😔 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 for Nintendo Switch 2 will only be available as a download code inside a box
💿 The release strategy mirrors the approach taken with GTA 6, signaling a decline in physical media availability for major game releases
😡 This trend, partly driven by Sony’s upcoming decision to end disc production for future consoles, has sparked significant backlash among gaming fans
📉 MW4 is crucial for Microsoft following the commercial disappointment of the previous Call of Duty title, which was previously released on Xbox Game Pass
Call of Duty is releasing on a Nintendo platform for the first time since Call of Duty: Ghosts on the Wii U. However, those who are planning on picking up the physical version of the blockbuster first-person shooter may be disappointed.
According to Video Games Plus, a North American video game distributor, the physical version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on Switch 2 is “just a box with a download code inside”. As a result, VGP has said it won’t be carrying the product.
VGP made a similar announcement for GTA 6, which is also a download code in a box, and means two of the biggest games this year aren’t releasing on physical media.
Nintendo had already caused controversy with its Game Key Card releases for Switch 2. Game Key Cards include a physical cartridge, but act as a download key. However, unlike a download code, you can still trade in a Game Key Card or lend it to a friend.
While it’s likely Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will command a massive file size, the news will still pain fans of physical media and continues the worrying trend that has been spearheaded by Sony.
Sony announced it will end disc production for PS5 and subsequently PS6 games from January 2028. The decision has led to a huge backlash online, and fans even organized a ‘blackout’ protest, where players have been urged to not turn on their consoles for several days.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is shaping up to be a significant release for Microsoft, as last year’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 was deemed a commercial failure. This was partly because the game was released on Xbox Game Pass, a decision which has since been reversed.
Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.