Nintendo Switch Update Closes Popular Game Sharing Loophole

The latest Nintendo Switch system update has introduced a new feature called Virtual Game Cards, in preparation for the upcoming Switch 2 launch. This update, however, has eliminated a popular method for playing the same digital game online on two different Switch consoles simultaneously.

As reported by Eurogamer, Switch users were previously able to exploit a loophole where the primary console could access a game online, while the game's owner played on another Switch. This workaround has now been closed with the introduction of the Virtual Game Cards system.

However, users have discovered a new way to 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 play a digital game without the need for a Virtual Game Card, provided it is not being played elsewhere or the Switch it's being played on is set to offline mode. The setting 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 in to 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, you can still enjoy the same game on two Switches simultaneously. Eurogamer confirmed the effectiveness of this workaround. The significant change is that the ability to play online at the same time on different consoles has been eliminated.

The gaming community, particularly on forums like ResetEra and Reddit, has expressed dissatisfaction with this change. Many are frustrated that their previous game-sharing setups no longer function as they did. The loss of simultaneous online play is a major concern, especially for those who enjoyed playing games like Splatoon or Minecraft with family or friends.

For families, this update means potentially doubling the cost of games if multiple children wish to play together on different Switches. Previously cooperative gaming setups will now require additional game purchases. While this update closes a loophole, it was a beneficial one for many users, leading to widespread frustration with the new system.

This change comes just over a month before the launch of the Switch 2, which will also implement the Virtual Game Cards system. Additionally, the Switch 2 will introduce Game-Key Cards, where many games will require an online download, as the entire game won't be included on the physical cartridge.