Nintendo Switch Update Closes Popular Game Sharing Loophole

The latest Nintendo Switch system update has introduced the Virtual Game Cards system, a new feature set to roll out with the upcoming Switch 2. However, this update has closed a popular loophole that allowed users to play the same digital game online simultaneously across two systems.

As reported by Eurogamer, Switch owners previously exploited this loophole by using the primary console to play a game online while the game's owner was logged into another Switch. This method is no longer viable with the introduction of the Virtual Game Cards system.

Despite this change, users have found a workaround to continue playing a single copy of a digital game. By going offline and enabling the Online Licenses option in the user settings, you can play a digital game without the Virtual Game Card, provided it's not being used elsewhere or if the playing Switch is 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 simultaneously across two Switches. Eurogamer has confirmed the effectiveness of this method. The significant change is that the loophole for playing the same game online at the same time is now closed.

The gaming community has expressed dissatisfaction with this update, particularly on platforms like ResetEra and Reddit. Many users are frustrated because their previous game-sharing setups no longer work as expected. The inability to play online simultaneously is a major concern, especially for families and groups enjoying games like Splatoon or Minecraft together.

For families, this change could mean doubling the cost of games if multiple children want to play together. What was once a useful loophole has now been closed, prompting understandable frustration among users.

This update comes just over a month before the launch of the Switch 2, which will also implement the Virtual Game Cards system. Additionally, the Switch 2 will introduce Game-Key Cards, where several games will require an online download to complete the game content, as the entire game won't fit on the physical cartridge.