The latest Nintendo Switch system update has rolled out, introducing innovative features like the Virtual Game Cards system, set to enhance the upcoming launch of the Switch 2. However, this update has also closed a popular loophole that allowed users to play the same digital game online simultaneously on two different Switch consoles.
As reported by Eurogamer, Switch owners previously had the ability to launch a game on their primary console and play it online, while the game's owner could also play on another Switch. This convenient method has been discontinued with the introduction of the Virtual Game Cards system.
Despite the change, users have found a workaround: by going offline, you can still play a single copy of a digital game on two Switches simultaneously. To do this, navigate to your profile's user settings and enable the Online Licenses option. This allows you to play a digital game without the Virtual Game Card, provided it's not being played elsewhere or the Switch playing it 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, if one Switch is offline, you can still enjoy the same game on two Switches at the same time. Eurogamer has tested and confirmed that this system functions as described. The significant change is that the loophole for playing the same game online simultaneously on two consoles has been closed.
The gaming community has expressed dissatisfaction with this change, with users on platforms like ResetEra and Reddit voicing their frustrations over the disruption to their previous game-sharing setups. The inability to play online at the same time is particularly irksome, as many families and groups enjoyed playing games like Splatoon or Minecraft together.
For families, this update could mean doubling the cost of games if multiple children want to play the same Switch game together. Those who previously shared games will now need to purchase additional copies. While this update closes a loophole, it was a beneficial one for many, and it's understandable that users are already expressing their discontent with the new system.
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 introduce Game-Key Cards, where certain games will not have the full game on the cartridge and will require an online download to play.
