Starbites Nintendo Switch 2 game-key card release has been cancelled

NIS America is no longer moving forward with its game-key card release of Starbites on Nintendo Switch 2, it’s been revealed.

The publisher was previously planning on selling the title both through its online store with a limited edition and at retailers. However, that will no longer be the case.

On its store about the limited edition, NIS America simply says that the Nintendo Switch 2 version has been cancelled. Fans are recommended to purchased the Nintendo Switch version as an alternative.

Meanwhile, if you look at popular retailers, it looks like it’s pretty much the same situation there. Stores have started to remove the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Starbites – many simply say that it’s unavailable.

Actual information about why this boxed version was cancelled has not been shared. However, it’s no secret that game-key cards haven’t gone over well with fans. NIS America has already shipped a number of game-key card titles on Nintendo Switch 2. Perhaps the company wasn’t satisfied with the results of past releases or simply didn’t feel it was worth dealing with fan pushback.

Starbites will still launch physically for Nintendo Switch (and digitally for Switch 2) on May 21, 2026. A new trailer was just shared here.

Nintendo Everything is a participant in the Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop affiliate programs. The website may receive a partial commission through orders placed with these retailers.