Why Are Game-Key Cards So Controversial?

[IcaroRibeiro]

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.

When the game is on cart they are playable as long you have the console, no matter whether the digital storefront is up or down

Imagine you have a DVD, as long you have the player you can forever watch your movie. But it's different if you buy them on YouTube or Google Play, because once the store closes you will will have your to watch license revoked 

The GCK works like if you purchased something digitally, but the license is not tied to your account meaning you can resell them, but you still need the service to be open to play your games