Nintendo Switch Reveals Virtual Game Cards To Make Owning Multiple Consoles More Flexible
The Nintendo Switch will be receiving a new feature to make sharing digital games between consoles a more flexible experience. Previously, digital games could technically be transferred between systems that had access to the purchasing account, but it was somewhat confusing to do. The new method announced at the latest Nintendo Direct should streamline the process, though it does come with some notable limitations.
In the March 27 Nintendo Direct, Nintendo unveiled a new feature called Virtual Game Cards, releasing in late April, which will allow Switch owners to "eject" and "load" their digital games between up to two separate Switches, provided the account that owns the games is on both systems. The feature will also allow Switch users to lend their digital games to Family Group members — one game per member, for up to two weeks at a time.
Sharing Digital Switch Games Is Easier With The Virtual Game Card System
Virtual Game Cards Let Switch Users Share Digital Games Like They're Physical
Notably, despite being a fully virtual system, Virtual Game Cards will require each Switch to first be linked over local wireless connection before any games can be transferred between them. After the initial linking, games can be transferred without requiring a local connection, but the feature is still limited to a maximum of two systems for the same account. Additionally, the local wireless link will also be required when lending games to Family Group members.
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Unfortunately, these local wireless limitations will make it difficult to share Virtual Game Cards remotely, especially between Family Group members — given the two-week limitation on lending out games, it would probably still be more convenient to lend out a physical cartridge instead. Still, the feature should make transferring games easier for Switch users who want to transfer digital games between two systems, or between Family Group members living in proximity.
Our Take: Virtual Game Cards Might Be Too Limited
Sharing Digital Games Between Different Switch Systems Is Still Restricted In Many Ways
Although a feature to make transferring and sharing digital games easier is a welcome addition for the Switch, the limitations of the system might make it awkward to use in many cases, especially compared to similar features on other platforms. Steam Families, for example, don't require a local connection to be made and allow members to share any number of games in their respective libraries with no time limit.
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Of course, the restrictions on Virtual Game Cards are likely intentional limitations on the part of Nintendo, as the game-sharing aspects are seemingly intended for families and friends living close to each other, if not in the same house. In emulating how physical games are shared, the Virtual Game Card system unfortunately ends up being more limited in some respects, though it should still be an improvement for players who simply want to transfer games between their ownNintendo Switch systems.
Source: Nintendo of America/YouTube
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Original Release Date
- March 3, 2017
- Hardware Versions
- Nintendo Switch
- Original MSRP (USD)
- $299.99
- Weight
- .71 lbs
