Nintendo has rolled out the latest system update for the Nintendo Switch, introducing a new feature known as Virtual Game Cards ahead of the much-anticipated launch of the Switch 2. This update, however, has shut down a popular method for playing the same digital game online across two systems simultaneously.
As reported by Eurogamer, Switch users could previously exploit a loophole where the primary console could run a game online, while the game's owner could log in and play on another Switch at the same time. With the introduction of the Virtual Game Cards system, this loophole is no more.
Despite this change, users have found an alternative way to play a single copy of a digital game. By going offline and toggling the Online Licenses option in the user settings, you can still access a digital game without a Virtual Game Card, provided it isn't being played elsewhere or the Switch is set to offline mode. Here's the explanation for the setting:
"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 on two Switches at once. Eurogamer has confirmed that this workaround functions effectively. The significant shift is that the ability to play online simultaneously across two consoles has been closed off.
The gaming community has expressed disappointment over this change, with users on forums like ResetEra and Reddit voicing their frustrations. The loss of the ability to play online at the same time is a major point of contention, particularly for families and groups who enjoyed playing games like Splatoon or Minecraft together. For families with multiple children wanting to play the same game, this change could mean doubling their game purchasing costs. While Nintendo is closing a loophole, it was one that many found beneficial, and the backlash against the new system is understandable.
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 use Game-Key Cards, meaning a significant number of games will not have the full game on the cartridge and will require an online download to play.
