Nintendo Switch system is now updated, virtual game cards are added, Switch 2 compatibility, and more

Nintendo has introduced a new system update for the Nintendo Switch. This particular update is a huge update that introduces Virtual game card Features announced during the company March 2025 Nintendo Direct,as well as Game console Supports and other compatibility with the upcoming Switch 2 system.

After the update is installed, the digital title and DLC you purchased will now be converted to a virtual game card. These features are similar to physical game cards. You can load and share digital games between two switching systems, making it easier to manage digital libraries. You can also temporarily lend digital games to other users in the home group.

As mentioned earlier, the new system update also adds support for Gameshare. This feature will allow Switch 2 owners to share compatible games with Switch 1 players, similar to the download and playback feature provided by DS, which can set up or join multiplayer games even if only one player owns the game.

In addition, the update has been added Switch 2 system transmission function This will allow you to transfer switch 1 data to the new console. Nintendo also adjusted the colors of ESHOP and news icons and added the ability to transfer multiple saved data at once. You can read the full patch description, taken from Nintendo's support websitethe following.

This system update will be launched worldwide on June 5 before it reaches Switch 2. Sold out soonalthough many games and accessories are still in stock. For more information on the upcoming console, check out our overview We know everything about Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch Version 20.0.0 patch notes

• The following new features icons have been added to the main menu:
  • Virtual game card
    • Purchased Nintendo Switch digital software DLC and some free software are now virtual game cards and are displayed in the list in this menu.
    • You can actually load and pop up virtual game cards between up to two Nintendo Switch systems.
    • Virtual game cards can be loaned to others in the same Nintendo account family group. For more information, see Virtual Game Card Guide.
  • Game console
    • Compatible software can be shared from the Nintendo Switch 2 system to other nearby systems.
      • You can only play via local wireless, while the Nintendo Switch 2 system must start the console.
      • This feature cannot be used between two Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch-OLED model and/or Nintendo Switch Lite Systems.
• User Verification Settings have been added under User>User Settings.
  • You can restrict access to the virtual game card menu, you need to enter a PIN or log in to your Nintendo account.
• Online licensing settings have been added.
  • When turned on, you can purchase download software or DLC when the system is connected to the Internet, even if you do not load the virtual game card.
  • For more information, see the System Settings screen for more information about this option.
• Nintendo Eshop and Nintendo Switch News icon colors have been changed.
• You can select multiple save data in the Transfer Save Data menu and transfer it immediately.
• System transfer to Nintendo Switch 2 has been added under System Settings > System.
  • You can use local communication to perform system transfers from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2.
    • For users who will lose access to the Nintendo Switch before receiving the Nintendo Switch 2, the option to upload the system transfer data to a dedicated server can then be retrieved on their Nintendo Switch 2. On your Nintendo Switch 2. After uploading the system transfer data to a dedicated server, the Nintendo Switch system is initialized to the factory settings, so this transfer can be completed, so the Nintendo Switch system can be completed to complete the NINTERDON conversion to complete the NINTERD STERVES NINCTON conversion 2.
    • If you want to continue using Nintendo Switch before you have a Nintendo Switch 2, it is recommended that you use local communication to complete the system transmission after you have obtained a Nintendo Switch 2 system.
  • An Internet connection and Nintendo account are required to complete local and server-based system transfer services.
  • For more information, see System transfer from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2.
• The appearance of some user icons has been updated.

For more information on Nintendo Switch 2, see Nintendo website.

Note that the use of “Console” has been transitioned to the virtual game card, and the “Enable Pass Console” will be used. In the console set as a user's “pass console”, all users on the console can access certain subscriptions or pass certain software. For more information, see How to set or change the enabled console for Nintendo account.