Why Are Game-Key Cards So Controversial?

[curl-6]

Kyuu said:

curl-6 said:

This has actually been a thing on PS/Xbox for quite a while, discs that just contain a download code essentially.

It only really blew up in terms of controversy on Switch 2 cos they gave it a name and were open about it.

It blew up on Switch 2 because MOST "physical" games don't have the data stored in the cart/disc. This is exacerbated by Nintendo gamers being more physical biased, and Switch 2's storage being too small.

Microsoft received notably more criticism than Sony for having more Xbox games not being stored in the disc. And now Nintendo is getting a lot more criticism than either of them for obvious and uncomplicated reasons.

Awareness was boosted hugely by it being official and having a name though, something for people to focus their anger on.

If they'd been an official thing called "game key discs" on Xbox/PS, guarantee there would have been much more controversy and pushback before. As things were, it was mostly on the downlow on those systems.