R-Type Dimensions 3, published by Inin Games, will now launch as a physical cartridge on the Nintendo Switch 2, departing from its initially planned Game-Key Card release. The shift comes amid discussions about Nintendo potentially offering smaller, more affordable cartridge options for developers, though no official announcement has confirmed new storage capacities.
Initially, Inin Games suggested it would take advantage of multiple cartridge sizes to reduce production costs and offer players a cheaper physical option. The company later clarified that Nintendo has not officially confirmed any changes to Switch 2 cartridge sizes and warned that previous statements should not be taken as definitive information. Despite this, the publisher has confirmed that the game will still see a physical release.
Why the Switch to Physical Cartridges Matters
Game-Key Cards, which mostly serve as download prompts rather than carrying full game data, have been met with mixed reactions from fans. Some developers have defended them as a necessary solution for larger games or as a more cost-effective alternative, but many players prefer traditional cartridges for convenience and resale value. By moving R-Type Dimensions 3 to a proper physical cartridge, Inin Games aligns with player expectations while recalculating production methods that were previously not feasible.
The physical version of R-Type Dimensions 3 will cost roughly €10 (around $11) more than the Game-Key Card alternative. This is lower than the earlier estimate of a €15 price increase for a standard 64GB Switch 2 cartridge. While smaller cartridge sizes have been speculated, there is no official confirmation from Nintendo on what sizes will be made available to publishers.
Production Changes and Player Impact
The change to a physical cartridge allows Inin Games to provide a more traditional release format for fans who prefer owning physical media. This move also highlights the ongoing balancing act for developers working with Switch 2 hardware, weighing storage constraints, production costs, and consumer preferences.
Even with the slight price increase, the decision is likely to appeal to players who are critical of Game-Key Cards and seek a full physical experience. R-Type Dimensions 3’s shift to cartridges demonstrates how developers are adapting to production realities while maintaining a focus on player expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will R-Type Dimensions 3 still be available as a Game-Key Card?
No. Inin Games confirmed that the game will now be released as a proper physical cartridge rather than a Game-Key Card.
Why are Switch 2 Game-Key Cards unpopular?
Game-Key Cards require players to download most of the game data, which many players find less convenient than traditional cartridges that contain the full game.
How much will the physical version of R-Type Dimensions 3 cost?
The physical cartridge version is expected to be approximately €10 (around $11) more expensive than the Game-Key Card version.
Has Nintendo confirmed smaller cartridge sizes for Switch 2?
No. While there has been speculation, Nintendo has not officially announced any new cartridge sizes or storage options.
Why did Inin Games change the release format?
The publisher cited production recalculations that allowed for a physical cartridge release, giving players a traditional physical format that was not previously possible.
