Nintendo Introduces Virtual Game Cards: The Future of Digital Game Sharing on Switch and Switch 2

What Are Virtual Game Cards?

Virtual Game Cards are digital versions of game cartridges stored in a new section of your console's menu. Starting in late April 2025, all new and existing digital purchases will appear as VGCs, accessible on both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2.

Key features include:

• Share games with any user on your console

• "Eject" a game digitally to use it on another console

• When ejected, the original user can’t play it until it’s returned

This system adds more flexibility to digital game ownership, mimicking the freedom of physical game cards.

How Digital Game Sharing Works Now

Currently, digital games can only be played across multiple consoles using Nintendo's primary console system, which restricts usage depending on which device is registered as the main one.

The new VGC system improves this by allowing you to:

• Connect two consoles locally once

• Trade a VGC between them

• Play the game freely on the new console

• Prevent access on the original console until the VGC is returned

This could be perfect for households with multiple Switch consoles — like a Switch in the living room and a Switch 2 in a bedroom — allowing easier sharing between siblings or roommates.

Sharing Games with Your Family Group

Nintendo is also expanding support for Family Group accounts with VGCs. You’ll be able to lend one digital game at a time to another family member via local wireless connection.

But there's a catch:

• Each loan lasts two weeks, then the game returns to the original owner automatically

• This feature requires local wireless to initiate

• Only one game can be lent per user at a time

This time limit might make things tricky for longer games like Zelda or Fire Emblem, but the idea is to encourage game sharing in short bursts, much like borrowing a physical cartridge.

Optional — Not Mandatory

In response to early confusion, Nintendo clarified that the Virtual Game Card system is optional. If you prefer the old sharing method using primary console settings, you can stick with that.

According to a Nintendo representative:

"We think many people will enjoy the benefits of Virtual Game Cards, but it is an optional feature, and the original method can still be used."

This is great news for parents or users who already have a simple setup in place and don’t want to deal with digital swapping.

Why This Matters Ahead of the Switch 2

Nintendo has confirmed that the VGC system will be fully supported on the Switch 2, set to be revealed in more detail during their April Direct. As we move into a more connected, digital-first era of gaming, this system signals that Nintendo is finally evolving its approach to digital ownership.

While Xbox and PlayStation have had flexible sharing for years, Nintendo’s take — although quirky — shows progress in giving users more control and convenience over their digital libraries.

What Do You Think?

Will you use the new Virtual Game Card system?
Do you like the idea of lending digital games like physical cartridges?

Let us know in the comments!

Screenshot: Nintendo UK (YouTube)