Inin Backs Off Game Key Cards After Cartridge Leak

• Inin Games said it could convert R-Type Dimensions III retail boxes from Game Key Cards to full Switch 2 cartridges after 'smaller cartridge' cost savings appeared to be available. • The publisher initially warned a switch to full cartridges would raise price by €15, then revised that to a €10 increase for new pre-orders; early pre-orders keep original price. • Inin later removed claims that Nintendo had announced new smaller cartridge sizes and clarified there was no official confirmation; rumors called out 16GB and 32GB options alongside existing 64GB parts. • If lower-capacity cartridges cost $5–$10 less, some publishers could find full physical releases economically viable — a win for collectors unhappy with Game Key Cards.

What happened

Inin Games, publisher of R‑Type Dimensions III, announced changes to its planned Switch 2 retail release in mid‑December 2025. It originally said a full cartridge release would raise manufacturing costs substantially compared with Game Key Cards.

The publisher then suggested it could switch to full cartridges after what it described as new, lower‑capacity cartridge options from Nintendo made production calculations possible. That claim was later removed and Inin clarified there had been no official announcement from Nintendo.

Timeline of statements

Inin first told customers that moving from a Game Key Card to a full cartridge would force a retail price increase of “at least €15.” A short time later, the company announced it would replace Game Key Cards with full cartridges and lift price by €10 for new customers; early pre‑orders would not pay the increase.

Within hours or days, Inin edited its blog and social posts to remove references to Nintendo’s alleged cartridge announcement and posted a correction saying there was no official confirmation from Nintendo.

Why smaller cartridges would matter

Switch 2 Game Key Cards contain no flash memory and are cheaper to produce, which is why many publishers favored them for boxed releases. Full Switch 2 cartridges use NAND flash and historically come in higher capacities and higher unit costs.

Rumors — and Inin’s initial post — pointed to 16GB and 32GB cartridge options joining the current 64GB parts. If manufacturers charge $5–$10 less for lower‑capacity cartridges, the marginal cost savings could make full physical releases feasible for smaller or mid‑sized games.

Cost implications

A $5–$10 per‑unit reduction doesn’t seem huge, but for publishers printing thousands of copies the savings matter. Inin’s change from a projected €15 hike to a €10 adjustment reflects how even modest per‑unit reductions can alter retail pricing decisions.

What remains uncertain

Nintendo has not confirmed new Switch 2 cartridge sizes or official pricing. The company’s silence leaves publishers and consumers relying on leaks and rumor until Nintendo makes a formal announcement.

For now, the episode highlights publisher sensitivity to cartridge costs and the continuing debate over Game Key Cards versus traditional game cartridges for Switch 2 boxed releases.