Ubisoft Clarifies Star Wars Outlaws' Nintendo Switch 2 Cartridge Format
Ubisoft has shed light on the decision to release the physical version of the upcoming Star Wars Outlaws for Nintendo Switch 2 as a "key-cartridge" rather than a traditional game cartridge. This format means players will receive a physical cartridge containing only a download key, requiring them to download the full game from Nintendo's online store before playing.
This new approach to physical media for the Switch 2 has generated some discussion among fans. Many gamers have expressed concerns that these key-cartridges could become unusable in the distant future if Nintendo's download servers were ever to shut down. There's also a common belief that game studios might opt for this format to cut production costs, as a lower-capacity cartridge with minimal data would generally be cheaper to produce than a high-performance one capable of holding an entire game.
Performance Demands Drive Decision, Says Developer
However, Rob Bantin, the engine architect for Snowdrop (the engine powering Star Wars Outlaws), has clarified that the decision was driven purely by performance requirements, not financial savings. According to Bantin, while Switch 2 cartridges are indeed faster than those for the original Switch, they still can't match the speed of the console's internal storage or MicroSD Express cards.
"The Snowdrop engine relies heavily on disk streaming for open worlds, and we realized that Switch 2 cartridges simply don't provide the performance needed for our target game quality. Regarding cartridge costs, I don't even recall that being discussed – likely because it was insignificant."
– Rob Bantin, Snowdrop Engine Architect
Bantin further explained that if Star Wars Outlaws had been developed with the Switch 2 specifically in mind from the outset, the outcome might have been different. However, the game was initially designed for platforms equipped with fast SSDs, and the Nintendo console joined the development process later. He concluded that, given these circumstances, the company's leadership made the correct choice.
When questioned about whether this highlights a design limitation of the Switch 2, Bantin defended Nintendo. He stated that it wouldn't be fair to criticize the company, as the console needs to strike a balance between powerful capabilities and an accessible price point. He praised the Switch 2, calling it "a technical marvel in many aspects."
What This Means for Players
For players planning to jump into the open-world adventure of Star Wars Outlaws on the Nintendo Switch 2, this means a mandatory download will be required even when purchasing the physical version. While it addresses the game's technical demands for a smooth experience, it also means the 'physical' copy isn't truly self-contained. Star Wars Outlaws is set to release on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2.
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