"Nintendo Switch Update Closes Popular Game Sharing Loophole"

The latest Nintendo Switch system update introduces the Virtual Game Cards system, a change that's set to impact how gamers can play digital games across multiple consoles, particularly with the upcoming launch of the Switch 2. Previously, users could exploit a loophole to play the same digital game online on two different Switches simultaneously. However, with the introduction of Virtual Game Cards, this method has been closed off.

As reported by Eurogamer, the former method allowed one user to play a game on their primary console online while another user accessed the same game on a different Switch. This loophole, which facilitated game sharing among users, has been eliminated with the new system. Yet, there's still a way to play a single digital game across two consoles by going offline. By navigating to your profile's user settings and enabling the "Online Licenses" option, you can play a digital game without the Virtual Game Card, as long as the game isn't being used elsewhere or the console playing it 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."

Essentially, if one Switch is offline, you can still play the same game on two Switches at the same time. Eurogamer has confirmed this workaround to be effective. The significant change is that the loophole allowing simultaneous online play on two consoles has been closed.

The gaming community, particularly on forums like ResetEra and Reddit, has expressed frustration over this update. Many users are disappointed that their previous game-sharing setups no longer work as they did. The inability to play online together is a major concern, with users mentioning games like Splatoon or Minecraft, often enjoyed by families or groups. For families, this change could mean doubling the cost of games if multiple children want to play together, as they will need to purchase additional copies.

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, meaning many games will not have the full game on the cartridge and will require an online download to play.