Unfortunately, if you were looking to play the same game online on two Nintendo Switch 2 consoles, it seems that option is no longer available. With the introduction of Virtual Game Cards in the latest Switch update, Nintendo has removed the ability to play the same digital copy online on two systems simultaneously.
This change was first noticed by users on ResetEra who updated their Switch software to version 20.0.0 and tried to play a game together. The method that has been removed was seen as a loophole by some players, and its removal is likely due to the way Game Cards handle Switch games differently.
Previously, players would log into the game owner’s account on both a primary and secondary Switch console to play together. The primary console would have the game owner set up the game, then pass it to the second player who could sign in and play online. The game owner could then log into the secondary Switch, install the game, and play online as well. This allowed two people to play the same digital copy of a game online together.
However, with the implementation of Virtual Game Cards, this method is no longer possible for online play, as digital games are treated as a single cartridge. Offline play is still an option, but it requires setting the Switch to offline mode using the new Online License option in the settings.
Players who enjoyed playing online with friends without purchasing multiple copies of a game are disappointed with this change just before the release of the new console. Some are calling it a “downgrade” in the ResetEra thread linked above.
While the Switch 2 has not been released yet, there is a possibility that Nintendo may address the backlash and provide a solution. Features like Gameshare, which allows playing some games online via local wireless, could potentially replace the method that has been removed.
If you were using this method to share your Switch library and play online with others, let us know your thoughts below!
