Wolfenstein: Youngblood's summer launch is approaching, and soon players will be able to experience the latest in Id Software's Nazi-slaying series. Unfortunately for those that might have been interested in adding the game to their physical collections, it appears that the Switch version will not ship with a game cartridge. Updated retailer listings on both GameStop and Amazon show that Panic Button's port will just include "a code packed in a box, with a required download", rather than a standard cart. This detail has yet to be confirmed by Bethesda or Id Software, though we do know for a fact that the European release of the game's standard edition will be digital only on all platforms. Wolfenstein: Youngblood releases on July 26th for PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.

• MURDER, THEY WROTE - Team up with a friend or play alone with an AI companion in the first modern co-op Wolfenstein adventure.
• ESCAPE FROM PARIS - Wolfenstein: Youngblood features the most open-ended Wolfenstein experience to date. From a new base of operations located deep in the heart of the Paris catacombs, plan how and when to attack and dismantle the Nazi regime
• SWEATIN' THE 80S- The wonder years, these are not. Featuring harrowing takes on iconic Parisian landmarks to graffiti-tagged streets, leather-clad Nazis, and an all-new soundtrack inspired by the synth heavy tones of classic 80s action films.
• LOCK AND LOAD - Wield the latest advancements in power armor tech, weaponry, and armor to stamp out Nazi scum. Level up, explore, and complete missions to unlock new abilities, weapon attachments, gadgets, cosmetics, and more to complement your playstyle.
• Contains digital download code. No cartridge included

Source

 

[kumikochan]

And developers/publishers should be boycotted for this crappy anti consumer bullshit behaviour

 

[Axido]

And yet another lame excuse for bad sales actually being the cause of those bad sales is born.

This game can rot on the shelves as much as current PC titles that only contain a Steam key.

 

[DANTENDO]

Plastic related

 

[Paulsar99]

Why just sell it digital only then? Going to a store just to buy a box with the code is just freaking dumb.

 

[kumikochan]

Why just sell it digital only then? Going to a store just to buy a box with the code is just freaking dumb.

because Bethesda

 

[DANTENDO]

Why just sell it digital only then? Going to a store just to buy a box with the code is just freaking dumb.

Lot of people still would like to see ther box on Yr shelf and you can't see inside anyway

 

[Clydefrosch]

Why just sell it digital only then? Going to a store just to buy a box with the code is just freaking dumb.

1. well, people do collect boxes.
2. it's easier for older parents and grandparents to get their kids something they can grab and hold.
3. but the real reason is that many aren't really into digital only and they're banking on a few misbuys. it also overall saves them a ton of money, since they'll sell this at typical switch price, but they won't be losing 15 bucks on a 16-32gb cart

 

[Axido]

Lot of people still would like to see ther box on Yr shelf and you can't see inside anyway

Or resell said box... which is a lot less profitable if it's just the box itself...

 

[Greymane]

Then it aint dam physical dammit.

 

[Kubas_inko]

So you get empty box?

Spoiler

 

[8BitWonder]

I didn't know a box counted as a physical edition.

 

[Andrezin0692]

Plot twist, the game will be in the box and its just marketing clickbait...

 

[Langin]

Ugh, they better include a cartridge for Europe... >_> Else it takes away most of not all of the perks of getting a game physically.
I'll keep my eyes on the asian release, as Final Fantasy X/X-2 got a full physical release in asia as well.

 

[Foxi4]

There's a very good chance that putting it on a cartridge simply wouldn't be feasible, there is a number of games on the Switch that only ship with a basic launcher and require a download of the rest of the data in order to even work. Large capacity cartridges cut into the profit margin significantly - manufacturing a 32GB cartridge reportedly costs 60% more than pressing a 50GB BluRay disc, this is why developers opt for the 8GB cartridges instead. This was a known quantity *before* the Switch released, AAA titles are just too big for the storage medium, nobody should be surprised by this. Unless you're willing to cover the price difference, which none of you are as I still remember the debacle about the price difference between Skyrim and Wolfenstein 2 on the Switch versus other platforms, future games will either be all-digital or unplayable without a download, which is ultimately just wasting money on the launcher cartridge anyway. Bethesda *already tried* the approach you guys want and it *didn't work*, they just want to release games on the platform, but Nintendo fans are impossible to please.

 

[drazenm]

Have no idea at all, at all, why the freaking cartridge isn't some sort of a flash drive, micro sd card etc then some "nintendo special" data cart etc. Im surprised they didn't wack some stupid card for saving games on it like Sony did with Vita.

 

[Foxi4]

Have no idea at all, at all, why the freaking cartridge isn't some sort of a flash drive, micro sd card etc then some "nintendo special" data cart etc. Im surprised they didn't wack some stupid card for saving games on it like Sony did with Vita.

It's actually cheaper that way since they can use a much larger chip, which is cheaper and faster. Check the average price for a good quality 32GB SD card and you'll quickly find out that it can be a quarter of the price of a retail game. That, and it has next to no security features, leading to rampant piracy day 1. Nokia tried this with the N-Gage, it's not a feasible solution.

 

[Veho]

So the "physical" version is in fact just a plaque saying "congratulations, you downloaded the game"? That's not a physical copy, that's a preored perk. That's a scam.

 

[Foxi4]

So the "physical" version is in fact just a plaque saying "congratulations, you downloaded the game"? That's not a physical copy, that's a preored perk. That's a scam.

Epic did this with Fortnite before, it's basically an option to buy the game in a box. Good for gifts, but not for collectors - the box is just bragging rights. Let's not pretend this never happened before, it's exactly how Nintendo released Pokemon Gold/Silver on the 3DS.

 

[raxadian]

Well, here is a game I am not buying then. Is not like the Switch has much space to start with.