"Nintendo Switch Update Closes Popular Game Sharing Loophole"

The latest system update for the Nintendo Switch introduces a new feature known as Virtual Game Cards, ahead of the upcoming Switch 2 launch. This update has notably closed a previous loophole that allowed users to play the same digital game online simultaneously on two different Switch consoles.

As reported by Eurogamer, before this update, Switch owners could start a game on their primary console and play it online while another user, logged into the same account, played on a secondary Switch. This method is no longer possible with the introduction of Virtual Game Cards.

However, users have found a workaround. By setting a Switch to offline mode, you can still play a single copy of a digital game on two different consoles at the same time. 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 isn't being played on another console or that the other console is set to offline. The setting's description states:

"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 enjoy the same game simultaneously on two different Switches. Eurogamer has confirmed this workaround functions as described. The key change is the inability to play the same game online on two consoles at once, as the previous loophole has been closed.

The gaming community, particularly on platforms like ResetEra and Reddit, has expressed frustration over this change. Many users lament the loss of their previous game-sharing setups, especially for playing online games like Splatoon or Minecraft with family or friends. This change could significantly increase costs for families, as they may need to purchase multiple copies of games for each child who wants to play on their own Switch.

These updates come just over a month before the launch of the Switch 2, which will also incorporate the Virtual Game Cards system. Additionally, the Switch 2 will use Game-Key Cards, meaning many games will not have the full game on the cartridge and will require an online download to play.