As the anticipated launch of the Switch 2 approaches in June, Nintendo has rolled out a significant system update for the original Switch. This update introduces the new Virtual Game Card system, designed to enhance the sharing of digital downloads among users. However, early feedback from Switch owners indicates that this new sharing mechanism is somewhat restrictive when it comes to sharing a single digital purchase for online gameplay across multiple consoles.
For those who may have missed the announcement in March, the Virtual Game Card system allows players to easily transfer a digital game license from one Switch console (or the upcoming Switch 2) to another console linked to the same Nintendo Account or within the same family group. An Internet connection is required for the initial transfer, but once downloaded, games can be played offline on the console with the Virtual Game Card.
For users who prefer not to constantly manage the loading and unloading of their digital games, Nintendo has included an Online License feature within the Switch's system menu. When activated, this feature allows the console to confirm access to a digital game online, even if no Virtual Game Card is present. This is particularly beneficial for players wishing to share games across three or more Switch units.
The Virtual Game Card and Online License feature mark a considerable shift from Nintendo's former system for managing digital games across multiple Switch consoles. Previously, any number of users on a designated primary console could enjoy digital games without needing to verify ownership online. In contrast, users on secondary consoles were required to have an Internet connection to confirm ownership when launching a game.
This older system, albeit cumbersome to set up, allowed notable flexibility for game sharing. For instance, users could simultaneously play a single digital game purchase on different consoles as long as the Nintendo Account that purchased the game was logged into the secondary console. Unfortunately, this functionality has now been removed from Nintendo's official FAQ, which previously detailed how players could access a single digital game across multiple consoles at the same time.
For players wishing to play a single digital game across multiple Switch consoles simultaneously, a partial workaround is available. The Switch with the loaded Virtual Game Card should be set to Airplane mode or have Wi-Fi disabled, while the Online License feature must be enabled for the game's original purchaser. This allows the first console to play the Virtual Game Card offline, while the same game can be played on a second system through the Online License feature.
However, this workaround does have its drawbacks. It requires one Switch to remain entirely offline, preventing two players from enjoying online features together, such as racing in Mario Kart 8. Additionally, certain downloadable content tied to a Switch Online subscription may not be accessible on the offline system.
It's somewhat surprising that Nintendo has taken this long to address what could be perceived as a loophole in its digital game sharing system. Traditionally, players who purchase a physical game cannot play it simultaneously on two separate consoles. The previous allowance for digital game sharing was seen as an extra benefit for those opting for downloadable games.
With the upcoming launch of the Switch 2, Nintendo appears focused on ensuring that each player owns their own copy of a game for online play. This change is particularly notable with games like Mario Kart World, which is now priced at $80, potentially impacting multi-Switch households as they navigate the new game sharing landscape.
