Star Wars Outlaws’ Switch 2 physical edition is a Game-Key Card, not a card containing the full game for offline installation. Ubisoft Snowdrop Audio Architect Rob Bantin said the reason was performance: Snowdrop streams open-world content from storage, and the Switch 2 Game Cards did not meet the team’s needs for the quality target it chose. That explains this port’s decision; it does not establish that every Switch 2 game would face the same limitation.
Why Ubisoft says the card was not fast enough for this port
Rob Bantin, an Audio Architect for Ubisoft’s Snowdrop engine, said the game relies heavily on disk streaming for its open-world environments. “We found the Switch 2 cards simply didn’t give the performance we needed at the quality target we were going for,” he told Ars Technica.
Bantin said Outlaws was initially built around the SSDs in its original target platforms, before the Switch 2 version was developed. He added that a game designed for Switch 2 from the start might have turned out differently, and said he believed Ubisoft’s leadership made the right call in this case. His explanation is specific to this port, its existing design and Ubisoft’s chosen quality target.
Neither Bantin’s statement nor Ubisoft’s release FAQ gives an exact Game Card read-speed figure. The explanation supports a performance mismatch for this game, not a universal claim about what all Switch 2 games can run from a Game Card. Reported speed comparisons should not be mistaken for a manufacturer-published specification.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches#1 Best Overall
- Explore all of Night City’s extremes — From V’s rise as a cyberpunk mercenary in Night City to their journey into the shadowy world of spies in Dogtown, dive into the full story and carve your own path through it.
- Meet unforgettable characters — Forge relationships with a rich cast of characters all with their own dreams, tragedies, and tales to tell, including Keanu Reeves as rockerboy Johnny Silverhand and Idris Elba as secret agent Solomon Reed.
- Explore one of the most immersive cities in video games — Experience a breathtaking city of the dark future at home or on the go with the power of Nintendo Switch 2! Customize your journey from the very first steps with performance and quality mode.
What the physical edition includes—and what it requires
Ubisoft’s Switch 2 Release FAQ, dated September 7, 2025, describes the physical release as a Nintendo Game-Key Card. The card lets the owner download and install the game over the internet; it must also remain inserted in the console while playing. Buying the physical edition therefore does not mean the game’s full files are supplied on the card.
Ubisoft listed the Switch 2 release date as September 4, 2025. The FAQ says the Switch 2 version includes the Wild Card and A Pirate’s Fortune story packs, and that only the Gold Edition is available on the platform. The Ultimate Pack can be purchased separately through the Nintendo Store.
Rank #2
- Shape the world and build a cozy new life with Pokémon as a Ditto transformed to look like a human.
- Use other Pokémon’s moves, like Bulbasaur’s Leafage, to revitalize and navigate the world around you.
- Meet and befriend more Pokémon as you help nature flourish.
- Gather materials to create items and furniture, till the fields to grow delicious crops, build homes for the Pokémon you meet, and more—there’s so much to do!
- Experience a world with varied weather, real-time days and nights, and other surprises.
Physical Game-Key Card or digital download?
| Format | What you receive | Internet installation | Required to play |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Game-Key Card | A physical card that authorizes access to the download | Yes; Ubisoft says the game must be downloaded and installed over the internet | The card must be inserted in the console |
| Digital download | A digital purchase; no physical card | Yes; the game is downloaded | No Game-Key Card |
Ubisoft’s FAQ establishes the Game-Key Card’s download and insertion requirements. It does not specify the current download size or regional retailer terms, so check the listing for the edition and region you plan to buy.
Was storage capacity the reason?
Capacity and streaming performance are separate questions. Nintendo Everything reported the game at around 20GB, but that is a secondary estimate, not Ubisoft’s stated reason for choosing a Game-Key Card. Bantin’s explanation was that the cards did not provide the performance Ubisoft wanted for this game’s streaming demands and quality target. The estimate does not establish that the game would fit on a card with adequate performance, or that storage capacity drove the decision.
Rank #3
- Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast: As Kyle Katarn, agent of the New Republic, use your Lightsaber and the full power of the Force to combat a new evil plaguing the galaxy.
- Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast: Choose wisely from an arsenal of 13 weapons including disruptor rifle, thermal detonators, trip mines, and Wookiee bowcaster.
- Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy: Play with up to 16 online players in six online multiplayer modes including: Siege, Capture the Flag, and Free for All.
- Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy: Customize your character by defining both look and gender before entering the Academy to learn the power and dangers of the Force.
What Ubisoft says about performance
Ubisoft said its team optimized the Switch 2 version with a goal of reaching up to 30 frames per second in both TV and handheld modes. That is a stated target, not a guarantee of a measured frame rate in every scene or on every patch. It gives context for the quality target Bantin referenced, but does not provide a benchmark for the retail game.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- The supernatural action RPG classic returns, now revamped with visual, audio, and combat enhancements for modern consoles while staying true to the original game's style. A brand-new UI, full VO, expanded 3D environments, and more invites both veterans and newcomers alike to a nostalgic and thrilling gameplay experience.
- Channel your inner detective in a gripping, supernatural adventure with a charming cast of complex characters. Uncover the truth behind collusion swirling around the Capital with unexpected twists and turns ahead. Use both your mind and the might of your demons to leave no stone unturned.
- Navigate the historic streets of a fantastical 1930s era in Tokyo or delve into the haunting Dark Realm where demons lie in wait. With over 120 demons to summon, choose your allies wisely to prevent humanity from being consumed by darkness.
- Game-key card: 17 GB Full game download via internet required.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
