Nintendo Switch Update Closes Popular Game Sharing Loophole

The latest system update for the Nintendo Switch has introduced a new feature, the Virtual Game Cards, in anticipation of the upcoming Switch 2 launch. This update, however, has ended the ability to play the same digital game online simultaneously on two different systems, a practice that was previously possible.

As reported by Eurogamer, Switch users could previously log into the same game on two different consoles—one as the primary console and another where the game's owner was logged in—allowing them to play together online. This method is no longer viable due to the implementation of the Virtual Game Cards system.

Despite the changes, there's a workaround for playing a single digital game copy. Users have found that by going offline, they can still play the game on another Switch. 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's not being played elsewhere or if the other Switch is set offline. The setting's description is as follows:

"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, as long as one Switch is offline, you can still play the same game simultaneously on two different Switches. Eurogamer has confirmed this workaround functions as intended. The major shift is that playing the same game online at the same time is no longer possible, closing the previous loophole.

The community has expressed dissatisfaction with this change. On forums like ResetEra and Reddit, users are voicing their frustrations over the disruption to their previous game-sharing arrangements. The loss of the ability to play online simultaneously is particularly upsetting, especially for families and groups who enjoyed playing games like Splatoon or Minecraft together.

For families, this change means potentially doubling their game purchase costs if multiple children want to play the same Switch game together. This new system, while closing a loophole, was a beneficial one for many, and the backlash is understandable.

These updates come just over a month before the Switch 2's launch, which will also implement the Virtual Game Cards system. Additionally, the Switch 2 will introduce Game-Key Cards, where certain games will require an online download to play, as the entire game won't be on the cartridge itself.