The latest Nintendo Switch system update is now live, introducing features like Virtual Game Cards ahead of the Switch 2 launch. However, this update has also closed a loophole that allowed users to play the same digital game online simultaneously on two different consoles.
As reported by Eurogamer, players could previously have the game's primary console running it online while the account owner also played on a secondary Switch. This workaround is no longer possible with the new Virtual Game Cards system.
Reports suggest a single digital copy can still be shared if one console is offline. By enabling the "Online Licenses" option in your profile's user settings, you can play a digital game without its Virtual Game Card, provided the software isn't being played elsewhere or the other console is offline. The setting's description is as follows:
"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 int to 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, simultaneous play across two consoles is still possible if one Switch is offline. Eurogamer confirmed this method still works. The significant change is that playing the same game online together on two systems now seems impossible.
The change has frustrated many users on forums like ResetEra and Reddit, disrupting previous game-sharing setups. The loss of simultaneous online play is a particular point of contention, with players mentioning cooperative games like Splatoon or Minecraft they enjoyed with family or friends.
For families, this could mean doubling the cost of games if multiple children want to play together. Households that used to share a single copy will now need to purchase additional ones. While Nintendo is simply closing an unintended loophole, it was a practical one for consumers, and the negative reaction is understandable.
This update arrives just over a month before the launch of the Switch 2, which will use the same system. The successor will also utilize Game-Key Cards, meaning a significant number of physical games won't be fully contained on the cartridge and will require an online download.
