Stephen Kick, CEO of Nightdive Studios, has voiced concern over Nintendo’s controversial new game-key card system for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, warning that it undermines the principles of game preservation and physical ownership.
During the console’s debut presentation, Nintendo introduced game-key cards—a new type of proprietary physical media. Unlike traditional Switch cartridges, these cards do not contain game data. Instead, they function as proof of purchase, allowing users to download the game digitally after inserting the card. Critics quickly pointed out that this system raises red flags for collectors and preservationists, as it ties game ownership to digital storefronts that may not be permanent.
In a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Kick called the decision “a little disheartening,” expressing disappointment in Nintendo’s handling of physical game preservation. “You would hope that a company that big, that has such a storied history, would take preservation a little more seriously,” he stated.
Preservation at the Heart of Nightdive’s Mission
Kick’s comments carry weight in the gaming community, particularly because Nightdive Studios has built its reputation on reviving classic games that might otherwise be lost to time. From Quake and Turok to System Shock and I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream, Nightdive has continually delivered remasters and re-releases that give older titles a second life.
This isn’t the first time Kick has addressed Nintendo’s approach to legacy content. In past interviews, he revealed that Nightdive had attempted to pitch a remaster of GoldenEye 007, the iconic N64 shooter, but the proposal was ultimately rejected.
Physical Media on the Decline
Nintendo has promised transparency by clearly labeling which game-key card titles do not include actual data. Still, the decision has sparked backlash among fans who value physical game collections. For these players, the game-key card is seen as a hollow replacement—a token, not a tool—in the broader conversation about ownership and access.
Despite these concerns, many of Nightdive’s titles continue to appear on Nintendo platforms, including the original Switch. But as Kick noted, that doesn’t excuse the industry’s growing tendency to prioritize digital convenience over long-term availability. “The Nintendo example is a step back,” he concluded.
