Nintendo's New Switch Update: Game Sharing Gets a Twist

Nintendo has rolled out a significant update for the Switch, version 20. 0. 0, gearing up for the upcoming Switch 2 release in June. This update introduces several new features, including system transfers to the Switch 2 and support for GameShare. However, there's a catch with the new virtual game cards: they limit simultaneous online gameplay across two Switches. This means if you and a friend or family member want to play the same game online at the same time, one of you will have to go offline. The update also allows for the transfer of save data from multiple games at once. Additionally, Nintendo has tweaked various character icons, giving Donkey Kong a friendlier look to match his appearance in the upcoming game Donkey Kong Bananza. This update went live on April 29, and it's clear that Nintendo is making strides to integrate the new Switch 2 with existing systems. GameShare, unveiled during the Switch 2 Direct earlier this month, lets users play certain games simultaneously with others nearby on separate consoles. This feature requires a Switch 2 to initiate, but it works with older Switch models too. The update also includes a handy bonus: users can temporarily store their data in the cloud when trading in their console, making the transition smoother. Virtual game cards, announced in a Nintendo Direct at the end of March, change how games are shared within family accounts. Instead of accessing one owner's games across multiple devices, digital games now have virtual cards that transfer between consoles. This limits who can play at any given time, which has already caused some frustration among users. For instance, two users in the same household can no longer play games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe online together unless one goes offline. This is a significant shift from the previous system, where the game owner could register their profile on a second Switch and play simultaneously. There is a workaround for those who prefer the old sharing system. Users can turn off the online license settings in user settings, bypassing the virtual card system. However, this doesn't seem to resolve the issue of simultaneous online gameplay. Some users have expressed frustration, noting that they now have to purchase separate licenses for games they previously shared, a practice not required on other consoles like the PlayStation. Nintendo has stated that virtual game cards are optional, and the original method can still be used. However, the recent update suggests that this might not be entirely accurate. For families or friends sharing a Switch, this could lead to additional costs and inconveniences, especially with games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It's a change that might not sit well with everyone, but it's part of Nintendo's push to modernize the Switch experience.