Nintendo Switch Update Curtails Game Sharing Loophole

The new Nintendo Switch system update has landed, introducing features like Virtual Game Cards ahead of the Switch 2's release. However, the update also closes a workaround that previously allowed two systems to play the same digital game online simultaneously.

As highlighted by Eurogamer, Switch users could previously have the primary console run a game for online play while the owner was logged into a different Switch with the same title. This workaround is no longer functional under the new Virtual Game Cards system.

According to user reports, you can still play a single digital copy by switching to offline mode. By enabling the "Online Licenses" option in your profile's user settings, you can access a digital game even without its Virtual Game Card loaded, provided it isn't being played elsewhere or the other console 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 int 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 short, if one Switch is taken offline, you can play the same game on two consoles at once. Eurogamer tested and confirmed this method still works. The main difference is that simultaneously playing the same game online is no longer possible.

The change has not been well received. Users on forums such as ResetEra and Reddit have expressed frustration that their previous game-sharing setups are now broken. Many are particularly disappointed about losing the ability to play online together, mentioning group gaming sessions in titles like Splatoon and Minecraft with family or friends.

Some users pointed out that this could double game costs for families with multiple children who want to play together on different consoles. Households that used to share a single copy will now need to purchase additional ones. While Nintendo has simply closed a loophole, it was a practical one for many, and it's understandable that people are unhappy with the new restrictions.

This update arrives just over a month before the Switch 2 launch, which will use the same system. It will also utilize Game-Key Cards, meaning a significant number of physical games won't include the full game on the cartridge and will require an online download.