Switch 2 Update Makes Digital Game Sharing Way Better for Families

Nintendo's latest system update lets you play a virtual game card on one device without both consoles being online, plus Mii Maker music returns.

Ever tried to share a digital game between two Switch consoles and hit a wall because both needed to be online? Nintendo just quietly fixed that in the latest system update.

While everyone's buzzing about VRR support for Switch 2 in docked mode, the version 23.0.0 update slipped in a huge quality-of-life win for families and anyone with multiple Switch or Switch 2 systems. Now you can play a virtual game card on one device without both consoles being connected to the internet. Previously, if you wanted to play a digital title that was "stored" on another console, both had to be online.

Here's a real-world example: your kid is playing Super Mario Bros. Wonder on your old Switch OLED, and you want to play it on your Switch 2. You can both play at the same time by turning off Wi-Fi on the original Switch. Then, on your Switch 2, you use an online license to jump in as Mario. We tested it and it works.

This also makes manually sending virtual game cards back and forth way less of a hassle. Now you can just start a game like Blasphemous on either system without having to send it from one place to another first. It's not as seamless as using apps across Apple devices, but it's a step in the right direction.

Nintendo's official wording for the update says: "When starting software, if a virtual game card cannot be ejected from another console because it is powered off or otherwise not connected to the internet, there will be a prompt to start the software using an online license." There's one catch: only the user account that purchased the digital game can play it. So if a parent bought the game, their child can't boot it up with their own account. That's a bit silly, and Nintendo really needs to iron out digital ownership for families or offer a nominal fee for multiple licenses.

Along with these changes, Nintendo also brought back music to the Mii Maker on Switch 2. You can choose between Wii, Wii U, and 3DS tracks. It's been a big week for the house of Mario, with a Legend of Zelda 40th-anniversary Direct and a general Nintendo Direct also happening.

So, will this update make sharing digital games easier for your family? What do you think about the account restriction? Let us know in the comments.