Shortly after Nintendo releasing firmware update version 20.0.0 for the Switch, players have noticed that the inclusion of the new Virtual Game Card system prevents them from playing the same game on two consoles at the same time. This largely comes down to how game sharing works with Virtual Game Cards.
Through the new system, players can “insert” and “remove” Virtual Game Cards for the digital titles that they own in order to play them. These Virtual Game Cards can also be shared with other players. Doing so, however, will prevent the original owner of the game from playing the title until the Virtual Game Card is returned.
Users on ResetEra have figured out a workaround for this new system, however. After getting the new update, Switch users can enable the Online License option in the console’s settings to get access to DLC or downloaded games without needing the Virtual Game Card. In the meantime, the Switch with the Virtual Game Card can go into offline mode and still have access to the game.
It is worth noting that this method will only really work for single-player games, as going online on the main Switch console would trigger the Online License checks and stop the secondary system from accessing the game.
The update with this feature was released just a few hours ago, with Virtual Game Card being one of its headlining features alongside the new GameShare options. For more details about the update, check out our coverage.
The new Virtual Game Cards system was unveiled back in March through a Direct. The system is essentially a new way for Nintendo’s consoles to handle digital game purchases. As part of the system, players can convert digital copies of their games into Virtual Game Cards. Emulating physical game cards, Virtual Game Cards are treated as if a physical copy of a Switch game has been inserted into the system.
These Virtual Game Cards can be managed through a new management screen on the Switch’s home screen. Players can decide which Virtual Game Cards they want to “load” or “eject”. Players can also share their Virtual Game Cards with other Switch owners, albeit this requires the player to have “ejected” the game from their own system. Up to two Switch systems are supported through the system for now.
Previously, game sharing on the Switch worked in a different way; one Switch would be considered a “primary console,” which could play games owned by any of the Nintendo accounts logged into it at the time. A “secondary console” can then be signed into to get access to the title there. Through this system, both Switch consoles could run the same game simultaneously.
While Nintendo likens the new Virtual Game Cards system to the company’s attempts to recreate the feeling of owning and sharing physical copies of games, the system was likely developed in order to regulate how games are shared between two Switch systems. Through Virtual Game Cards, sharing games has been made more restrictive in some ways, albeit more convenient in others.
