Nintendo with virtual game cards for transferring games between consoles
Before the Switch 2 arrives, Nintendo announces an easy way to transfer digital games to other game consoles. Lending is also possible.
Nintendo's principle of transferring games to other consoles with virtual game cards
(Image: Nintendo)
Nintendo has announced virtual game cards for its Switch game consoles, which make it comparatively easy to transfer downloaded games to other devices. Although an internet connection is required, players do not have to wade through convoluted settings to copy a digital game to the Switch 2 planned for this year, for example. In addition, digital games can also be borrowed using the "Virtual Game Cards" so that family members, for example, can play them on their own console.
Games for the Switch game consoles are available either as a traditional plug-in module or digitally for download. While the game module can simply be plugged into another console in order to use it, this is more complicated with digital games. To transfer them from the Playstation 4 to the Playstation 5, for example, the user has to go through at least five stages of the PS5 settings before copying can even begin. It is mandatory that both consoles are logged into the same WLAN or connected via network cable.
Simple migration to Switch 2 (or others)
Similar to the Sony consoles, Nintendo's new Switch 2 can play previous Switch games, and the Switch consoles also require the same Wi-Fi to transfer games, but the virtual game cards can already be found in the Switch's start menu. The games suitable for transfer are immediately listed there, which can be loaded onto a new system or onto the console of a member of the previously created Nintendo family group. As soon as the game has been loaded onto the other console, it can be played without an internet connection.
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However, it appears that a game cannot be used on several consoles at the same time, as only one virtual game card can be activated at a time. For example, if a game has been transferred to the Switch 2, which will go on sale in 2025, and is to be played there, the virtual game card must first be virtually "ejected" from the original Switch.
Borrowing digital games with restrictions
According to Nintendo, borrowing digital games is limited to members of the family group and one game per user at a time. After 14 days, the game is automatically returned to the lender if it is not returned beforehand. However, any saved game states remain on the borrowing console so that the games can be continued there if the game is borrowed again.
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In January, Nintendo officially unveiled the upcoming Switch 2 and presented the new games console in a short video, but still held back on technical details. It is also not yet known when the new Switch 2 will go on sale. However, Nintendo has announced a livestream for next week on Wednesday, April 2, in which more will be revealed.
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