Cyberpunk 2077 Embraces Physical Release on Nintendo Switch 2, Says CD Projekt Red

CD Projekt Red, the acclaimed developer behind hit titles like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, has reaffirmed its commitment to physical game releases with Cyberpunk 2077 slated for a cartridge edition on the Nintendo Switch 2.

This decision comes amid industry trends that see an increasing number of third-party studios opting for more cost-effective distribution methods, such as digital downloads or Key-Card game models, particularly on Nintendo platforms. In a recent interview, Jan Rosner, Vice President of Business Development at CD Projekt Red, provided insight into the company’s rationale.

According to Rosner, the choice to deliver Cyberpunk 2077 on a physical cartridge was straightforward.

"It simply felt like the right course of action for us," he stated, emphasizing the enduring significance of physical retail within the gaming market, especially for Nintendo’s audience.

Rosner highlighted that, despite shifting trends toward digital distribution, retail remains a robust avenue and is not disappearing anytime soon.

"Nintendo’s presence in the physical retail space is still very strong, and overall, the appeal of physical copies is far from fading," Rosner observed. Rosner further elaborated that for the Switch 2 player base, releasing a cartridge is not about sidestepping expectations but about providing the comprehensive, dedicated experience Nintendo players value most.

He noted, "There’s great importance for Nintendo audiences to have a plug-and-play experience.

We could have chosen an alternative route, but ultimately, the right thing to do was to launch Cyberpunk 2077 on a cartridge." Offering advice to other studios contemplating their release strategy for the Nintendo Switch 2, Rosner encouraged them not to discount the value of physical editions.

"Don’t underestimate the physical edition—it’s here to stay, and Nintendo players genuinely appreciate when it’s done well." This sentiment echoes a broader respect for the traditions and preferences of the Nintendo community, where physical game collections and the tactile satisfaction of cartridges remain highly regarded. With sales records showing physical software consistently moving millions of units on Nintendo platforms, CD Projekt Red’s commitment stands in line with established consumer expectations.

Cyberpunk 2077’s launch on the upcoming Switch 2, available via a full cartridge edition rather than a download code, positions the company among publishers attentive to their fanbase and the dynamics of the hardware ecosystem. As the industry prepares for the anticipated arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2—with its ongoing prominence in Nintendo Direct presentations and across the eShop—CD Projekt Red’s strategy serves as a reminder to developers and publishers alike: physical editions continue to play a crucial role for Nintendo gamers worldwide.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch CD Projekt Red Cyberpunk 2077 Nintendo Switch 2 Switch Red Jan Rosner