Nintendo Switch Update Closes Popular Game Sharing Loophole

The latest Nintendo Switch system update has been released, introducing new features like the Virtual Game Cards system, which is set to be implemented ahead of the Switch 2 launch. This update has notably closed a previously exploited method allowing players to enjoy the same digital game online across two different systems simultaneously.

As reported by Eurogamer, Switch users were previously able to launch a game on their primary console and play it online, while another player, logged into the same account on a different Switch, could play the same game online concurrently. This loophole has now been addressed with the introduction of the Virtual Game Cards system.

Despite this change, users have discovered a workaround to continue playing 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 your digital games without the Virtual Game Card, as long as the game isn't being played elsewhere or if the Switch playing it is set to offline. Here's how the setting is described:

"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 across two Switches. Eurogamer has tested this workaround and confirmed its functionality. The significant change is that playing the same game online at the same time across different consoles is no longer possible.

The gaming community has expressed dissatisfaction with this change. Discussions on forums like ResetEra and Reddit reveal frustration among users who relied on the previous game sharing setup. The inability to play online at the same time has particularly affected families and groups who enjoyed games like Splatoon or Minecraft together. This new system could potentially double the cost for families with multiple children wanting to play the same Switch game simultaneously, as they would need to purchase additional copies.

This update comes 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 introduce Game-Key Cards, meaning many games will not be fully contained on the cartridge and will require an online download to complete the installation.