Nintendo Switch Firmware Update Brings Virtual Game Cards, GameShare, and More

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As we eagerly await the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, just a month away, I’m thrilled to share that Nintendo has already begun its preparations! The latest firmware update (version 20.0.0) for the original Switch includes a System Transfer function specifically designed for the new console. This feature allows you to seamlessly move your data from the first Switch, whether it’s locally or via the internet.

But that’s not all! This update also introduces several exciting new features that will be accessible on the Switch 2 as well. I can hardly wait to experience these improvements and dive deeper into the world of gaming with my new console!

Initially, we have GameShare, Nintendo’s latest game-sharing feature, which has just appeared as an icon on your Home screen, although you can’t actually use it until the Switch 2 is launched. In addition to this, the update also introduces a Home screen icon for Virtual Game Cards. This means that you can now see all of your downloaded software in a list within this menu. Here’s a rundown of all the changes introduced by the firmware update.

The global release date for the Nintendo Switch 2 is set for June 5, where Mario Kart World will be available as a launch game.

Nintendo Switch ver. 20.0.0 update notes:

  • 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 07:42