Nintendo eShop.
CD Projekt has drawn upon its experience from launching The Witcher 3 on the original Switch to inform their decision for a physical release of Cyberpunk 2077. Jan Rosner, the VP of Business Development, emphasized that providing a “cartridge with a plug-and-play experience” is essential. He pointed out that, unlike before, players of the Switch 2 will have access to much greater internal storage, which means less worry about space hogging games like The Witcher 3.
According to Rosner, Nintendo gamers have a particular fondness for the tactile joy and instant access that physical cartridges provide. He stated, “Nintendo at physical retail is still strong, and retail is, in general, not going anywhere.” This perspective counters the prevailing notion that digital formats are the only way forward in gaming.
CD Projekt’s stance is clear: they believe that creating a physical edition is not merely an option but a prioritized goal, one that acknowledges the preferences of Nintendo’s audience. “We could have gone with a key card,” Rosner mentioned, “but that wouldn’t feel right. Why miss out on the unique experience of having it on a tangible cartridge?”
Rosner further speculated that we might see a broader array of third-party titles make their way to the Switch 2—games that would have seemed improbable on the original Switch. “The previous generation laid a solid foundation, and more players are eager to dive into a richer gaming experience,” he explained enthusiastically.
Considering the confirmed lineup, which includes gems like Hazelight’s Split Fiction and heavyweights like Elden Ring and Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, the excitement around the Switch 2 is palpable. Just imagine the possibilities!
But what does this mean for The Witcher 3’s future on the new console? While CD Projekt is tight-lipped on that front, they have committed their focus to Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition for the Switch 2, hinting that we might not see The Witcher’s return just yet.
As CD Projekt’s Gameplay Technical Design Expert, Filip Downar, expressed, their history with Nintendo only boosts their enthusiasm for this new venture. “When we learned about the enhanced hardware of the Nintendo Switch 2, we felt it was the perfect stage for Cyberpunk 2077,” he said, radiating excitement for what lies ahead.
Curious about what games are launching with the Switch 2? Be sure to check out our comprehensive guide for all the upcoming Switch 2 titles!
