The implementation of the Switch Virtual Game Cards will allow players to share games. It is slated to start service by late April. Read on to learn more about the features.
Switch Virtual Game Cards Give Insight Into Switch 2's Digital Future
Releasing in a System Update For the Nintendo Switch This Coming Late April
The Virtual Game Card is Nintendo’s latest innovation, set to launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 and arriving as a system update for the original Nintendo Switch in late April. This feature simplifies the management of purchased digital games, allowing them to be accessed separately between two systems—effectively enabling users to lend or borrow games.
The concept mirrors physical game cards; however, instead of swapping cartridges, users can "eject" a Virtual Game Card from one system and "load" it onto another. This applies to both lending games to others and transferring them between up to two Nintendo Switch consoles owned by the same user.
For games shared with other accounts, there is a two-week lending limit, after which the game is automatically returned to the original owner.
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games
Seems to Confirm Switch 1 Game Upgrades/Updates
Within the fine print on the Nintendo Switch Virtual Cards explanation page, it makes mention of how Switch 2 games will be treated. Specifically, the page says Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games can only be loaded on a Nintendo Switch 2 system.
This line may be an indication that some Switch 1 games may receive an enhanced version to take advantage of the Switch 2's more powerful internals.
The way it's worded, however, may also imply that there will be a separate purchase required to get the Switch 2 Edition. This is because if it were to come alongside any purchase of the regular Switch 1 version, it would make more sense for the game to automatically switch Editions
depending on the system that it's on, rather than explicitly mention the limitation of Switch 2 Editions to only Switch 2 systems. Alternatively, it may be worded this way just to avoid any possible confusions that the Switch 2 Editions are playable on the Switch 1. This is still all unconfirmed information and we likely will learn more about the specifics in the April 2nd Nintendo Direct.
Advantages and Limitations
The introduction of the Virtual Game Card streamlines game management while enabling the sharing of digital titles with friends and family.
However, this system comes with certain limitations that players should be aware of. One key restriction is that shared games must be renewed every two weeks. If not, access to the shared game will be revoked until it is manually renewed. The two devices must first be paired through a local wireless connection on top of an internet connection. For devices on the same account, this pairing only needs to be done once, meaning the games may be shared through just an internet connection after that first time pairing.
For sharing amongst family members, both local wireless and an internet connection are required, and will only be available to them for 14 days before it's automatically returned. Should you want to continue to borrow it, you'll need to connect locally again.
Additionally, the Virtual Game Card removes the need for a primary console, allowing users to play their digital games and DLC on up to one additional Nintendo Switch. Unfortunately, this also means that game sharing is more restricted, requiring specific approvals rather than simply linking multiple systems to a single account.
Overall, this appears to be part of Nintendo's ongoing push toward complete digital game distribution. It may also serve as a marketing strategy to position the Switch 2 as a more powerful iteration of the original Switch while promoting seamless game sharing between the two systems.
