When the Nintendo Switch first hit the scene back in 2017, gamers were met with an interesting conundrum – oversized game cases that seemed comically unnecessary. The tiny SD cards that actually held the games were surrounded by plastic cases that were disproportionately larger. Many of these cases didn’t even come with any additional inserts or goodies. Despite this, some fans, myself included, found themselves inexplicably drawn to collecting them, even if deep down we knew it was a bit of a waste.

Fast forward to recent leaks about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, and it seems like the game cases drama is about to get even more absurd. The biggest takeaway from the Switch 2 reveal last month was that everything about the new console is getting a size upgrade – from bigger Joy-Con controllers to a larger screen and even grander Mario Kart races. And now, it appears that the game cases are set to follow suit.

According to a leak reported by Universo Nintendo editor Felipe Lima in January, a French retailer inadvertently revealed the dimensions for a Take-Two Switch 2 game case to be a whopping 5.12 inches wide and 7.7 inches tall. To put this into perspective, this would represent a staggering 43-percent increase in size compared to the original Switch game cases. Subreddit user HertzBurst even created an artistic rendering to visually showcase just how much larger these new cases would be.

If these leaked dimensions turn out to be accurate and not just placeholders, the Switch 2 game cases would tower over PS5 cases, which are a mere 6.7 inches tall. While PS5 cases hold Blu-ray discs and are sometimes criticized for their lack of extras, at least they are somewhat in proportion to the discs they contain. The looming question remains – why the need for such monumental game cases for what are likely to be similar-sized SD cartridges?

As someone who vividly recalls the excitement of buying games for my original Switch on launch day, I can’t help but feel a twinge of nostalgia for the days when game cases actually contained tangible extras. I fondly remember unboxing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, only to find a small plastic cartridge nestled inside. However, games like The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ came with stickers and a delightful gold booklet reminiscent of classic NES game manuals, making the physical purchase feel truly special.

With the Switch 2 looming on the horizon, one can’t help but wonder if Nintendo will step up their game in terms of what they pack into these oversized cases. Will we see a return to the glory days of game inserts, maps, posters, and other cool goodies? Or are we doomed to receive empty, cavernous plastic shells housing nothing but minuscule cartridges?

As we eagerly await more details about the Nintendo Switch 2 and its colossal game cases, one thing is for certain – the gaming community is buzzing with anticipation and speculation. Will Nintendo surprise us with innovative inclusions in the new cases, or will we simply be left with roomy shells for our beloved games? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear – the excitement and curiosity surrounding the Switch 2 release are palpable. Stay tuned for more updates as the gaming world holds its breath in anticipation of the next big reveal.