The latest Nintendo Switch system update introduces the Virtual Game Cards system, a significant change ahead of the Switch 2 launch. This update has effectively closed a popular loophole that allowed users to play the same digital game online across two different Switch consoles simultaneously.
Previously, as reported by Eurogamer, Switch owners could play a digital game online on a secondary console while the primary console owner was also playing it. However, with the introduction of Virtual Game Cards, this is no longer possible. The new system requires that a Virtual Game Card be loaded on the console to play the game online.
There is a workaround for playing a single copy of a digital game, though. Users can go offline to bypass the Virtual Game Card requirement. By navigating to the user settings and enabling the Online Licenses option, players can access their digital games without the Virtual Game Card, provided the game isn't being played elsewhere or the Switch in use is set to offline mode. The setting description states:
"If this option is enabled, purchased digital software will be playable while the console is connected to the internet, even when the virtual game card for that software isn't loaded to the console. However, when using an online licence, only the user signed into the Nintendo Account that was used to purchase the software will be able to play it, it will not be playable for other users on the console. Your virtual game cards can be used to play software regardless of this setting. Online licences cannot be used on multiple consoles at the same time. The online licence and virtual game card for a software title cannot be used at the same time."
This means that if one Switch is offline, you can still play the same game across two Switches simultaneously. Eurogamer has confirmed this method works, but the key change is that playing the same game online at the same time is no longer an option.
The gaming community, particularly on platforms like ResetEra and Reddit, has expressed frustration over this change. Many users are upset because their previous game-sharing setups are now obsolete. The inability to play online together, especially for popular multiplayer games like Splatoon or Minecraft, is a significant point of contention. For families, this change could mean doubling the cost of games, as multiple copies may be required for each child to play simultaneously.
These updates come just over a month before the Switch 2 launch, which will also implement the Virtual Game Cards system. Additionally, the Switch 2 will introduce Game-Key Cards, where many games will not have the full game on the cartridge and will require an online download to play.
