Nintendo has rolled out a new system update for the Nintendo Switch, introducing the innovative Virtual Game Cards system in anticipation of the upcoming Switch 2 launch. This update, however, has closed a popular loophole that allowed players to enjoy the same digital game simultaneously across two different Switch consoles online.
As reported by Eurogamer, Switch users previously exploited a method where the primary console owner could play a game online while another user logged into the same account on a secondary Switch. With the introduction of the Virtual Game Cards, this workaround is no longer viable.
Nevertheless, players have found an alternative. By going offline, users can still play a single copy of a digital game. To do this, navigate to your profile's user settings and enable the "Online Licenses" option. This allows you to play the game even without the Virtual Game Card, as long as it's not being played elsewhere or the Switch in use is set to offline mode. 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 simultaneously on two Switches. Eurogamer confirmed this method works, though the significant change is the closure of the online simultaneous play loophole.
The gaming community has expressed dissatisfaction with this change. On platforms like ResetEra and Reddit, users are vocal about their frustration over the disruption of their previous game-sharing setups, particularly the loss of the ability to play online at the same time. This is especially a concern for families and groups who enjoyed playing games like Splatoon or Minecraft together.
For families, this change means potentially doubling the cost of games if multiple children wish to play the same Switch title concurrently. The closure of what was seen as a useful loophole has left many users feeling frustrated with the new system.
This update comes just over a month before the launch of the Switch 2, which will implement the same Virtual Game Cards system. Additionally, the Switch 2 will introduce Game-Key Cards, where certain games will require an online download, as the full game won't be included on the cartridge.
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