Games

Hades II: full cartridge confirmed, digital first, physical on November 20

21 September 2025
Nintendo Switch 2Nintendo Switch
7 min.
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Hades II: full cartridge confirmed, digital first, physical on November 20

Summary:

Hades II is arriving on Nintendo’s hardware with a move fans have been asking for: a true physical edition on Switch 2 that includes the full game on the cartridge—no Game-Key Card workaround. The digital version lands first on September 25, with the retail release following on November 20. Alongside the disc-free cartridge, we get meaningful perks: a booklet, a soundtrack code, and a reversible cover. Performance targets are strong too: 1080p at 120fps in TV mode on Switch 2, and 1080p at 60fps in handheld. The original Switch version runs at 60fps in 720p, and there’s cross-save between PC and Nintendo platforms—handy if you started in Early Access and want to keep going on the couch. Hades II launches as a timed console exclusive on Switch systems, so PlayStation and Xbox users will need to wait. Pricing is straightforward: $29.99 digitally and $49.99 for the physical package. Below, we walk through what the cartridge confirmation actually means, how Game-Key Cards differ from real game cards, whether it’s worth waiting for the box, and where preorders stand right now.

Hades II on Switch 2: cartridge confirmed, not a Game-Key Card

Good news if you love shelves lined with red spines: Hades II’s Switch 2 retail edition comes on a standard game card with the full software on the cartridge. That means you pop it in and play, without an immediate multi-gigabyte download just to access the base game. In a year where Game-Key Cards have become common for larger third-party releases, getting a true cartridge for a marquee indie-turned-juggernaut is a breath of fresh air. This also matters for long-term preservation; a cartridge with playable data out of the box is friendlier to collectors, second-hand buyers, and anyone who doesn’t want to rely on storefront availability years down the line. It’s a clear signal that this release is built to last rather than serve as a thin box for a download.

Why this matters for collectors and offline players

Cartridges aren’t just nostalgia. They’re practicality. If you travel, have bandwidth caps, or share a console with the family, being able to insert a card and start playing is huge. A cartridge also preserves value better in the used market since the core experience doesn’t hinge on an account-locked download. And for preservationists, it creates a snapshot of the game at launch that can be enjoyed years later regardless of how storefront policies change. Sure, patches will arrive over time, but the difference between a working base game and a box that functions only as a license is night and day for anyone who prefers ownership that feels tangible.

Release timeline: digital first, physical on 20 November

The roll-out is staggered by design. We’re playing digitally first, with launch set for September 25. The retail edition follows on November 20, giving physical manufacturing the time it needs while still hitting the same holiday window. If you’re itching to start, the digital route gets you into the Underworld sooner—no waiting for shipping or store stock. If you’re set on a shelf copy, the late-November date is a reasonable gap that still lands well ahead of December gift-giving. The stagger also ensures the cartridge can include the final v1.0 build and any day-one adjustments the team deems essential before the packaging run is locked.

What you get in the retail box

This isn’t a barebones case. The Switch 2 retail package is a nice little bundle that feels premium without tipping into pricey collector’s-edition territory. Inside the box you’ll find the full game on a physical cartridge, a full-color Character Compendium booklet to browse between runs, a reversible cover so the spine can match your vibe, and a download code for the Hades II Original Soundtrack—nearly four hours of music from Supergiant’s audio wizards. For fans who love thoughtful extras, this is the kind of “complete” feel that makes a physical purchase more than just plastic housing for a game card.

Game-Key Cards vs. cartridges on Switch 2: the practical difference

Game-Key Cards are essentially licenses on a card; you still download the entire game to storage, and the card acts like a dongle to validate ownership when you play. Regular cartridges carry the game data themselves, letting you install saves and optional patches while keeping the core game playable off the card. The difference shows up on day one. With a Game-Key Card, you need a stable internet connection and enough free storage to pull down a big file. With a true cartridge, you’re playing much faster and with fewer hurdles. For players managing limited space—or trying to avoid massive downloads—Hades II being on an actual cartridge is a meaningful quality-of-life win.

Performance on Switch 2 and original Switch

Hades II takes advantage of Nintendo’s newer hardware with a slick target: 1080p at 120fps in TV mode on Switch 2, and 1080p at 60fps in handheld on the same system. That kind of responsiveness isn’t just a number—roguelikes live and die by feel, and higher frame rates make dashes, spell timing, and parries snap into place. On the original Switch, the goal is 60fps at 720p, which keeps the sequel smooth even on older hardware. For households with both systems, you can start on one and enjoy the enhanced presentation on the other without losing progress, making Hades II a showcase of how cross-gen support should look on Nintendo platforms.

