Nintendo is introducing a groundbreaking new feature called Virtual Game Cards that will allow Switch owners to share their digital games with friends and family members, making digital purchases work more like physical game cartridges.
Coming in late April through a software update, the Virtual Game Cards system will let Nintendo Switch owners temporarily transfer their digital games between devices after a simple one-time local verification process.
Players can add up to eight Nintendo Switch consoles to their Family Group for game sharing. However, there are some key limitations: games can only be loaned to one person at a time, the initial transfer requires both devices to be on the same WiFi network, and loans expire after 14 days with the game automatically returning to the owner.
Similar to physical game cartridges, Virtual Game Cards represent a single license - meaning the original owner cannot play a loaned game until it's returned. The feature will work across standard Switch, Switch Lite, and the upcoming Switch 2 consoles.
The new system aims to make digital game ownership more flexible while maintaining reasonable restrictions. Players will manage their Virtual Game Cards through a dedicated interface screen where they can easily move games between approved devices.
This update addresses a common criticism of digital game purchases - the inability to share them like physical copies. While not quite as flexible as lending physical games, Virtual Game Cards provide a structured way for friends and family to temporarily access each other's digital libraries.
The Virtual Game Cards feature will launch first on current Nintendo Switch systems in late April, with compatibility extending to the Switch 2 when that console releases. More details are expected during Nintendo's upcoming Direct presentation on April 2nd.