Nintendo Switch Update Closes Popular Game Sharing Loophole

The latest system update for the Nintendo Switch has introduced the Virtual Game Cards system in anticipation of the upcoming Switch 2 launch. This new feature, however, has put an end to a popular method that allowed users to play the same digital game simultaneously on two different systems online.

As reported by Eurogamer, Switch owners were previously able to enjoy a digital game on their primary console while another user played it on a secondary console. The implementation of Virtual Game Cards has effectively closed this loophole.

Despite this change, users have found a workaround to play a single digital copy of a game by switching to offline mode. 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 is offline. Here's the detailed description of the setting:

"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."

In essence, if one Switch is offline, users can still enjoy the same game simultaneously on two different Switches. Eurogamer has confirmed that this method is effective. The significant shift is that the ability to play the same game online at the same time has been eliminated.

The gaming community has expressed dissatisfaction with this update. On platforms like ResetEra and Reddit, users are voicing their frustration over the disruption to their previous game-sharing arrangements. The loss of the ability to play online at the same time is particularly irksome, with many citing family gaming sessions of titles like Splatoon or Minecraft.

For families, this change could mean doubling the cost of game purchases if multiple children want to play together. Families that previously enjoyed gaming together will now need to invest in additional copies. While this update closes a loophole, it was a beneficial one for many, leading to understandable frustration with the new system.

These changes come just weeks before the launch of the Switch 2, which will incorporate the same system. The Switch 2 will also introduce Game-Key Cards, meaning many games will require an online download even with a physical cartridge, as the entire game won't be stored on the cartridge itself.