- Primary Subject: Nintendo Switch 2 (Physical Media & Cartridge Strategy)
- Key Update: Nintendo Latin America GM Bill van Zyll confirmed the company has "no plans to ditch physical" cartridges on Switch 2, standing in direct contrast to Sony's digital-only push.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: October 12, 2026
- Quick Answer: Nintendo confirmed it will continue supporting physical cartridges for Switch 2, choosing consumer choice and game preservation over the industry's shift toward all-digital storefronts.
In a recent chat with Brazilian YouTuber Coelho no Japão, the VP and General Manager of Nintendo in Latin America, Bill van Zyll, confirmed the company has no plans to abandon physical cartridges.
He stated that Nintendo has no plans to abandon physical media, adding, "We know how much fans also enjoy it." It's refreshing to hear, especially since some games and companies (cough Sony cough) have decided to shift to an all-digital landscape.
Who would have thought that Nintendo would be the refuge every gamer needed?
I’m So Relieved Nintendo Isn’t Ditching Physical Media
Hearing Bill van Zyl confirm that Nintendo has no plans to abandon physical media on the Switch 2 gave me a genuine sigh of relief. Recently, buying a digital game feels like renting a temporary license that can be snatched away at any moment. It may be 2026, but for me, holding a tangible disc or cartridge still means something.
It means I actually OWN it. Nintendo acknowledging that fans love physical media proves they actually understand why so many of us still value physical game preservation.
Sony should be taking notes here. When they announced that PlayStation would completely stop making physical discs for new games starting in January 2028 and saw the negative reception they received, they should have humbly retracted their decision.
Forcing us into an all-digital landscape strips away consumer choice, kills game preservation, and makes gaming less accessible. While Sony is pushing gamers away with their questionable decisions, Nintendo is standing ten toes down on their decision to keep producing physical cartridges. It couldn't be a starker contrast.
There's something so special about unboxing a brand-new Switch 2 cartridge, popping it into the slot, and knowing that game is yours forever. I love the fact that I can pass the cartridge on to my younger sister or keep my favorite titles displayed on my shelf - something we won't be able to do with PlayStation exclusives in 2028.
READ MORE: Nintendo Rejecting a Ganondorf-Led Zelda Game Is a Heartbreaking Loss
Physical media gives me something to remember my gaming experience with, which is something I love - especially in a world that's becoming far too digital.
A gaming company listening to its community shouldn't feel revolutionary, but in an industry climate where PlayStation is preparing to kill off physical discs entirely by 2028, Nintendo's commitment to consumer choice is a massive breath of fresh air. Sticking by physical cartridges for the Switch 2 shows that Nintendo listens and understands the people who play their games - and it’s a lesson competitor consoles desperately need to learn.
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