Nintendo Switch Update Closes Popular Game Sharing Loophole

The latest Nintendo Switch system update has introduced the Virtual Game Cards system, paving the way for the upcoming launch of the Switch 2. This update, however, has closed a previously exploited method that allowed players to enjoy the same digital game online on two different Switch consoles simultaneously.

As highlighted by Eurogamer, Switch owners could previously launch a game on the primary console and play it online, while another user logged into the same account on a secondary Switch could join in. This feature has now been discontinued with the implementation of the Virtual Game Cards system.

"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."

This means you can still play the same game on two Switches at the same time, as long as one of them is offline. Eurogamer confirmed this workaround functions as intended. The significant shift, however, is that playing the same game online simultaneously across two consoles is no longer possible.

The gaming community has expressed dissatisfaction with this change, with many users on platforms like ResetEra and Reddit voicing their frustration over the disruption to their previous game-sharing arrangements. The loss of the ability to play online at the same time is particularly upsetting, as it affects family and group gaming experiences in games like Splatoon or Minecraft.

For families, this change could mean doubling the cost of games if multiple children wish to play together on different Switch consoles. What was once a convenient loophole is now closed, leading to understandable frustration among users.

This update comes just over a month before the Switch 2's launch, which will also implement the same Virtual Game Cards system. Additionally, the Switch 2 will introduce Game-Key Cards, where many games will not have the full game data on the cartridge and will necessitate an online download to play.