Comparing different formats for often comes down to how you plan to play the game on a modded console or emulator. Generally, an NSP (Nintendo Submission Package) is a direct copy of the eShop version, while an XCI (NX Card Image) is a dump of the physical cartridge. NSP vs. XCI: Which is "Better"? NSP (eShop Format):

If you are looking for a complete Pokémon experience with better performance, engaging story content, easier competitive training, and hundreds of extra Pokémon,

For players seeking the definitive Pokémon Scarlet experience, the combination of NSP format with full DLC integration on emulated hardware offers clear advantages:

: Game updates contained within digital packages fix critical frame rate drops and memory leaks.