Nintendo has rolled out the latest system update for the Nintendo Switch, introducing innovative features such as Virtual Game Cards ahead of the eagerly anticipated launch of the Switch 2. This update, however, has put an end to a popular method of playing the same digital game online across two systems simultaneously.

As reported by Eurogamer, Switch users previously exploited a loophole that allowed the primary console to launch a game and play it online, while the game owner was simultaneously logged into another Switch. With the introduction of the Virtual Game Cards system, this workaround is no longer viable.

Despite this change, users have found a way to continue playing a single copy of a digital game offline. By navigating to your profile's user settings and enabling the Online Licenses option, you can play a digital game without the need for a Virtual Game Card, provided the game isn't being used elsewhere or the Switch playing it is set to offline mode. The setting's description reads:

"If this option is enabled, purchased digital software will be playable while the console is connected to the internet, even when the virtual game card for that software isn't loaded to the console. However, when using an online licence, only the user signed into the Nintendo Account that was used to purchase the software will be able to play it; it will not be playable for other users on the console. Your virtual game cards can be used to play software regardless of this setting. Online licences cannot be used on multiple consoles at the same time. The online licence and virtual game card for a software title cannot be used at the same time."

In essence, if one Switch is offline, you can still enjoy the same game across two Switches at the same time. Eurogamer has confirmed that this workaround is effective. The significant change is that the ability to play the same game online simultaneously on two consoles has been eliminated.

The gaming community has expressed dissatisfaction with this change, with users on platforms like ResetEra and Reddit voicing their frustration over the disruption to their previous game-sharing setups. The loss of the ability to play online at the same time is particularly irksome, as it affects families and groups who enjoy games like Splatoon or Minecraft together.

For families, this means potentially doubling the cost of games if multiple children wish to play the same Switch game simultaneously. Those who previously shared games will now need to purchase additional copies. While this update closes a loophole, it was a beneficial one for many, and it's understandable that users are already expressing their discontent with the new system.

This update comes just over a month before the launch of the Switch 2, which will also implement the same system. Additionally, the Switch 2 will introduce Game-Key Cards, where certain games will not have the full game on the cartridge and will require an online download to complete the installation.