Nintendo has released a new system update for the Switch, introducing the Virtual Game Cards system in anticipation of the upcoming Switch 2 launch. This update, however, has closed a popular loophole that allowed users to play the same digital game online across two different Switch consoles simultaneously.
As reported by Eurogamer, prior to this update, Switch owners could log into their account on a secondary console and play a game online while another player used the primary console. With the introduction of Virtual Game Cards, this method is no longer viable.
However, users have discovered a workaround that allows them to play a single copy of a digital game offline. By navigating to the user settings and enabling the Online Licenses option, players can access their digital games without the Virtual Game Card, provided the game isn't being played elsewhere or the playing Switch is set to offline mode. The setting's description reads:
"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, users can still play the same game across two consoles at the same time. Eurogamer has confirmed that this workaround is effective. The key change is that playing the same game online simultaneously across two consoles is no longer possible.
The gaming community has expressed significant frustration over this change, particularly on forums like ResetEra and Reddit. Many users are upset that their previous game-sharing setups are no longer functional, especially the ability to play online together. This is particularly challenging for families who enjoyed playing games like Splatoon or Minecraft together, as it now means doubling the cost to purchase multiple copies for multiple players.
This update comes just over a month before the launch of the Switch 2, 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 complete the game, as the full game won't be included on the cartridge itself.
