Nintendo Switch 2 game-key card sales have climbed by 631% in the United States in 2026 so far, according to market research firm Circana’s latest sales report, highlighting growing consumer adoption of the controversial physical format.
Circana reported that year-to-date spending on new physical video game software reached $738 million through August 2026, marking a 5% increase compared with the same period last year. Game-key cards played a major role in that growth, offsetting a 3% decline in spending across other types of new physical game releases.
The increase comes as more game-key card titles become available on Nintendo Switch 2. One notable release during the reporting period was Elden Ring, whose launch on the format helped the game rise from No. 41 in July to No. 7 in the August sales rankings.
Despite their sales growth, game-key cards remain divisive among collectors. Unlike traditional cartridges that store the game data directly, these cards require players to download the game before playing.
The latest figures suggest that, despite these concerns, US consumers are increasingly purchasing game-key cards, helping support growth in the physical video game market.
