The latest Nintendo Switch system update has introduced a new feature called Virtual Game Cards, set to be implemented with the upcoming launch of the Switch 2. This update has, however, closed a popular method for playing the same digital game online simultaneously across two different systems.
As reported by Eurogamer, Switch users previously enjoyed the ability to play a game online on the primary console while the game's owner was logged into another Switch. This useful loophole has now been eliminated with the introduction of the Virtual Game Cards system.
Despite this change, users have discovered a workaround: you can still play a single copy of a digital game by switching to offline mode. 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 playing it is set to offline. 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 simultaneously on two different Switches. Eurogamer has tested and confirmed that this system works. The significant change is that the loophole allowing simultaneous online play across two systems has been closed.
The gaming community, particularly on forums like ResetEra and Reddit, has expressed frustration over this change. Many users are upset that their previous game-sharing setups no longer function as they did. The inability to play online at the same time is a major point of contention, especially for families and groups who enjoyed playing games like Splatoon or Minecraft together.
For families, this change could mean doubling the cost of games if multiple children want to play the same Switch game simultaneously. Those who previously played together will now need to purchase additional copies. While this update closes a loophole, it was a beneficial one for many, and it's understandable that users are already expressing dissatisfaction with the new system.
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 that a significant number of games will not have the full game on the cartridge and will require an online download to play.
