Nintendo Unveils New Virtual Game Card System to Hide Game Cards

Nintendo has officially launched its new Virtual Game Card (VGC) system as part of the latest Switch firmware update. This feature enhancement arrives just ahead of the upcoming Switch 2 release, offering users more control over how their game library is displayed.

For those who prefer to keep certain titles private, Nintendo now provides the ability to hide specific Virtual Game Cards from your visible list. As confirmed by a user on X/Twitter, this functionality allows you to conceal games from public view on the VGC portal. Whether it’s for privacy, personal reasons, or simply to maintain a cleaner list, this option gives players more discretion over their digital collection.

I personally tested this feature and successfully hid titles such as *Suikoden I&II HD Remaster* and *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe*. While hidden games no longer appear in the main VGC list—either on the console or the official website—they will still show up on your Switch OLED model if they are installed or loaded. However, once uninstalled, they disappear from the local list as well.

To access your hidden games, navigate to the “Can’t Find Software?” section under “Redownload Software” on your Switch, and log in with your Nintendo account. The same applies to the online portal, where hidden titles are stored in a separate folder. Although this method works, it can be slightly inconvenient, as you’ll need to unhide and re-download a title before you can play it again.

It's also worth noting that even when hidden, launching a concealed game will still register activity in your Play Activity log. For example, starting *Suikoden I&II HD Remaster* after hiding it will reflect in your recent play history.

Despite these limitations, the feature could serve practical purposes. It may function as a makeshift parental control, allowing users to hide mature titles like *Mortal Kombat* or *Doom* from younger audiences. Alternatively, it offers peace of mind for those who want to avoid unwanted attention at social gatherings due to certain unique or sensitive titles in their collection.

In addition to the VGC privacy feature, this latest system update includes redesigned icons, system transfer support for the Switch 2, and the closure of a popular game-sharing loophole. If you're curious about all the changes, you can find more details on the full Nintendo Switch firmware update [here].