Nintendo Switch users can now lend their digital games to a mate thanks to the new GameShare feature – find out how it works below:
Ahead of the launch of the Switch 2, Nintendo confirmed a massive update to how digital games would work. Previously, fans could buy games via the online Nintendo Switch store but they would be locked to the original console.
The new Virtual Game Card system allows users to “load” and “eject” their digital games, in the same way they can with physical cartridges.
If you want to transfer a Virtual Game Card from one Switch to another, users just need an active internet connection and for their two consoles to be physically close to one another. Then, choose the game from your digital library on the new console, and the Switch will “eject” the Virtual Game Card from the existing console automatically.
Switch users can also now lend their Virtual Game Cards to other gamers. Games can be borrowed for up to 14 days before they need to be returned and they can only be transferred using local wireless connection, so you’ll need to be in the same room as someone to borrow their game. They’ll also need to be added to your Family Group, which can store up to eight names and can be accessed here.
To lend a Switch game:
- Select the Virtual Game Card from the dedicated menu
- press ‘Lend to Family Group member’, then ‘Select a user to lend to’
- Choose the Family Group member and wait for them to accept the game
The owner of the original game can request the title back at any time.
Nintendo hasn’t confirmed how the feature will work for the Switch 2 but it’s likely it’ll use a very similar system.
