Cartridges have limitations that make them incompatible with some Nintendo Switch 2 games. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is too large to fit on a standard Game Card. Instead, it uses an internet-dependent Switch 2 Game-Key Card to the disappointment of physical media supporters.
Many gamers believe publishers opt for Game-Key Cards because they are cheaper than conventional cartridges. Still, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade demonstrates why some Switch 2 games have no alternative. The Square Enix title, with a January 22, 2026, release date, checks in at at the eShop at a hefty 87.9 GB. Unfortunately, Switch 2 Game Cards currently have a maximum capacity of 64 GB.
As Twisted Voxel notes, the first part of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy is actually smaller on the PS5. It seems Nintendo’s handheld gamers won’t be denied any advantages enjoyed by other consoles. It’s possible that Square Enix could have compressed the game to fit on a Game Card, but not without compromises.
Storage space is quickly becoming an issue for fans compiling a library of Switch 2 games. As one of the largest titles yet, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade will occupy a large portion of the handheld’s 256 GB internal storage. Game-Key Cards won’t help, since they require downloading and installing most of a game’s files.
Capacity is not the only drawback with Switch 2 Game Cards
Switch 2 owners can resort to microSD Express cards, but they are fairly expensive. Another concern for developers during gameplay is read speed. Early tests revealed that the console’s built-in storage was the fastest option. Recently, a Star Wars Outlaws developer explained that it ships on a Game Card because cartridges were too slow.
There may be some hope for cartridges larger than 64 GB in the future. The Taiwanese Macronix, which has manufactured media for Nintendo in the past, is reportedly embracing a different type of flash memory. Cheaper cartridges and larger or smaller sizes could be the result. Still, it’s questionable whether speeds would also benefit.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is just one of three Square Enix games in the series headed to the Switch 2. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will also come to the console, possibly before 2026 ends. Sadly, with more open-world settings, it has an even larger file size on other systems.
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Adam Corsetti – Tech Writer – 611 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2025
I became interested in technology at a young age and enjoyed discovering the latest innovations. While earning college degrees in publishing, I created several PC hardware and gaming websites. My passion has always been to guide readers on what products can truly improve their lives. After many years as a Tech Writer for Game Rant, I’m anxious to share my knowledge with a new audience at Notebookcheck.
Adam Corsetti, 2025-09-14 (Update: 2025-09-14)
