Nintendo Switch System Update Now Live, Adds Virtual Game Cards, Switch 2 Compatibility, And More

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In simpler terms, Nintendo has released a substantial update for the Nintendo Switch. This latest update brings the long-awaited Virtual Game Card feature, which was initially unveiled during their March 2025 Nintendo Direct presentation, as well as GameShare functionality and compatibility with the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console.

Following the update, any previously purchased digital titles and DLC will now be transformed into Virtual Game Cards. These cards work much like physical game cards. With this change, you can transfer and share your digital games between two Nintendo Switch consoles, streamlining the organization of your digital collection. Additionally, you have the option to lend out digital games temporarily to fellow family group members.

To clarify, the recent system update incorporates GameShare functionality. This feature empowers Nintendo Switch 2 users to share certain games virtually with Nintendo Switch 1 players, much like the Download Play feature on DS devices allowed. Essentially, this means you can establish or join a multiplayer session even if only one player possesses the game.

Moreover, this update introduces a feature for transferring your Switch 1 data to the new console via a system transfer function on Switch 2. Notably, Nintendo has also made changes to the colors of the eShop and News icons, and now allows for simultaneous transfer of multiple save data. For more details, you can check out the full patch notes, which have been sourced from Nintendo’s support website.

Nintendo Switch Version 20.0.0 Patch Notes

  • The following icons for new features have been added to the HOME Menu:
    • Virtual Game Card
      • Purchased Nintendo Switch digital software, DLC, and some free software, are now virtual game cards and displayed in a list in this menu.
      • You can virtually load and eject virtual game cards between up to two Nintendo Switch systems.
      • Virtual game cards can be lent to others in the same Nintendo Account family group. For more information, see Virtual Game Card Guide.
    • GameShare
      • Compatible software can be shared from a Nintendo Switch 2 system to other nearby system(s) to play together.
        • You can only play together via local wireless, and the Nintendo Switch 2 system must initiate GameShare.
        • This feature cannot be used between two Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model and/or Nintendo Switch Lite systems.
  • User-Verification Settings has been added under User > User Settings.
    • You can restrict access to the Virtual Game Card menu by requiring entry of a PIN or signing in to your Nintendo Account.
  • Online License Settings has been added.
    • When turned on, you can play downloaded software or DLC you’ve purchased while the system is connected to the internet, even if you don’t have the virtual game card loaded.
    • For more information, please refer to the details about the option on the System Settings screen.
  • The Nintendo eShop and Nintendo Switch News icon colors on the HOME Menu have been changed.
  • Multiple save data can be selected and transferred at once in “Transfer Your Save Data” menu.
  • System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2 has been added under System Settings > System.
    • You can perform a system transfer from your Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2 using local communication.
      • For users that will lose access to their Nintendo Switch before receiving their Nintendo Switch 2, there is an option to upload system transfer data to a dedicated server which can then be retrieved on their Nintendo Switch 2. After you upload your system transfer data to the dedicated server, the Nintendo Switch system will be initialized to factory settings, so only perform this transfer if you’ll be able to complete the transfer on Nintendo Switch 2.
      • If you want to continue using your Nintendo Switch until you have a Nintendo Switch 2, we recommend completing the system transfer using local communication after you have acquired a Nintendo Switch 2 system.
    • An internet connection and Nintendo Account is required to complete both local and the server-based system transfer service.
    • For more information, see System Transfer from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2.
  • The appearance of some user icons have been updated.

For detailed information on Nintendo Switch 2, see the Nintendo website.

As a gamer, I’ve got some exciting news! The term “Primary Console” is no longer in use as we move towards virtual game cards. Instead, you’ll hear us talk about the “Pass-enabled console.” Here’s what it means: If your console is set up as the “Pass-enabled console” for your account, everyone using that console can access specific subscriptions or passes for certain software. For detailed instructions on how to set or change this, check out How to Set or Change the Pass-Enabled Console for a Nintendo Account. Enjoy the new gaming experience!

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2025-04-30 05:09