Nintendo has now introduced a new Virtual Game Card management system for digitally purchased games. The newly introduced system will revolutionize the Switch family experience. Now you can use the Local network to enjoy the games on two different platforms. Here is what we know so far about the Virtual Game Cards:
- Digital Purchased Game is now a Virtual Game Card: Any purchase of digital games via Nintendo eShop will create a brand new Virtual Game Card. You can access the card from a dedicated management screen.
- Transfer Game Card to Another Switch: You can then use the Virtual Game Card to transfer games digitally between two Nintendo Switch consoles. You will need to eject a Virtual Game Card from one console to load that card into the other. You must use the dedicated Virtual Game Card screen to handle this operation.
- Lend it to your Family: Virtual Game Cards can also be lent to any member of your Nintendo Switch Family via local wireless network, but only for the first time. You don’t need to add account details, but you must have an internet connection to load and eject the Virtual Game Card.
Note: Only one game per person, and the service will last for two weeks (14 days). After the 14-day time limit, the card will automatically return to the owner.
While the Metroid Prime 4: Beyond teaser was a major highlight of the Nintendo Direct Showcase, the family sharing system takes the cake for robust, family-friendly mechanics. Steam on the other side also made the family facet of the steam networking more powerful by allowing family members to play games, by letting each member run the same game without any restriction.
Nintendo’s introduction of the Virtual Game Card allows you to share your games without setting up your account on the console.
The move behind Virtual Game Card makes sense as the release of the Switch 2 will replace the original Switch. Many Switch owners will have two consoles at home, so sharing the digital cards to play the game will be the optimal choice to enjoy Nintendo titles. While the family sharing system of Nintendo is millions of miles behind Steam’s Family Mechanics, the Virtual Game Card seems to be a positive move towards the right direction by making the system a bit better.
The new changes will roll out on April 1; mark the date as you will now be able to share your digital library with your family members with fewer restrictions.
