The latest Nintendo Switch system update introduces the Virtual Game Cards system, a new feature that will also be implemented in the upcoming Switch 2. This update has notably closed a loophole that allowed users to play the same digital game online across two different Switch consoles simultaneously.

Previously, as reported by Eurogamer, a Switch owner could play a digital game online on their primary console while another person logged into the same account could play the same game on a different Switch. However, with the introduction of Virtual Game Cards, this method is no longer viable.

Despite this change, users have found a workaround by going offline. By navigating to the user settings and enabling the "Online Licenses" option, players can still access a digital game even without the Virtual Game Card, provided the game isn't being played elsewhere or the Switch it's being played on is set to offline mode. The setting description clarifies:

"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."

This means that as long as one of the Switches is offline, the same game can still be played simultaneously across two consoles. Eurogamer has tested and confirmed that this system works effectively. The major shift is that playing the same game online at the same time is no longer possible due to the closed loophole.

The community has expressed dissatisfaction with this change, with users on forums like ResetEra and Reddit voicing their frustrations. The main issue highlighted is the impact on families and groups who enjoyed playing online games like Splatoon or Minecraft together. For families, this update essentially doubles the cost of games since multiple copies are needed for simultaneous play.

This update comes just over a month before the launch of the Switch 2, which will adopt the same Virtual Game Cards system. Additionally, the Switch 2 will use Game-Key Cards, meaning many games will require an online download to play, as the full game won't be included on the cartridge itself.