Former Capcom developer Masakazu Sugimori expressed his support for Nintendo’s Game-Key Cards, rejecting fan accusations that these cards were created solely out of greed. His remarks revive an ongoing discussion sparked by Nintendo enthusiasts concerned about game preservation and increasing product prices.

Game-Key Cards serve as tokens resembling cartridges which authorize downloads from the Switch 2 eShop, essentially acting as physical keys for digital products. Initially unveiled in April 2025, this distribution method has faced criticism; fans argue it hinders game preservation while enabling publishers to save costs amidst rising prices.

Nintendo’s Game-Key Cards Controversy

Sugimori, a seasoned game composer, maintains that the launch of Game-Key Cards is not driven by greed. He pointed out Nintendo’s substantial cash reserves, totaling roughly $13.72 billion as of March 2025, suggesting the company’s motivations are more about protecting the gaming industry than merely cost-cutting.

While critics note that physical formats are not guaranteed longevity, Sugimori advocates for the resilience of digital assets. He states, “Physical things have a lifespan, and they eventually break. Digital goods, on the other hand, don’t have a lifespan.”

As concerns over the impact of Game-Key Cards continue, figures like Sugimori emphasize the necessity of adapting to new technologies for the future of gaming.