Bethesda Softworks is making a notable distinction with its upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 releases: while several titles will arrive as digital download codes, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will be a full-fledged, physical cartridge release. The announcement, made during today’s Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, marks a significant win for fans who prefer owning physical copies of their games, a preference that’s become increasingly relevant in the evolving landscape of game distribution.
The decision to release Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on a Game Card, as opposed to the “code-in-a-box” model being used for Fallout 4, Oblivion Remastered, and Skyrim, has already sparked discussion within the gaming community. Bethesda confirmed the physical release with a post on social media: “And yes, the game is on Game Card.” This simple statement, shared on , was met with praise from fans and industry observers alike, including Digital Foundry veteran John Linneman, who noted the unexpected nature of the decision.
The size of the game itself presents an interesting technical challenge. The Xbox Series S version of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle requires nearly 90GB of storage. Fitting the game onto a Switch 2 cartridge, currently believed to have a maximum capacity of 64GB, has raised questions about whether Nintendo is planning to release larger cartridges in the future. The game’s developers at MachineGames have acknowledged the tight fit, noting that the Polish-language version will require a separate download, suggesting optimization efforts to accommodate the cartridge’s limitations.
Pre-orders for the Switch 2 version of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are already live at Best Buy, with other retailers expected to follow suit shortly. Players who pre-order will receive “The Last Crusade pack,” which includes an outfit inspired by Indiana Jones’s traveling suit and his iconic lion tamer whip from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. However, it’s important to note that the Switch 2 release will not include the downloadable content expansion, Indiana Jones and the Order of Giants. This standalone adventure takes Indy back to Rome, where he collaborates with Father Ricci to uncover the history of Emperor Nero, the Cult of Mithras, and a hidden treasure with a dark secret.
The choice to prioritize a physical cartridge release for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a key decision for Bethesda, particularly given the growing consumer frustration with Game-Key Cards – physical cartridges that primarily serve as a license to download the full game digitally. This approach has been criticized for feeling less substantial than a traditional physical release. By opting for a full Game Card, Bethesda is signaling a commitment to providing a more complete physical experience for fans of the franchise.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is currently available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, and is scheduled for release on Nintendo Switch 2 on . The game’s arrival on the Switch 2 marks a significant moment for the console, demonstrating its ability to handle AAA third-party titles in a physical format. It joins a small but growing list of games, including Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade and Resident Evil Requiem, that have bucked the trend of Game-Key Cards and opted for a full cartridge release on the platform. Other Bethesda titles, Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition and The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, will not receive the same treatment, remaining as code-in-a-box releases.
The release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on the Switch 2 is more than just another game launch; it’s a statement about Bethesda’s approach to physical media and a nod to the preferences of a dedicated segment of the gaming community. As Nintendo’s new console continues to build momentum, the availability of AAA titles on physical cartridges will undoubtedly be a key factor in its success.
