Nintendo Switch Update Closes Popular Game Sharing Loophole

Nintendo has rolled out a new system update for the Switch, introducing Virtual Game Cards just ahead of the much-anticipated Switch 2 launch. This update, however, has put an end to a popular method of playing the same digital game online simultaneously across two systems.

As reported by Eurogamer, Switch owners previously enjoyed the ability to launch a game on their primary console and play it online, while another person logged into the same account on a different Switch could play alongside them. With the introduction of Virtual Game Cards, this workaround is no longer viable.

However, there's a silver lining: users can still play a single copy of a digital game offline. By navigating to your profile's user settings and enabling the Online Licenses option, you can enjoy a digital game without needing the Virtual Game Card, provided it's not being used elsewhere or if the playing Switch is set to offline mode. The setting's description reads:

"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, as long as one Switch is offline, you can continue to play the same game simultaneously across two Switches. Eurogamer has tested and confirmed this functionality. The key change is that the ability to play the same game online at the same time is no longer available through this method.

The community's reaction has been largely negative, with users on platforms like ResetEra and Reddit expressing frustration over the altered game-sharing dynamics. The loss of simultaneous online play is particularly irksome, especially for families and groups who enjoyed playing games like Splatoon or Minecraft together. This change could significantly increase costs for families, as they may need to purchase multiple copies of games for each child's Switch.

This update comes just over a month before the launch of the Switch 2, which will employ the same system. Additionally, the Switch 2 will utilize Game-Key Cards, meaning some games will require an online download as the full game won't be on the cartridge itself.