The latest Nintendo Switch system update has rolled out, introducing new features like the Virtual Game Cards system ahead of the Switch 2 launch. This update has also closed off a popular method for playing the same digital game online across two different Switch systems simultaneously.
As reported by Eurogamer, Switch users previously exploited a loophole where the primary console could run a game online while the game's owner was logged into another Switch. However, with the implementation of the Virtual Game Cards system, this loophole has now been closed.
Despite this change, users have found a workaround to play a single copy of a digital game by switching to offline mode. By navigating to your profile's user settings and enabling the Online Licenses option, you can still play a digital game without a Virtual Game Card, as long as the game isn't being played elsewhere or if the Switch playing it is set to 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."
In essence, if one Switch is offline, you can still play the same game across two Switches at the same time. Eurogamer has tested and confirmed that this system works. The significant change is that the loophole for playing the same game online simultaneously on two consoles 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 together. Families that used to play 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 their dissatisfaction with the new system.
This update comes just over a month before the launch of the Switch 2, which will also implement the same Virtual Game Cards system. Additionally, the Switch 2 will use Game-Key Cards, meaning that many games will not have the full game on the cartridge and will require an online download to play.
