For all Switch devices, including the Switch 2, Nintendo Virtual Game Cards serve as the digital counterparts of actual game cartridges. Two devices connected to the same account can share game card access. Members of the family account can use the lending feature to borrow Virtual Game Cards for a maximum of 14 days.
On March 27, Nintendo Direct introduced Virtual Game Cards, a new feature designed to streamline digital game management on the company’s upcoming platform. This announcement, coinciding with growing excitement for the Switch 2, signals a shift in how players will access and organize their digital titles. For the uninitiated, the concept may be a bit complex. To help you, we have compiled a handy guide explaining Nintendo Virtual Game Cards on the Switch.
What are Nintendo Virtual Game Cards?
Nintendo Virtual Game Cards are the company’s approach to add the flexibility of digital game cards to the Switch’s digital library. While physical game cards may be transferred between Switch consoles with ease, digital downloads have lacked similar portability. As a result, the new Virtual Game Cards will attempt to eliminate that issue. So, just like purchasing a traditional video game cartridge, there will be a version for digital downloads. Nintendo Switch users can access this feature through a hardware system update that is expected in late April. After its release, Nintendo Virtual Game Cards will be fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.
How to Use Nintendo Virtual Game Cards
With the use of Virtual Game Cards, you may effortlessly load into any of your digitally acquired games. Remember that demos or Nintendo Switch Online member-exclusive games may not be available in the Game Cards library. The Nintendo Virtual Game Cards can then be used as follows:
Turn on your Switch and pick the Virtual Game Cards option. Select the account from which you purchased the game card. Select the purchased game and select the Load on This System button. After the loading is complete, select OK to begin the game.
Load Game Card On Different Devices
Switching between devices is a major difficulty with digital downloads on Nintendo. Fortunately, the new method will alleviate this worry. With Virtual Game Cards, you can smoothly move between systems linked to your Nintendo Account. So, similar to a real cartridge, you may ‘eject’ the game card from one system and ‘load’ it into another.
Once loaded, the game is playable offline and available to all user accounts on the device. You can also manage your Virtual Game Card library via your Nintendo Account on the website. Initial system pairing for card transfers necessitates local wifi and internet connectivity. Virtual Game Cards require a Nintendo Account on both platforms. Switch 2 exclusive and ‘Edition’ titles are only compatible with Switch 2 hardware, thus you won’t be able to utilize certain title game cards on your Switch or Switch OLED versions if you purchased them for the Switch 2. Each Nintendo Account can be linked to up to two consoles.
How to Lend Games In Nintendo Family Group
With the introduction of Virtual Game Cards, Nintendo now allows you to lend games to up to eight family members. You may lend one game per account for 14 days (unless the borrower returns it sooner). When they return, the saved data will be retained for both the lender and the person who borrowed the game card. Certain titles that are included with a Nintendo Switch Online membership will not have a lending option. To lend games in your Nintendo account family group, follow these simple steps:
Connect your family’s gadgets via local wireless (while both have an internet connection). Click on a game and select the Lend to Family Member option. Choose which family member you wish to share the game with. By clicking the Lend button, the member will gain access to the game.
Your family members will now be able to use your Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 titles. That is all you need to know about Nintendo’s Virtual Game Cards. Will you use this new option to test out the finest Switch games for the Switch 2? Please tell us in the comments below!