隨著Nintendo Switch 2（簡稱 Switch 2）即將成為任天堂新一代主機核心平台，官方也同步導入新的遊戲卡匣分類制度，主要分為LN、LB與LP三種類型。這套設計表面上是為了因應新世代硬體與發行模式，實際上卻對玩家的主機相容性、收藏價值以及使用便利性產生明顯影響，因此在購買前理解各卡匣類型的差異顯得格外重要。

所謂的LN卡，可以視為「兼容卡匣」，也是三者之中相容性最高的一種。這類卡匣同時支援第一代Nintendo Switch與Switch 2主機，插入後即可直接遊玩，不需要額外下載核心遊戲內容。對於仍在使用初代Switch的玩家而言，LN卡是唯一能確保百分之百正常運作的實體卡匣；而對已升級或準備升級至Switch 2的玩家來說，LN卡也能在新主機上無縫執行，因此被視為過渡世代中最安全、最保值的實體遊戲形式。

LB卡則是明確定位為「Switch 2 專用卡匣」。這類卡匣僅能在Switch 2主機上使用，無法在第一代Switch上執行，代表其在設計上可能充分利用新主機的硬體效能、系統架構或新功能。對舊主機玩家而言，即便擁有實體卡匣，也完全無法啟動遊戲；而對Switch 2玩家來說，LB卡則等同於傳統概念中的「完整實體卡」，插入即可遊玩，不必依賴額外下載，是偏向核心玩家與收藏族群的選擇。

至於LP卡，官方通常稱為「鑰匙卡」或Game Key Card，其性質與傳統卡匣有本質上的不同。LP卡本身幾乎不包含遊戲資料，而是作為一組實體授權憑證存在。玩家首次插入LP卡時，Switch 2需要連上網路，並透過任天堂伺服器下載完整遊戲內容後才能遊玩。因此，LP卡僅能用於Switch 2，且高度依賴網路與伺服器狀態。一旦無法連線、或未來伺服器停止服務，該卡匣在實務上將無法使用，這也讓 LP 卡在保存性與長期可玩性上引發不少玩家疑慮。

綜合相容性來看，第一代Nintendo Switch的支援範圍相當明確，只能執行LN類型的卡匣，無法使用LB或LP卡。Switch 2主機則在設計上具備向下相容能力，理論上可以執行LN、LB以及LP三種類型的卡匣，但其中LP卡仍然有「必須連網下載」這個前提限制，並非真正意義上的即插即玩。

在實際使用與購買時，必須特別留意LP鑰匙卡所帶來的風險。由於卡匣內沒有完整遊戲數據，遊戲體驗高度依賴網路環境與任天堂後端服務，對於偏好離線遊玩、長期保存實體遊戲或注重收藏價值的玩家而言，LP卡的吸引力相對較低。相反地，LN與LB卡仍保有傳統實體遊戲的使用直覺與保存優勢。

因此，在購買遊戲前，建議務必確認卡匣的實際編號與標示類型，尤其是仍在使用初代Switch的用戶，更需要避免誤購LB或LP卡，以免買回後無法使用。對於已升級或準備升級Switch 2的玩家，則可以依照自身使用習慣，在完整實體體驗與數位授權便利性之間做出取捨。

整體而言，任天堂透過LN、LB與LP三種卡匣類型，清楚劃分跨世代相容、次世代專用與數位化發行三種策略，也象徵實體遊戲正在逐步轉向「半實體、半數位」的新型態。這樣的轉變對玩家來說既帶來便利，也伴隨取捨，未來如何選擇，將取決於每個人對主機世代、收藏價值與遊玩方式的重視程度。

With the Nintendo Switch 2 (commonly referred to as Switch 2) becoming Nintendo’s next-generation core platform, the company has also introduced a new classification system for game cartridges. These cartridges are divided into three main types—LN, LB, and LP. While this system is designed to accommodate new hardware capabilities and distribution strategies, it has significant implications for console compatibility, game preservation, and purchasing decisions. Understanding the differences between these cartridge types is therefore essential before buying any physical game.

LN cartridges can be regarded as fully compatible “cross-generation cartridges” and offer the highest level of compatibility among the three types. They can be used on both the original Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2, and the game can be played immediately after insertion without downloading core game data. For players who are still using the original Switch, LN cartridges are the only physical format guaranteed to work. For those who have upgraded or plan to upgrade to Switch 2, LN cartridges also run seamlessly on the new system, making them the safest and most future-proof option during the transition between console generations.

LB cartridges are explicitly designated as “Switch 2-exclusive cartridges.” These cartridges can only be used on the Switch 2 and are completely incompatible with the original Switch. This strongly suggests that LB titles are designed to take advantage of the new hardware architecture, performance improvements, or exclusive features of Switch 2. For players on older hardware, owning an LB cartridge provides no functionality at all. For Switch 2 owners, however, LB cartridges function like traditional physical games: once inserted, the game can be played immediately without requiring additional downloads, making them attractive to core players and physical-media collectors.

LP cartridges, commonly referred to as “Game Key Cards,” represent a fundamental shift away from traditional physical media. These cartridges contain little to no game data and instead function primarily as physical license keys. When an LP cartridge is inserted into a Switch 2 for the first time, the console must connect to the internet and download the full game from Nintendo’s servers before it can be played. LP cartridges are therefore exclusive to Switch 2 and are highly dependent on network connectivity and server availability. If the console cannot connect to the internet, or if Nintendo’s servers are shut down in the future, the cartridge may effectively become unusable, raising concerns about long-term access and preservation.

From a compatibility standpoint, the original Nintendo Switch has a very clear limitation: it can only run LN cartridges and cannot use LB or LP cartridges under any circumstances. The Switch 2, on the other hand, is designed to be backward-compatible and can theoretically run all three cartridge types—LN, LB, and LP. However, LP cartridges still carry the critical requirement of an internet connection for initial download, meaning they do not offer a true plug-and-play experience.

In practical terms, LP Game Key Cards come with notable risks that players should carefully consider. Because they do not contain the full game data, gameplay is entirely dependent on internet access and Nintendo’s backend services. For players who prefer offline play, value long-term ownership, or collect physical games for preservation purposes, LP cartridges are generally less appealing. By contrast, LN and LB cartridges retain the intuitive usability and archival advantages traditionally associated with physical media.

For this reason, players are strongly advised to check the cartridge code and labeling before purchasing a game. This is especially important for users who are still on the original Switch, as accidentally purchasing an LB or LP cartridge would result in a game that cannot be used at all. Switch 2 owners, meanwhile, can choose between full physical ownership and license-based convenience depending on their play style and priorities.

Overall, Nintendo’s introduction of LN, LB, and LP cartridge types clearly delineates three strategic directions: cross-generation compatibility, next-generation exclusivity, and hybrid physical-digital distribution. This shift signals a gradual move toward semi-digital physical media, offering greater flexibility at the cost of permanence. For players, the optimal choice will ultimately depend on how they weigh hardware generations, collectible value, and preferred methods of play.