Hades II Switch 2 Comes as Full Cartridge Game
Fans of physical games have a reason to celebrate. Hades II for Nintendo Switch 2 will officially release as a full cartridge game, not a Game Key Card.
This means players can simply insert the cartridge and start playing immediately without needing to download the entire game or stay connected online. For collectors and offline players, this is a welcome decision in today’s market where digital dependencies are becoming the norm.
Recently, the use of Game Key Cards has sparked ongoing debate among Switch 2 owners. Some major releases, such as Final Fantasy VII Remake, relied on them due to large file sizes, with installs reaching over 80GB—well beyond the 64GB capacity of standard cartridges. However, many smaller games have also adopted the Key Card format, drawing criticism for offering physical boxes without the actual game data.
Breaking away from this trend, Supergiant Games has confirmed that Hades II will be fully playable straight from the cartridge, with offline functionality included. The release will use an LN cartridge, essentially a two-in-one format. It contains the Nintendo Switch version of the game, which runs on Switch 2, and also allows for a free upgrade to the enhanced Next-Gen version when connected online. Without internet, players can still enjoy the LN version, though it may have slightly reduced performance and frame rates compared to the upgraded edition.
Hades II continues the legacy of the first award-winning roguelike, this time following the immortal princess of the underworld. Players will explore expansive dungeons inspired by Greek and Olympian mythology, unlock legendary weapons, and harness dark powers to strengthen their abilities. The return of God Mode and the promise of deeper narrative choices ensure that the game will keep players engaged for countless runs.
By choosing to deliver a complete cartridge release, Supergiant Games demonstrates respect for the physical gaming community. In a time where DRM-heavy approaches and partial physical editions dominate, Hades II stands out as a player-first release that values accessibility and true ownership.
