The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 has sparked various discussions, particularly regarding its physical game format. One title, Star Wars: Outlaws, has notably benefited from the console’s new “game key card” format, according to Rob Bantin, a developer at Ubisoft. This approach has allowed the game to perform effectively on the new platform, overcoming significant technical challenges.
While Star Wars: Outlaws was initially available only on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles, its recent port to the Switch 2 has drawn attention. The game is offered solely in the game key card format, which provides a license for digital downloads rather than housing game data directly on the cartridge. Despite its unpopularity among many gamers, this format has proven essential for the successful operation of the title on the Switch 2.
Bantin elaborated on this unique situation in a post on Bluesky. He explained that the decision to use the game key card was driven not by cost considerations, but rather by technical limitations associated with the Snowdrop engine, the technology behind Star Wars: Outlaws. The developers faced difficulties in achieving satisfactory performance on traditional cartridges due to the engine’s heavy reliance on disk streaming for open-world environments.
To illustrate the challenges, Bantin stated, “The Switch 2 cards simply didn’t give the performance we needed at the quality target we were going for.” Notably, the economic implications of using the key card format were not a priority in the discussions, suggesting that technical feasibility took precedence over cost-saving measures.
The decision to opt for this format appears to have been successful, as early reviews have praised the Switch 2 version of Star Wars: Outlaws. Analysts from Digital Foundry described the port as “extraordinary,” highlighting its visual quality, which competes closely with that of the Xbox Series S. The game also incorporates ray tracing features, adding to its impressive performance on the Switch 2 platform.
While concerns about the longevity of the game key card format persist, particularly in terms of historical preservation, its application in this case demonstrates a potential benefit. As the gaming community continues to navigate the evolving landscape of console technology, the success of Star Wars: Outlaws on the Nintendo Switch 2 may serve as a noteworthy case study in resolving technical hurdles.
