The latest Nintendo Switch system update has been released, introducing innovative features such as Virtual Game Cards in anticipation of the upcoming Switch 2 launch. This update, however, has put an end to a popular method of playing the same digital game online across two different systems simultaneously. As reported by Eurogamer, users previously exploited a loophole where the primary console owner could play a game online while another person logged into the same account on a secondary Switch could play the same game concurrently. This workaround has been eliminated with the introduction of the Virtual Game Cards system.
Despite this change, there's still a way to enjoy a single copy of a digital game by going offline. By navigating to your profile's user settings and enabling the Online Licenses option, you can play a digital game without needing the Virtual Game Card, provided it's not being used elsewhere or the playing Switch is set offline. The setting 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, if one Switch is offline, you can still play the same game simultaneously across two Switches. Eurogamer has confirmed that this method works, marking a significant shift where the ability to play the same game online at the same time has been curtailed.
The gaming community, particularly on platforms like ResetEra and Reddit, has expressed dissatisfaction with this change. Many users are frustrated as their previous game sharing setups are no longer viable. The inability to play online at the same time is a major point of contention, especially for families and groups who enjoyed playing games like Splatoon or Minecraft together. This update means families with multiple children who wish to play the same Switch game might have to purchase additional copies, effectively doubling their expenses.
This update comes just over a month before the launch of the Switch 2, which will also employ the Virtual Game Cards system. Additionally, the Switch 2 will use Game-Key Cards, meaning that many games will not have the entire physical game on the cartridge and will require an online download to complete the installation.
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