Indiana Jones on Switch 2 Ships on a Game Card — But Not Everything Fits

This caught my attention because physical game releases are a bellwether for how publishers treat collectors and international players on a new platform. Bethesda putting Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on a Nintendo Switch 2 Game Card – while leaving languages and DLC off the cartridge – tells us a lot about technical limits, business choices, and what collectors should expect in 2026.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: Physical Game Card, Limited Cartridge Content

• Confirmed: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will ship on a Nintendo Switch 2 physical Game Card (announced after the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase).
• Cartridge omissions: Some language packs (example given: Polish) will not be included on the cartridge and will require downloads after installation.
• DLC exclusion: The Order of Giants DLC is not included on the cartridge; the preorder includes The Last Crusade pack.
• Other Bethesda titles: Several will be “code-in-box” only rather than ship with a physical game card in the box.

Key takeaways

• Physical Game Cards are back for Switch 2, but space and cost tradeoffs mean not everything fits on the cartridge.
• If you need full-language support or DLC on day one, expect downloads – check product listings carefully.
• “Code-in-box” for other Bethesda titles suggests a hybrid approach: physical packaging without a cartridge to cut costs or simplify logistics.
• Collectors who want cartridges should preorder verified physical editions early and confirm retailer listings (card vs code-in-box).

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Publisher|Bethesda
Release Date|May 12, 2026
Category|Action-adventure
Platform|Nintendo Switch 2 (Game Card)
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Why some languages and DLC are left off the cartridge

There are two practical pressures at work: storage limits and manufacturing costs. Physical game cards have finite capacity, and higher-capacity cards are more expensive and add to manufacturing lead times. Publishers often prioritize the base game and essential localized text on the card and push optional voice packs, extra languages, or large DLC as downloads.

On big modern releases, voice files, high-resolution assets, and large DLC can quickly consume tens of gigabytes. Omitting non-essential language packs or DLC from the cartridge is a predictable way to keep physical SKUs viable while still delivering a full experience through post-install downloads.

What “code-in-box” means and why Bethesda might use it

“Code-in-box” means a physical package that contains a download code instead of a cartridge. For publishers, it reduces production costs, avoids complicated cartridge logistics, and eliminates the need to commit cartridge storage to content that some buyers may never use. For retailers, code-in-box simplifies shelf stocking and reduces the risk of shortages tied to limited cartridge runs.

For players, code-in-box is a mixed bag: you get physical packaging and possibly manuals or inserts, but you miss a cartridge to collect, lend, or resell as a complete physical copy.

Context: Other Bethesda Switch 2 releases

Alongside Indiana Jones, publicly noted Bethesda Switch 2 releases include Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition (Feb 24, 2026) and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (2026, TBD). Some reporting indicates Oblivion will have both physical and digital releases, but sources are thin on which editions get cartridges versus code-in-box packaging. The mixed strategy for Indiana Jones and other Bethesda titles suggests each game will be treated case-by-case.

What this means for collectors and players

• Check the box before you buy: Retail listings should state “Game Card included” vs “code-in-box.” Don’t assume “physical edition” means a cartridge.
• Language support: If you rely on a specific language, verify whether it’s on the cartridge or requires a post-install download.
• Preorder incentives: The Last Crusade pack being a preorder bonus makes preorders more attractive for completionists — but it’s likely a download.
• Expect DLC downloads: Big story DLC like Order of Giants being excluded likely means you’ll need to download or purchase it separately.
• Collector timing: If cartridges are produced in limited runs, buying early is the safest way to guarantee a physical game card.

My perspective and likely industry implications

As a long-time collector, I’m glad to see a major Bethesda release get a Game Card on Switch 2 — that’s a signal that cartridges still matter. But the decision to omit languages and DLC underscores a reality: physical media is a compromise between manufacturing cost and full feature parity.

Expect more hybrid approaches across publishers on Switch 2. Full cartridges will appear for titles where collectors drive sales or when the publisher can justify the expense. Otherwise, code-in-box will be a fallback — cheaper, easier, and increasingly common for large triple-A releases.

TL;DR

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will be available on a Nintendo Switch 2 Game Card, but that card omits some language packs (e.g., Polish) and the Order of Giants DLC — those require downloads. Preorders include the Last Crusade pack. Several other Bethesda titles will come as code-in-box only. If you care about cartridges, check product listings, preorder verified physical editions early, and plan to download missing languages or DLC.

Bottom line: a physical Game Card is a win for collectors — but don’t be surprised if important pieces of the experience live off-cartridge in 2026.