Why Are Game-Key Cards So Controversial?

[Darwinianevolution]

firebush03 said:

Darwinianevolution said:

The game key card does not have the game. It is a glorified link to a digital copy, which still needs the cartridge to launch instead of the convenience of a fully digital copy that you could open immediately. If the servers ever go down (which they inevitably will, they always do), a cartridge is still playable, and it will be playable so long as the materials last. A game key card will be lost unless you have a backup copy, just like digital. 

You never explained the “What difference does it make?” part. I still don’t understand in what (meaningful) sense is a GCK any different than a game with the full game on cart. You can loan the game to others, the key card will almost certainly still be fully usable well after the servers go down, etc.

If I get a regular cartridge for my Switch after the servers go down, I can still play the game. Maybe I don't get all the updates, but I still have a playable version.

If I get a game key kart for the Switch 2 after the servers go down, I have nothing but a piece of plastic.