Nintendo has announced three different retail versions of Splatoon 2 for Japan. One of the download version comes with a game case, but no game card.
According to Nintendo, there is a standard Splatoon 2 package version, which comes with the game case and the game card. Then, there is the Splatoon 2 download version, which will look something like this and contain a download code:
There’s also a third type that Nintendo is calling “Splatoon 2 Game Card Free Version.” This comes in the same game case as the package version, but instead of a game card, it contains a download code:
Nintendo says this is recommended for players who don’t want the physical card, but do want the game case.
All three versions are priced the same in Japan: 6,458 yen (US$58).
Looking at the Japanese My Nintendo Store, none of the other Switch titles have this “Game Free Version.”
It’s an interesting decision and seems closer to the way PC games are released at retail. No word if other regions will get this Splatoon 2 “game card free” version.
Kotaku East is your slice of Asian internet culture, bringing you the latest talking points from Japan, Korea, China and beyond. Tune in every morning from 4am to 8am.