How to fix the "Insert the game card" error in Final Fantasy X-2 on Nintendo Switch

Final Fantasy X-2
Final Fantasy X-2 (Image credit: Square Enix)

Anyone who ordered the physical set of Final Fantasy X|X-2 received Final Fantasy X on a game cartridge and X-2 as a downloadable code. This was a let down given that fans were expecting both games would be on one cartridge, if not two. When gamers try to play the completely downloaded X-2, many get an error that reads "insert the game card." This is annoying to deal with but easy enough to get around. Here's how to do it.

Products used in this guide

For your gaming shelf: Final Fantasy X|X-2 Physical Copy ($50 at Amazon)

If you haven't bought the physical copy yet, you might want to consider going digital with a Final Fantasy X|X-2 download code. That way you won't have to deal with this ridiculous error.

How to fix the "insert the card error" for Final Fantasy X-2

  1. Insert Final Fantasy X into your Switch.
  2. Scroll to Final Fantasy X-2 in your library and click on it.
  3. Final Fantasy X-2 will automatically start up.

Our favorite option

If you haven't bought the games yet, you might just want to bypass the physical copy altogether. The digital code gives you both Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2 without any insert card error. If you'd really prefer a physical copy, just remember to have FFX on you whenever you want to play FFX-2. Revisit these classics or experience them for the first time.

Other helpful items to enhance your gaming experience

If you're planning on carrying around multiple Nintendo Switch games, we recommend using a game card holder so you can protect several games at once.

AmazonBasics Game Storage Case

AmazonBasics Game Storage Case ($9 at Amazon)

This inexpensive storage container helps protect physical copies of your favorite Nintendo Switch games. It allows you to carry up to 24 games at once. It's nice and compact so you can easily carry it around in your pocket or purse.

Hori Case

HORI Official Game Card Case ($10 at Amazon)

This plastic storage case allows you to carry up to 24 Nintendo Switch games at once. It also includes a memory card holder so you can have as much memory on you as you need. It's compact and portable so it will be easy to carry around on the go.

PowerA Wireless Controller

PowerA Wireless Controller (Image credit: PowerA)

PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller ($40 at Amazon)

The battery on this is wireless Switch controller lasts for up to 30 hours on a full charge giving you plenty of time during gaming sessions. It also has motion controls and extra buttons on the backside giving you an edge when playing your favorite video games.

Rebecca Spear
Gaming Editor

Gaming aficionado Rebecca Spear is iMore's dedicated gaming editor with a focus on Nintendo Switch and iOS gaming. You’ll never catch her without her Switch or her iPad Air handy. If you’ve got a question about Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, or just about any other Nintendo series check out her guides to help you out. Rebecca has written thousands of articles in the last six years including hundreds of extensive gaming guides, previews, and reviews for both Switch and Apple Arcade. She also loves checking out new gaming accessories like iPhone controllers and has her ear to the ground when it comes to covering the next big trend.