Nintendo Unveils Virtual Game Card System to Hide Games

Nintendo has introduced the new Virtual Game Card (VGC) system with the latest Switch update, offering users the ability to hide their game cards from prying eyes. This feature allows players to keep their game collection private, as demonstrated by a user on X/Twitter, who successfully hid games like Suikoden I&II HD Remaster and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe from their acquired list on Nintendo's VGC portal.

When games are hidden, they won't appear in your list of Virtual Game Cards, providing a layer of privacy for whatever reasons you might have. However, these games will still show up on your OLED Switch if they are installed or loaded. Once uninstalled, they disappear from the list, ensuring your privacy is maintained.

To view hidden games, you need to navigate to the "Redownload Software" section and then to the "Can't Find Software?" option, where you'll need to log into your Nintendo account. The same process applies on the Nintendo website, where hidden games are tucked away in a separate folder under the "Can't Find Software?" section.

This feature can be particularly useful for those sharing consoles and wanting to keep certain games, like Mortal Kombat or Doom, out of sight as a form of parental control. It might also appeal to those who prefer to keep more mature or personal titles hidden when using their Switch in public settings.

The latest update not only introduces the VGC system but also includes redesigned icons, a system transfer feature in preparation for the upcoming Switch 2, and the closure of a popular game sharing loophole. For more details on the new Nintendo Switch firmware update, you can find additional information [ttpp].