When the headlines of The Outer Worlds coming to Switch in March arrived, fans were thrilled. Nintendo Switch owners would get to experience the highly-acclaimed space RPG. However, hype for the Switch release was diminished when the dreaded, "Full Game Download, Game Card Not Included" popped up on the box. This means fans can go to a physical store like GameStop or Walmart, and buy the game's case. But, the cartridge is not included, instead featuring a download code one can put in the eShop. This is not an uncommon practice these days. The Switch "physical" editions of Overwatch and Wolfenstein: Youngblood also have cases, but not an actual game card. This practice has not been received well by players, and for good reason. Can these games really be called "physical" editions?
What Is The Logic Of An Empty Box?
Although the companies have not given an official reason for the practice of codes in a box, it's really not all that mysterious. Creating cartridges cost money, so making it digital-only is cheaper. That's fine, but why create an empty box? The answer for that is almost certainly retail representation.
Let's look at it this way. Going to the mall is a favorite pastime among many people. GameStops can be found in many shopping plazas. Searching the shelves, even if it's just for fun, is something many do while walking around. The Outer Worlds having a physical presence with a case enables game awareness and encourages spontaneous purchasing. People who usually buy physical games are also probably not likely to surf the eShop. Thus, there is some business logic for this practice. That doesn't necessarily make it the right practice.
Don't Waste The Plastic
In the past, it was always either having a physical release of the game - the case and the game itself, whether it be disk or cartridge, or the digital release. The physical release was for people who prefer physical media, collectors, or those who wish to play their game and share it with friends. Then you had the digital release for those who don't care about owning a case or cartridge/disc. They enjoy downloading the game right away from home. It also eliminates the need for space. The choice between physical and digital has always been a good one.
In the end, even though the box clearly says "Game Card Not Included," it is treading shaky ground saying there is a physical version of the game that does not include an actual cartridge. This breaks the distinction between physical and digital media. Going to GameStop and buying an empty case with a code doesn't even sound right when typing it out. Empty cases are a waste of plastic. If a game is digital-only it should stay in the virtual shop, with retail awareness coming from posters and banners.