Nintendo Switch users, take note: a significant system update has rolled out, introducing the new Virtual Game Cards system in anticipation of the upcoming Switch 2 launch. This update, however, has put an end to a popular method for playing the same digital game online across two systems simultaneously.
As reported by Eurogamer, previously, Switch owners could leverage the primary console to launch a game and play it online, while another user logged into the same account on a different Switch could join in. This convenient workaround is no longer viable with the introduction of the Virtual Game Cards system.
However, there's still a way to enjoy a single digital game copy across multiple Switches. By toggling the "Online Licenses" option in your profile's user settings and going offline, you can play your digital game without needing the Virtual Game Card. This works as long as the game isn't being played elsewhere or if the other 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, you can still play the same game across two Switches at the same time. Eurogamer has confirmed this workaround to be effective. The significant shift is that playing the same game online simultaneously is no longer possible.
The gaming community, particularly users on forums like ResetEra and Reddit, are expressing frustration over this change. The loss of the ability to play online together using a single game copy is a major concern, especially for families and groups who enjoyed games like Splatoon or Minecraft together. This change could mean doubling the cost of games for families with multiple children wanting to play together, forcing them to purchase additional copies.
These updates come just a month before the Switch 2 hits the market, which will also employ the Virtual Game Cards system. Additionally, the Switch 2 will introduce Game-Key Cards, where certain games will not be fully contained on the cartridge and will require an online download to play.
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