"Red Dead Redemption" Switch2 Physical Edition Leak Sparks Outrage - No Cartridge Included, Only Download Code
The first "Red Dead Redemption" Nintendo Switch2 physical package has surfaced on the secondhand market, but collectors may be disappointed. A listing on the UK secondhand platform Vinted appears to confirm long-standing rumors: the 2010 Western classic will arrive on Nintendo's new console in a boxed format. However, leaked images and reports from industry insiders confirm that the so-called "physical edition" does not include a game cartridge; buyers will only find a download code inside the box.
The product features a standard "Red Dead Redemption" cover design, but has one key flaw. Multiple industry insiders, including Dealabs' well-known leaker billbil-kun, have confirmed that this version will be sold as a "boxed code." In contrast, the PS5 version, also launching on May 7th, will include a physical disc.
This news immediately sparked heated discussion among physical media enthusiasts. According to feedback from multiple gaming forums and social media, players believe that the Switch port's file size of approximately 12GB could easily fit on a standard cartridge, and the publisher's decision seems more motivated by cost control than technical limitations.
According to data aggregation agency and Spanish retailer Wakkap, the physical SKU is priced at €34.99, a significant reduction compared to the initial digital release price of €49.99 when it first landed on the original Switch in early 2023. This price reduction suggests that Rockstar may be clearing inventory or attracting price-sensitive buyers.
In comparison, the PS5 physical version with a disc is expected to have a higher retail price, but the exact figure has not yet been confirmed. The Switch2 version's product description clearly states that an internet connection is required to redeem the download code, and the packaging cannot be resold as a playable cartridge.
According to a 2025 report by market research firm Circana, in major markets such as the US and UK, physical game sales currently account for less than 30% of total software revenue, whereas a decade ago this figure was over 70%. Publishers are increasingly viewing packaging as a marketing shell rather than a functional product.