Nintendo has released the latest system update for the Nintendo Switch, introducing the new Virtual Game Cards system in anticipation of the upcoming Switch 2 launch. This update has, however, closed a previously used method for playing the same digital game online across two different systems simultaneously.
As reported by Eurogamer, Switch users were able to exploit a loophole where one user could play a game online on the primary console, while the game's owner was logged into another Switch. This practice has now been discontinued with the introduction of the Virtual Game Cards system.
Despite the changes, users have found a workaround to play a single copy of a digital game by going offline. By navigating to the user settings and enabling the Online Licenses option, players can access their digital games without the Virtual Game Card, provided the game isn't being played elsewhere or the playing Switch is offline. The setting's 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, as long as one of the Switches is offline, you can still play the same game across two consoles at the same time. Eurogamer has confirmed the effectiveness of this method. However, the key change is that the previous loophole for playing the same game online simultaneously 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 will no longer function in the same way. The loss of the ability to play online at the same time is a significant concern, especially for families and groups who enjoyed playing games like Splatoon or Minecraft together.
For families, this update could mean doubling the cost of games if multiple children want to play the same Switch game simultaneously. What was once a convenient loophole has now been closed, and the reaction from the community has been one of frustration and disappointment.
This update comes just over a month before the launch of the Switch 2, which will implement the same system. Additionally, the Switch 2 will introduce Game-Key Cards, where a significant number of games will not have the full game on the cartridge and will require an online download to play.
