Switch 2 May Feature Smaller Game Cartridges, But Plans for Budget Physical Releases Remain Uncertain

Nintendo might be gearing up to introduce two new cartridge options for the Switch 2, providing publishers with a more budget-friendly way to release physical versions of their games.

Currently, publishers are limited to the standard 64 GB cartridges or digital-only releases for the Switch 2. However, a leak from Inin Games, the publisher of R-Type Dimensions 3, hinted at a potential change—though they later retracted their statement.

Initially, Inin Games announced via a social media post that R-Type Dimensions 3 would see a physical release thanks to the new cartridge sizes. Their original message stated, “Two days ago Nintendo announced two new smaller cartridge sizes for Nintendo Switch 2. This allows us to recalculate production in a way that wasn’t possible before.”

However, they later clarified, stating, “There has been no official announcement or confirmation from Nintendo concerning cartridge storage capacities. Any references to specific storage sizes should not be interpreted as official information from Nintendo.”

Inin Games also updated their announcement page for the physical version of R-Type Dimensions 3, removing any mention of the new cartridge sizes. The revised statement now reads, “We could recalculate the production in a way that wasn’t possible before.”

Interestingly, the page still features an image comparing a large Switch 2 cartridge to a smaller one.

Inin Games has retracted their earlier claims about the new smaller Switch 2 cartridges, emphasizing that no official information has been provided by Nintendo regarding storage capacities.

It seems likely that Nintendo may have hinted to Inin Games about upcoming cartridge options, leading to an accidental public disclosure. Until we receive an official confirmation, it’s wise to remain skeptical. However, if Nintendo does roll out more affordable physical launch options for developers and publishers, it could greatly benefit game preservation, collectors, and those who enjoy having a tangible copy of their games.