Nintendo virtual game cards – what they are and how to use them

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It’s really inconvenient for consumers when they purchase a new version of a digital system they already own, as maintaining both can be quite cumbersome. Fortunately, Nintendo is taking steps to minimize these issues as we transition into the era of the Nintendo Switch 2. While there are tasks involved, it’s hoped that your life will become smoother once everything is set up.

What are virtual game cards?

A virtual game card for the Nintendo Switch and upcoming Switch 2 offers a convenient method to “swap” and play games on multiple devices. It enables you to transfer games within your Nintendo Account family group, providing an effortless means to access your games across various systems like your fresh new Switch 2 console and your faithful standard Switch.

How to use virtual game cards

To play with virtual game cards, make sure that both gaming systems are running the latest software versions. Navigate to the ‘System Settings’, then ‘System’ and ‘System Update’ in the settings of each console, ensuring they have the most recent updates installed. Your system should be on version 20.0.1 or higher for smooth operation.

After your system has been fully updated, you’ll find the Virtual Game Card menu option on the main page, situated between the Controller and System Settings icons. Clicking on it will display your available player profiles; choose the one you prefer. This will showcase all digital purchases that are compatible with the virtual game card system. You can then pick the desired card, decide to load it onto your console, transfer it to another device, or share it with a family group member.

To gather individuals into one family group within Nintendo, navigate to the primary Nintendo website and initiate it via the Family Group option in your account settings. Simply log in, proceed to Family Group, then select “Invite a member.” Keep in mind to thoroughly review the instructions from Nintendo, as they emphasize adding only people you are familiar with.

Here are two distinct scenarios that need a closer look:

1. Playing the game on your personal system: This process is straightforward as you’re simply loading the game onto your device for personal use.
2. Sharing the game with a family member by loading it onto another console: This situation involves more steps and considerations, so let’s delve deeper into this option.

How to load a virtual game card to another console

In this scenario, there’s the Primary Switch and the Secondary Switch, with the game card already preloaded on the Primary Switch. To ensure they are associated with the same account, you will require separate users on each device that are linked to your Nintendo account. If you need to connect a new Switch to your account, here are the instructions:

1. Sign in to your Nintendo account on the new Switch.
2. Navigate to the system settings and choose ‘Users’ or ‘Accounts’.
3. Select ‘Add User’ or ‘Create a User’ and follow the prompts to create a new user.
4. Once created, link this new user account to your existing Nintendo Account.
5. Now, both switches are linked to the same account. Enjoy playing your games!

  • Connect your console to the internet
  • Select your user icon from the Home menu to access your user page.
  • Select “Profile”, then “Link Nintendo Account.”
  • Follow the on-screen instructions.

After completing that task, feel free to access your Nintendo account online if you prefer, where you can download games directly. You have the option to choose which console you’d like to install them on. If you’d rather load them onto the consoles themselves, the process is slightly more intricate. However, please note that the following steps are only required once:

  • Bring the main Switch and the backup Switch close to each other.
  • Connect both of them to the internet.
  • On the backup console, select the Virtual Game Cards menu on the Home screen.
  • Select the user linked to your Nintendo Account.
  • Enter your PIN or password if prompted (this will vary depending on your security settings)
  • Select the virtual game card that you would like to load.
  • Select Load on This System
  • Select Next
  • Bring the Main Switch that can already load virtual game cards close to the Backup Switch, and then select “Systems are close enough.”
  • Now, on the Main Switch, select the Virtual Game Cards from the Home menu.
  • Select the user with the linked Nintendo account and enter any prompted security codes or passwords.
  • You will get a message about linking the Backup Switch, so select “Link.”
  • Wait for the link to complete, then select Okay.
  • Select “Load on this system” to load the virtual game card you selected earlier on the newly linked console.

Great news! The two gaming consoles are now connected, which means you won’t have to repeat this process and can keep your consoles at a distance while loading your virtual game cards. To use the same save data on both devices, you’ll either need to transfer the data or utilize the Save Data Cloud Backup feature if you’re a Nintendo Switch Online member.

How to lend and borrow virtual game cards

Sharing digital game cards among your Family Group is an option too! Just remember you can only loan out three games simultaneously, each going to a different individual for a maximum of 14 days, and never more than one game at the same time to the same person. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it:

1. Find the game card you wish to lend within your Family Group.
2. Select ‘Lend’ or similar option associated with that game card.
3. Choose the family member you want to loan the game card to from the list of available members.
4. Confirm the loan duration (up to 14 days).
5. Complete the lending process by clicking on ‘Send’ or a similar action button.

Enjoy your digital gaming experience with your Family Group!

  • Bring the console that can load the virtual game card (we will call this Your Console) and the console of the person you wish to lend the game card to (we will call this Family Group Console) close to each other.
  • Ensure that both consoles are connected to the internet and are connected via local wireless.
  • On Your Console, select the Virtual Game Cards menu on the Home screen.
  • Select the user linked to your Nintendo Account.
  • Enter your PIN or password if prompted (this will vary depending on your security settings)
  • Select the game you wish to lend to a family member.
  • Select “Lend to Family Group Member.”
  • Select “Select a User to Lend To.”
  • Choose the person who has a user account linked on the Family Group Console you wish to load the game on.
  • Select “Lend.”
  • Now, on the Family Group Console, select the Virtual Game Cards menu from the Home screen.
  • Select the user that will borrow the game.
  • Enter the PIN or password as required.
  • Select “Borrow.”
  • You can now install and play the game on the Family Group Console for up to 14 days, it is retrieved, or you opt to return it.

How to eject a virtual game card

As a gaming enthusiast, understanding how to eject a game from your console is crucial because once a game is inserted, you can’t swap it out for another one without first ejecting the current game cartridge or disc.

  • Select the Virtual Game Cards menu on the Home screen.
  • Select your user profile.
  • Enter your PIN or password, if prompted.
  • Select the game you wish to eject.
  • Select Options.
  • Select Eject From This Console.
  • Select OK twice.

Make sure you stay with Shacknews for all your Nintendo Switch 2 guide and news needs.

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2025-05-31 02:28