A Ubisoft representative has clarified why Star Wars Outlaws for Switch 2 will be distributed via digital key cards rather than traditional cartridges. The explanation points to technical limitations inherent in the console`s physical media.
Rob Bantin, audio architect for Ubisoft`s Snowdrop Engine, in a response to Digital Foundry`s John Linneman, stated that the game “heavily relies on disk-streaming for its open-world environments.” He further elaborated that Switch 2 cartridges simply could not provide the necessary performance to meet the game`s quality standards. Bantin commented, “I think if we`d designed a game for Switch 2 from the ground up, it might have been different. However, since we built the game around the SSDs of the initial target platforms, and the Switch 2 arrived significantly later, I believe our leadership made the right decision.”
The use of game key cards has already generated discontent among Nintendo fans, as these cards essentially act as holders for download codes rather than containing the complete game on the cartridge itself. While they can be resold and are not console-locked, critics express concerns that this approach could pose challenges for long-term game preservation.
Star Wars Outlaws appears to be a respectable third-party title on the Switch 2, with early gameplay footage demonstrating consistent 30fps performance. Although it naturally doesn`t match the graphical fidelity of the PC, PS5, or Xbox Series X|S versions, Ubisoft`s success in getting the game to run generally well on the Switch 2 bodes well for the system and potential future releases from the company. In contrast, reports suggest that Elden Ring`s performance on Switch 2 is not impressive.
Star Wars Outlaws was released for Switch 2 on September 4, a year after its debut on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. This version includes both DLC expansions—Wild Card and A Pirate`s Fortune. However, this game might be a standalone title, considering it wasn`t a commercial success for Ubisoft. Company CEO Yves Guillemot recently attributed the lower sales to the Star Wars brand being in “choppy waters.” It`s also worth noting that reviewers and players criticized the game for its poorly paced introductory mission and various technical issues upon its initial launch.
Most of these problems have since been resolved, and the post-launch expansions have been positively received.