The latest Nintendo Switch system update has introduced a significant change with the implementation of Virtual Game Cards, just ahead of the Switch 2 launch. This update has notably closed a previously exploited method for playing the same digital game online across two systems simultaneously. As Eurogamer pointed out, Switch users could formerly launch a game on their primary console and play it online while the game's owner was logged into another Switch. Unfortunately, this loophole has been sealed with the new Virtual Game Cards system.
However, there's a workaround for those looking to play a single copy of a digital game. Users have discovered that by going offline, they can still enjoy their games across two Switches. To do this, navigate to your profile's user settings and enable the Online Licenses option. This setting allows you to play a digital game without the Virtual Game Card as long as it isn't being played elsewhere or the Switch playing it is set to offline mode. Here's how the setting is described:
"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, you can still play the same game simultaneously across two Switches. Eurogamer has confirmed that this method works. The key change here is that the ability to play the same game online at the same time on different consoles has been removed.
The gaming community has expressed dissatisfaction with this change, with users on platforms like ResetEra and Reddit voicing their frustration over the altered game sharing arrangements. Many are particularly upset about losing the ability to play online games like Splatoon or Minecraft together as a family or group. For families, this means a potential doubling of game costs if multiple children want to play the same Switch game concurrently. While this update closes a loophole, it was a loophole that many found useful, and the frustration is palpable.
This update 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 use Game-Key Cards, meaning that many games will not have the full game on the cartridge and will require an online download to play.
