Nintendo Switch 2 offers new features for managing and sharing digital games, making gameplay more convenient and flexible. In this article, we’ll explore how to use digital games on the Nintendo Switch 2 and how to share them with others.

Virtual Game Cards

Virtual Game Cards are digital licenses that mimic physical cartridges. They allow users to transfer digital games between different consoles.

A user can “eject” a virtual card from one console and “insert” it into another, after which the game becomes available on the new device. Meanwhile, the game is temporarily locked on the first console until the card is returned.

Once the virtual card is loaded onto a console, the game can be launched even without an internet connection. Other user accounts on that console also gain access to the game.

How to Lend Games Within a Family Group

To lend a virtual game card to another user, you must be part of a Nintendo Family Group or create one via accounts.nintendo.com/family. There you can view added accounts, invite new members, or create child accounts for users under 12 years old.

Once all members are connected to the family group, a 14-day lending option becomes available for any virtual game. Simply select the desired card, choose the option to lend it to a family group member, and then specify the account to receive access. The borrower’s console must be connected to the internet and have local wireless communication with the lender’s console for activation.

A single user can lend up to three different game cards to different family members at the same time. However, each borrower can only have one active borrowed game on their console. The game can be returned early, or the owner can revoke access at any time, provided the game is not currently being used.

Game Sharing — GameShare 

The GameShare feature allows you to share supported games with friends or family. Nintendo Switch 2 can transmit games via local wireless connection to other Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 consoles. Only the Switch 2 can initiate the transfer, but both Switch and Switch 2 consoles can receive games.

Online game sharing is also available via the GameChat feature, which allows remote multiplayer with friends. This function is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.

Physical Game-Key Cards

Game-Key Cards are physical media that contain a digital license rather than the game itself. Inserting such a card into a console prompts a download of the game from the internet. The card must remain inserted to play. Since it is not tied to a specific account, it can be used on any compatible console.

Playing on Multiple Consoles

To play digital games on multiple devices, you must link your Nintendo Account to all consoles, enable the online license usage option, and download the desired games onto each console. However, the same digital game cannot be launched on multiple devices under a single account simultaneously.

These new Nintendo Switch 2 features offer greater freedom, convenience, and control over your digital game library. Sharing games with family or friends is now much easier, and the new virtual card system eliminates the need for multiple copies of the same title.