Nintendo Switch Update Closes Popular Game Sharing Loophole

Nintendo has released a new system update for the Switch, introducing the innovative Virtual Game Cards system in anticipation of the upcoming Switch 2 launch. This update, however, has put an end to a popular method that allowed players to enjoy the same digital game online across two systems simultaneously.

As reported by Eurogamer, Switch users previously exploited a loophole where the primary console owner could play a game online while another user, logged in on a different Switch, could play the same game concurrently. The new Virtual Game Cards system has effectively closed this loophole.

Despite this change, users have found a workaround. By switching to offline mode, players can still access a single copy of a digital game on multiple Switches. To do this, 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 it's on is offline. The setting 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, you can still play the same game across two Switches simultaneously. Eurogamer has tested and confirmed that this workaround is effective. The significant change is that playing the same game online at the same time on multiple consoles is no longer possible due to the closed loophole.

The gaming community, particularly on forums like ResetEra and Reddit, has expressed dissatisfaction with this change. Many users are frustrated that their previous game-sharing setups are no longer viable, especially the ability to play online together. This is particularly impactful for families and groups who enjoyed playing games like Splatoon or Minecraft together. The change means that families with multiple children wanting to play the same game will now need to purchase additional copies, effectively doubling their costs.

This update comes just over a month before the launch of the Switch 2, which will adopt the same Virtual Game Cards system. Additionally, the Switch 2 will introduce Game-Key Cards, where many games will require an online download to function fully, as the physical cartridge won't contain the complete game.