Nintendo Switch Update Closes Popular Game Sharing Loophole

The latest system update for the Nintendo Switch has introduced the Virtual Game Cards system, setting the stage for the upcoming Switch 2. This update, however, has closed a previously exploited method for playing the same digital game online across two different Switch systems simultaneously. As reported by Eurogamer, players could previously launch a game on their primary console and enjoy online play, while another user logged into the same account on a secondary Switch could also access the game. This workaround is no longer possible with the implementation of Virtual Game Cards.

Despite this change, there's still a way to play a single copy of a digital game across two consoles, albeit with specific conditions. Users have discovered that by going offline, they can still access their games. To do this, you need to 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 offline. The setting description clarifies:

"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 across two Switches simultaneously. Eurogamer has confirmed that this workaround functions as described. The key takeaway is that playing the same game online on multiple consoles at the same time is no longer an option.

The gaming community, particularly on platforms like ResetEra and Reddit, has expressed frustration over this change. Many users are upset that their previous game-sharing setups will no longer work in the same way. The loss of the ability to play online games like Splatoon or Minecraft together as a family or group has been a significant point of contention. For families with multiple children wanting to play together, this update could mean doubling the cost of purchasing games, as they'll need to buy additional copies.

This update comes just over a month before the launch of the Switch 2, which will also employ the Virtual Game Cards system. Additionally, the Switch 2 will introduce Game-Key Cards, where some games will not have the full game data on the cartridge and will require an online download to be playable. This new approach to game distribution is set to change how players interact with their Switch games moving forward.