Price and value: digital vs. physical

The pricing strategy is refreshingly straightforward. The digital version lands at a lower price point, perfect if you want to jump in immediately and don’t need a box. The physical release costs more, but you’re paying for the cartridge, the extras, and the shelf-worthy package that comes with it. If you’re the type who replays a favorite for years, the long-term value of a cartridge—especially one with the base game on the card—can outweigh the initial premium. If you prefer to churn through your backlog digitally, the launch-day price keeps Hades II an easy recommendation on day one.

Cross-saves and upgrading between platforms

Started in Early Access on PC? You’re not locked in. Hades II supports cross-saves between PC and Nintendo’s consoles, which means you can transfer progress and keep pushing deeper into the story wherever you play. On the Nintendo side, it’s also flexible: you can play on the original Switch and enjoy an upgrade on Switch 2 later. For households that share multiple devices—or for anyone who splits time between a gaming PC and the living room TV—this is an easy win that respects your time.

Timed console exclusivity and what it means for other platforms

Hades II is rolling out as a timed console exclusive on Nintendo’s systems. In practice, that means the game arrives on Switch and Switch 2 first, alongside the PC release, with other consoles coming later. The original Hades followed a similar pattern before expanding to PlayStation and Xbox. If you’re all-in on a Switch 2 purchase, this sweetens the pot: you get the console-first experience, the higher frame-rate mode, and a true cartridge for the shelf if you want it. If you’re on other consoles, it’s a waiting game—but the precedent suggests that patience will be rewarded down the road.

Tips for choosing: buy digital now or wait for the cartridge

Here’s the honest gut check. If you live for day-one discovery, the digital launch on September 25 is your path. You’ll be among the first to chart routes, share builds, and trade strategies. If you treasure physical ownership, enjoy booklets, or plan to lend the game to friends, the November 20 cartridge is worth the wait. Players with data caps or limited storage may also prefer the cartridge to reduce upfront downloads. If you’re still torn, consider starting digitally and picking up the physical later as a keepsake—the cross-save and performance parity on Switch 2 make that a flexible option.

Preorders and availability at major retailers

Demand is high, and preorders are open at leading retailers. If you’re targeting the physical edition, lock in early to avoid last-minute stock scrambles as we approach mid-November. Retail listings clearly call out the Switch 2 branding and the inclusion of an upgrade path where applicable, so double-check product details before you check out. Keep an eye on delivery windows too; shipping cutoffs can shift as the release date approaches, and in-store pickup can be a safer bet if you want the cartridge in hand on day one of retail availability.

Conclusion

We’re looking at a best-case scenario for players who value choice. Digital on day one for the impatient. A real cartridge a few weeks later for collectors and offline-first players. Strong performance targets on Switch 2 with smoother action than ever, and a path for PC veterans to keep their journeys alive on the couch. Add in a tasteful physical package with music and art, and Hades II feels like a modern release that still respects the fundamentals players care about—ownership, performance, and flexibility.

Hades II’s Switch 2 plan checks all the right boxes: a real cartridge, a fair digital price, a thoughtful physical bundle, and smart tech choices that make every run feel crisp. Go digital now if you can’t wait, or circle November 20 for a boxed edition that earns its space on your shelf. Either way, we’re set for a worthy return to the Underworld.

FAQs
  • Is the physical Switch 2 edition a real cartridge or a Game-Key Card?
    • It’s a real cartridge with the full game on the card. That means you can play from the cartridge without downloading the entire base game first. Patches may still be offered over time to refine balance and fix issues.
  • When do the digital and physical versions release?
    • The digital version launches on September 25, while the physical retail edition arrives on November 20. The staggered schedule lets players start immediately while the cartridge production wraps for the holiday window.
  • How does Hades II perform on Switch 2 versus the original Switch?
    • On Switch 2, the target is 1080p at 120fps in TV mode and 1080p at 60fps in handheld. On the original Switch, the game targets 60fps at 720p. The feel benefits most on Switch 2 thanks to the higher frame rate in docked play.
  • Can I move my Early Access progress from PC to Switch?
    • Yes. Cross-saves let you transfer your progress between PC and Nintendo’s consoles, so you can keep your run history and unlocked upgrades without starting from scratch.
  • Should I buy digital now or wait for the physical release?
    • If early access to the full launch matters most, go digital on September 25. If you value a shelf copy, extras, and a true cartridge, the November 20 release is the better fit. You can always start digitally and add the physical later for your collection.
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