New Nintendo Switch Update Unlocks Game Sharing and More!

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Summary

  • System update 20.0.0 added Virtual Game Cards, allowing game transfers between Switch systems.
  • New GameShare feature lets users play supported titles on multiple Switch consoles.

On April 29th, Nintendo rolled out system update version 20.0.0 across all Nintendo Switch gaming consoles. This update introduced features like GameShare and Virtual Game Card functionality. Moreover, the update presented two methods for users to migrate game and system data to the upcoming Switch 2 console, one of which is an online option designed for those considering trading in their current Switch device.

One notable aspect of the Switch 20.0.0 update introduces the Virtual Game Card system, enabling users to shift digital games between their Switch devices. With two distinct Switches linked to a single Nintendo Account, a user can “extract” a Virtual Game Card from one device and then “insert” it into another, such as moving from a Switch Lite to a Switch OLED. Additionally, users under the same Nintendo family plan can “borrow” games from other users on the same account for up to two weeks before they are “reclaimed” by the original system. The Virtual Game Cards will also work with future Switch 2 systems.

With the release of its new system update (version 20.0.0), Nintendo has not only introduced Virtual Game Cards but also made some adjustments in anticipation for the launch of Switch 2. As a result of this update, users will now have the ability to utilize the GameShare function. It’s important to note that while GameShare can only be hosted on a Switch 2 system, it enables games such as Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics to be played across nearby Switch and Switch 2 consoles without the need for an individual game copy. Up to three additional Switch devices can participate in a GameShare session, mirroring Nintendo DS’s Download Play feature.

Furthermore, users who have access to GameChat on Switch 2 can exchange and receive content using GameShare. After an initial trial period, GameChat will necessitate a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. To access GameChat, press the C-Button on the Switch 2 Joy-Con controller. With the update of Switch version 20.0.0, the System Transfer function has been expanded to support Switch 2 transfer as well. In addition to system transfer via local wireless communications, Switch users can now upload their game and system data onto Nintendo’s servers before trading in their system at a retailer.

You can download this data onto a Nintendo Switch 2 console linked with the same Nintendo Account. Important note: performing this action will reset the initial Switch system completely. Unfortunately, it’s unclear if popular games like “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” will allow system transfer uploads; however, local transfers are still possible.

Nintendo Switch System Version 20.0.0 Update Notes (April 29, 2025)

The following icons for new features have been added to the HOME Menu:

  • Virtual Game Card
    • Purchased Nintendo Switch digital software, DLC, and some free software, are now virtual game cards and displayed in a list in this menu.
    • You can virtually load and eject virtual game cards between up to two Nintendo Switch systems.
    • Virtual game cards can be lent to others in the same Nintendo Account family group.
  • GameShare
    • Compatible software can be shared from a Nintendo Switch 2 system to other nearby system(s) to play together.
    • You can only play together via local wireless, and the Nintendo Switch 2 system must initiate GameShare.
    • This feature cannot be used between two Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model and/or Nintendo Switch Lite systems.

User-Verification Settings has been added under User > User Settings.

  • You can restrict access to the Virtual Game Card menu by requiring entry of a PIN or signing in to your Nintendo Account.

Online License Settings has been added.

  • When turned on, you can play downloaded software or DLC you’ve purchased while the system is connected to the internet, even if you don’t have the virtual game card loaded.
  • For more information, please refer to the details about the option on the System Settings screen.

The Nintendo eShop and Nintendo Switch News icon colors on the HOME Menu have been changed.

Multiple save data can be selected and transferred at once in “Transfer Your Save Data” menu.

System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2 has been added under System Settings > System.

  • You can perform a system transfer from your Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2 using local communication.
    • For users that will lose access to their Nintendo Switch before receiving their Nintendo Switch 2, there is an option to upload system transfer data to a dedicated server which can then be retrieved on their Nintendo Switch 2.
    • After you upload your system transfer data to the dedicated server, the Nintendo Switch system will be initialized to factory settings, so only perform this transfer if you’ll be able to complete the transfer on Nintendo Switch 2.
    • If you want to continue using your Nintendo Switch until you have a Nintendo Switch 2, we recommend completing the system transfer using local communication after you have acquired a Nintendo Switch 2 system.
  • An internet connection and Nintendo Account is required to complete both local and the server-based system transfer service.

The appearance of some user icons have been updated.

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2025-04-30 04:59