NIS America explains decision to use Nintendo Switch 2 game-key card for The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon

We haven’t heard too many publishers commenting on why they’re using game-key cards on Nintendo Switch 2, but now NIS America has just done that – specifically for The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon.

Many were happy to hear that the recent news that Nintendo’s new console would be getting the RPG. However, it did come with that game-key card caveat for physical collectors.

We don’t need to keep drilling this in as many are familiar with the game-key card situation, but essentially, these types of cartridges are not fully physical. Players need to download the game first before they can do anything else. Physical collectors want to be able to access their content immediately and without having to connect online.

So what does NIS America have to say? Speaking with Nintendo Life, the company said the following regarding the game-key card for The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon on Nintendo Switch 2: “We decided to release this title as a game-key card on the Nintendo Switch 2 as we believed it was the most beneficial option for our customers.”

Most third-party publishers have opted to pursue game-key cards for Nintendo Switch 2 early on. That said, the tide could be changing. SEGA has been a big game-key card proponent so far, but when Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds launches, it’ll be fully physical.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon just secured a release date of January 2026 in the west today. The full rundown can be found here, including a new trailer.

We have a running list of every game-key card for Nintendo Switch 2 here.