Inin Games: "We know many of you would love to have R-Type Dimensions III on a full physical cartridge, especially if you’re purchasing the Special Edition or the Collector’s Edition. We truly appreciate that passion, and we want to be transparent about the situation.
For Nintendo Switch 2 releases, all units of a product line must use the same physical format. Because around 90% of the total production is planned for standard retail distribution (to be sold at €39.99), switching the entire run to cartridges would significantly raise manufacturing costs. This would force us to increase the retail price by at least €15."
ININ Games: "We’re happy to share a positive update regarding the Nintendo Switch 2 version of R-Type Dimensions III.
There is no better timing: Two days ago Nintendo announced two new smaller cartridge sizes for Nintendo Switch 2. This allows us to recalculate production in a way that wasn’t possible before. As a result, we’ve made the following decision:
The entire European and US production of R-Type Dimensions III for Nintendo Switch 2 will be released on a full physical cartridge."
Sweet... I hope those who released games on key cards will now re-release an updated version on the real deal. Pretty much making those key cards just a passing novelty.
Nintendo should only allow the use of key cards for games that exceed the 64gb limit of the regular size card. Anything smaller should have been allowed to use the same cards they use for SW1 games.
This should have been there from the start. There should be a 128gb card as well. With 80$ games it’s already priced in
Honestly, price ranges for production just doesn’t make sense to me. Especially when you look at the digital counterpart for most games being the sane price.
Don’t cry about production cost and still sell an 80$ physical game for 80$ digital as well. Not saying R-type is 80$ but you get the picture. All in all, I’m happy Nintendo is figuring this out. This is hope for the future of physical on Nintendo platforms.
"ININ Games is proud to officially announce R-Type Dimensions III, a major new milestone in one of gaming’s most iconic shoot ’em up series. Developed in close cooperation with Tozai and Irem, the license owner, and the original creator of R-Type, this new project represents one of the most ambitious and significant undertakings in ININ’s history. The game is set to be released on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC (Steam) in May 2026."
While I'm sure the difficulty and strategy required are up there, I just feel like these types of games should have the best graphics out there and I did not get that from the trailer. The HDR should be the best. The Ray-Tracing should be the best. The textures should be the best.
It’s a port of a 1993 game by a small publisher. Your ambitions are admirable on their behalf but clearly unrealistic.
The use of the key card is either because the game is too big to fit on the 64gb card, or the game is much smaller than what the 64gb card would need and therefore its cheaper to use the key card. Now that was the initial approach to these cards up until recently where Nintendo has addressed that 'maybe' they were being a bit harsh in forcing publishers to use one or the other. Seeing as on the SW1 there are multiple capacities available. And this game certainly is not going to be more than the 64gb capacity so they should really look to using a smaller card. 16gb, 32gb... whatever is closest to their size. And just because it is a SW1 card does not mean it wont work on the SW2. I dont see why other publishers can't ask for the SW1 cards and slap an SW2 sticker on them.
With nintendo actually rethinking their strategy surrounding key cards... they should be going away pretty soon. Problem solved.
If they make the $200 edition a proper cart, I will never do business with them
The likes of Inin, Limited Run and Strictly Limited etc., I wondered how it was going to go with Switch 2 games. I'm still convinced that when gaming goes download only, that'll start the end. Looking at pricing of games these day, bet it physical or download, it's hard to take.
99% of games are going to be coming on a keycard.
A reassuring update for the secured longevity and practicality of physical media… this update is not. Cost cost cost.