During its Nintendo Direct event Thursday, the company revealed "Virtual Game Cards," which will allow players to share games or play across multiple systems. It also teased "Metroid Prime 4: Beyond."
The article from Wired discusses Nintendo's potential plans for the next generation of its gaming console, tentatively referred to as the "Switch 2." It highlights rumors and speculation about Nintendo introducing virtual game cards, which would allow for digital game ownership in a physical format, addressing concerns about game preservation and the digital-only future. This move could be in response to the growing trend of digital downloads and the environmental and economic considerations of physical media. The article also touches on the implications for game collectors, the resale market, and how this could affect the overall gaming industry's shift towards digital distribution. Additionally, it speculates on the technical aspects of how these virtual cards might work, potentially integrating with cloud services or offering new ways to manage game libraries. However, as of the article's publication, these details remain speculative, with Nintendo not officially confirming any specifics about the Switch 2 or its features.