Nintendo has issued an update for the Nintendo Switch console that not only prepares owners to upgrade to the Switch 2 but also improves access to more games on the original machine.

The update brings the Virtual Game Cards feature which enables Switch gamers to share their digitally purchased games library as if they’re physical cards.

Game shares are only available to gamers within the Switch account holder’s family group and they’re only temporary loans, but it does bring some of the advantages of buying physical game cards to the digital realm.

“You can virtually load and eject virtual game cards between up to two Nintendo Switch systems,” Nintendo says in the release notes. “Virtual game cards can be lent to others in the same Nintendo Account family group.”

Beyond that, Nintendo is also equipping the Switch for the arrival of the Switch 2 on June 5. The company is also rolling out the Game Share feature with this update, which is confusingly different to the virtual game card feature.

This Switch 2 feature enables Switch 2 owners to play compatible Switch 2 games with other devices over a local connection, even if the other party doesn’t own the game. One such compatible game is Super Mario Party Jamboree.

“The Nintendo Switch 2 system can share compatible games with anyone who has a Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch system. That way, everyone can play the game, even if they don’t have it,” Nintendo explains. Only Switch 2 systems can initiate a Game Share, but all Switch systems can receive them. As such this is a feature that won’t be useful until the sequel console arrives.

Finally, Nintendo is laying the groundwork for those upgrading to the Switch 2 by rolling out the ‘System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2’ feature that’ll enable users to carry all of their saved game states and settings preferences over to the new console.

Opinion

Switch 2 console pre-orders are pretty hard to come by right now. However, for those for those who’ve secured the next-generation Switch, these updates will allow them to hit the ground running, set up their new consoles, share their games and much more. Good to see Nintendo has its ducks in a row.