Nintendo Introduces Virtual Game Cards to Help Manage Digital Copies of Purchased Games

In their latest Nintendo Direct presentation, the firm revealed a fresh approach to managing digital game acquisitions on their consoles. This novel strategy will impact the way Nintendo Switch users handle multiple consoles linked to a single account, and also influence the process of sharing games among family members. Here’s a video that sheds light on these changes: [Video Link]

Under this fresh approach, gamers can elect to transform their digitally bought Nintendo Switch games into Virtual Game Tokens. This technique aims to mimic the sensation of owning and swapping real-life game cartridges by treating each Virtual Game Token as if it’s a physical Nintendo Switch game inserted into the system.

When activated, every digital copy of Nintendo Switch games (including recently bought ones) are transformed into Virtual Game Cards that get added to the system automatically. Users can play these games as they normally do, but they also have the ability to remove (or “eject”) a Virtual Game Card. Removed cards can later be transferred onto other Nintendo Switch devices. It’s important to mention that for this functionality to work, the console needs an active internet connection whenever you load or eject Virtual Game Cards.

On the Nintendo Switch’s home screen, there will be a dedicated interface for managing Virtual Game Cards. Using this interface, players can choose which Virtual Game Cards they wish to play or remove. It is important to note that only one console can have a specific Virtual Game Card loaded at a time; if you want to use the same card on another Switch console, you’ll need to eject it from the first one. The video indicates that the Virtual Game Card and its management tools will support up to two systems simultaneously.

To exchange Virtual Game Cards between different gaming systems, it’s essential that these consoles are physically close together initially for local communication. However, once they’re connected for the first time, you can manage your Virtual Game Cards online in future interactions.

Family members who share a Nintendo account can access Virtual Game Cards collectively. This means that if your family’s account is linked, you can receive and use Virtual Game Cards from one another. However, each member can only claim one card at a time using this method. The sharing period lasts for approximately two weeks, after which the Virtual Game Card needs to be shared again. Although the games will eventually return to their original owner, family members can keep their save files intact.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m excited to mention that the Virtual Game Card system will play nicely with not just the original Nintendo Switch, but also the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. This means more gaming fun for me on both devices!

During its latest Direct presentation, Nintendo unveiled several exciting updates. Among them was a fresh trailer for the upcoming title, “Metroid Prime 4”; a new installment in the beloved series, “Tomodachi Life”; the announcement that “Rift of the NecroDancer” is now available on the Switch; and the return of the classic RPG, “Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army”.

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2025-03-28 15:41