What type of physical game packaging was used for Pokémon Pokopia?

The physical version of Pokémon Pokopia was released on a Game-Key Card.

A Game-Key Card is a physical game card used for Nintendo Switch 2 software that provides the key needed to download the game data. It differs from a traditional game card that stores the complete playable title on the card itself.

Pokémon Pokopia is notable because it was the first Pokémon game to use this physical format. It was also identified as the first game published by Nintendo to be released on a Game-Key Card. The digital version was offered separately through the Nintendo eShop.

The format can be confused with a download code card, but the two are not the same retail concept. Pokémon Pokopia’s physical release came as a Game-Key Card, while the digital edition was purchased and downloaded directly through the eShop. The physical packaging therefore still represents a card-based purchase, but the card’s function is tied to downloading the software.