The latest Nintendo Switch system update has rolled out, bringing significant changes with the introduction of the Virtual Game Cards system—setting the stage for the upcoming launch of the Switch 2. While this update lays the groundwork for future compatibility and digital management, it also marks the end of a popular workaround that allowed users to play the same digital game online across two consoles simultaneously.
As highlighted by Eurogamer, prior to this update, Switch owners could exploit a loophole: by designating one console as the primary system, users could access and play a digital game online while another player logged in on a different Switch using the same account. This allowed families or friends to enjoy multiplayer experiences without purchasing multiple copies. However, the new Virtual Game Cards system has effectively closed this gap.
Despite the change, there’s still a way to share digital games—albeit with limitations. Users report that offline gameplay remains possible. By navigating to the profile’s user settings and enabling the Online Licenses option, you can play a digital game without the Virtual Game Card loaded—provided it’s not currently being played online elsewhere. The key condition? The console must either be offline or the game not actively in use on another device.
Here’s how Nintendo describes the setting:
"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 in to 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 practice, this means that simultaneous gameplay is still feasible only if one of the consoles is offline. Eurogamer confirmed this method works, preserving limited game sharing—but the ability to play the same title online on two devices at once is no longer supported.
The update has sparked backlash across gaming communities. On forums like ResetEra and Reddit, users express frustration over the loss of flexible game sharing, particularly for family setups. Parents who once let multiple children play titles like Splatoon or Minecraft using a single purchase now face the prospect of buying additional copies. For many, this change feels like a step backward, even if it closes a technical loophole.
With the Switch 2 launching in just over a month, this update signals a shift toward stricter digital rights management. The new console will rely on the same Virtual Game Cards system and introduce Game-Key Cards, where physical cartridges won’t contain the full game data. Instead, a substantial portion will require online downloads—a move that further emphasizes Nintendo’s transition to a more controlled digital ecosystem.
While the changes align with modern platform standards, the impact on families and shared households is real. What was once a convenient and cost-effective way to play together now comes with added expense and complexity. [ttpp]
