Cyberpunk 2077 Physical Release on Nintendo Switch 2: Majority of Players Opt for Full Cartridge Edition

Cyberpunk 2077 Physical Release on Nintendo Switch 2: Majority of Players Opt for Full Cartridge Edition The launch of Nintendo Switch 2 has invigorated the gaming landscape, welcoming a robust lineup of first and third-party titles.

As the gaming community discusses the rise of Game-Key Cards in place of traditional cartridge releases, separate attention has centered on developers that continue to champion comprehensive physical editions.

Notably, CD Projekt Red has taken a firm stance on delivering a full game experience on physical media, bucking the recent trend of partial downloads with their hit, Cyberpunk 2077. Recently, CD Projekt Group’s official financial results included compelling insights into Cyberpunk 2077’s performance on the new Nintendo Switch 2 platform.

Released during the console’s launch window, Cyberpunk 2077 was made available both digitally through the Nintendo eShop and physically on a complete game cartridge—an approach that has resonated strongly with the platform’s audience. According to data shared by CD Projekt Group, around 75.4% of Switch 2 players purchased the physical cartridge edition of Cyberpunk 2077 during its launch month, while 24.6% chose to buy the game digitally from the Nintendo eShop in June.

This preference reflects a significant desire among Switch 2 owners for tangible, complete releases, and positions the title near the top of eShop charts despite digital sales comprising a smaller share.

Though specific unit sales were not detailed, Cyberpunk 2077 has consistently appeared in best-selling rankings across multiple regions since release. CD Projekt Red’s commitment to offering a complete physical product has been articulated by Jan Rosner, Vice President of Business Development at CD Projekt Red.

Earlier this year, Rosner emphasized that physical retail remains "robust for Nintendo," and broadly for video games, stating that physical game releases are especially crucial for the Nintendo audience.

He reaffirmed that "providing Cyberpunk 2077 on a full cartridge was the responsible approach" and aligned with what players expect from a comprehensive retail edition. While many third-party studios have chosen to provide only Game-Key Cards or partial downloads for their titles on Nintendo Switch 2, CD Projekt Red’s decision to invest in a traditional, full-sized cartridge showcases their awareness of player preferences and upholds the legacy value of physical games.

As Cyberpunk 2077 continues to perform well digitally and physically, the data provides a telling snapshot of the enduring appeal of physical media, particularly among Nintendo’s dedicated fanbase.

For industry observers, these results highlight both the challenges and opportunities facing developers as the hardware and retail landscapes continue to evolve in the era of the Nintendo Switch 2.

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