Summary
- System update 20.0.0 added Virtual Game Cards, allowing game transfers between Switch systems.
- New GameShare feature lets users play supported titles on multiple Switch consoles.
On April 29, Nintendo released system version 20.0.0 on all Nintendo Switch consoles, which added GameShare and Virtual Game Card functionality. The new Switch system update also offered two options for users to transfer game and system data to the Switch 2 system, with one being an online option for those looking to trade in their Switch system.
One of the major features of the Switch 20.0.0 system update is the Virtual Game Cards system, which allows users to transfer digital games between Switch systems. A player with two different Switch systems tied to their Nintendo Account can "eject" a Virtual Game Card from one system and then "insert" it into a second unit, such as from a Switch Lite to a Switch OLED. Users on the same Nintendo shared family plan can also "lend" games to other users on the same account for up to two weeks before they are "returned" to the original system they came from. Virtual Game Cards will also be compatible with Switch 2 systems.
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Along with Virtual Game Cards, Nintendo's new Switch system update made a few more changes to prepare users for the Switch 2's launch. After updating Switch systems to version 20.0.0, users will also have access to the GameShare function. Although GameShare can only be hosted on a Switch 2 system, the feature allows supported titles like Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics to be played on nearby Switch and Switch 2 consoles without requiring a copy of the game. Up to three additional Switch consoles can join a GameShare session. In this regard, GameShare is similar to DS Download Play, which was used on Nintendo DS systems.
Additionally, Switch 2 users with access to GameChat can share and receive content via GameShare. GameChat will require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription following an initial trial period, and will be accessible by pressing the C-Button on the Switch 2 Joy-Con controller. The Switch version 20.0.0 update also changed the System Transfer function to include Switch 2 transfer support. Along with the traditional system transfer via local wireless communications, Switch users can also upload any game and system data to Nintendo's servers before trading their system in at a retailer.
This data can subsequently be downloaded onto a Switch 2 system tied to the same Nintendo Account. However, both options will factory reset the original Switch system. It is not clear if games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons will support system transfer uploads, though local transfers will still work.
Nintendo Switch System Version 20.0.0 Update Notes (April 29, 2025)
The following icons for new features have been added to the HOME Menu:
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Virtual Game Card
- Purchased Nintendo Switch digital software, DLC, and some free software, are now virtual game cards and displayed in a list in this menu.
- You can virtually load and eject virtual game cards between up to two Nintendo Switch systems.
- Virtual game cards can be lent to others in the same Nintendo Account family group.
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GameShare
- Compatible software can be shared from a Nintendo Switch 2 system to other nearby system(s) to play together.
- You can only play together via local wireless, and the Nintendo Switch 2 system must initiate GameShare.
- This feature cannot be used between two Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model and/or Nintendo Switch Lite systems.
User-Verification Settings has been added under User > User Settings.
- You can restrict access to the Virtual Game Card menu by requiring entry of a PIN or signing in to your Nintendo Account.
Online License Settings has been added.
- When turned on, you can play downloaded software or DLC you've purchased while the system is connected to the internet, even if you don't have the virtual game card loaded.
- For more information, please refer to the details about the option on the System Settings screen.
The Nintendo eShop and Nintendo Switch News icon colors on the HOME Menu have been changed.
Multiple save data can be selected and transferred at once in “Transfer Your Save Data” menu.
System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2 has been added under System Settings > System.
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You can perform a system transfer from your Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2 using local communication.
- For users that will lose access to their Nintendo Switch before receiving their Nintendo Switch 2, there is an option to upload system transfer data to a dedicated server which can then be retrieved on their Nintendo Switch 2.
- After you upload your system transfer data to the dedicated server, the Nintendo Switch system will be initialized to factory settings, so only perform this transfer if you’ll be able to complete the transfer on Nintendo Switch 2.
- If you want to continue using your Nintendo Switch until you have a Nintendo Switch 2, we recommend completing the system transfer using local communication after you have acquired a Nintendo Switch 2 system.
- An internet connection and Nintendo Account is required to complete both local and the server-based system transfer service.
The appearance of some user icons have been updated.
