The March 27 Nintendo Direct dropped exciting news which is Virtual Game Cards are coming to revolutionize digital game management. As someone who's struggled with clunky eShop menus, this new feature for Switch and the rumored Switch 2 couldn't arrive sooner. While tech-savvy players instantly understand concept in, others might find it confusing at first glimpse.

We know some peoples might be confused on How do digital game cards work? Think of them like your old physical collection, but without the risk of losing them. They'll supposedly let you browse your games like a virtual shelf. Pretty neat solution to the eShop's messy interface. So let’s know about it.

What are Nintendo Virtual Game Cards?

Nintendo Virtual Game Cards represent an innovative approach to merging digital convenience with Nintendo's signature game collection experience. Physical cartridges offer instant plug-and-play between consoles, while digital games remain anchored to your Nintendo account ecosystem. To address this limitation, Virtual Game Cards introduce this.

Following the same principle as physical cartridges, Virtual Game Cards bring that real ownership experience to digital purchases. Nintendo Switch owners will be able to use this feature once the hardware system update arrives in late April. Once launched, Nintendo Virtual Game Cards will work seamlessly with the Nintendo Switch 2.

Steps to Access and Use Virtual Game Cards on Nintendo

Virtual Game Cards let you quickly access any of your digitally purchased games. Keep in mind that demos and Nintendo Switch Online exclusives might not appear in the Game Cards library. Now, let’s explore how to use Nintendo Virtual Game Cards effectively:

  • Turn on your Nintendo Switch and access the Virtual Game Cards section
  • Choose the account used to purchase the game card.
  • Tap on the purchased game and select "Load on This System”.
  • Once loading is complete, press OK to begin playing.

Steps for Lending Games to Family in Nintendo

With the introduction of Virtual Game Cards, Nintendo now allows you to share games with up to eight family group members. Nintendo allows you to lend a single game per account for two weeks. After the game is returned, both the lender and the borrower will retain their saved data. Games included with a Nintendo Switch Online membership won’t support the lending feature. To lend games within your Nintendo account family group, Follow these easy steps to get started:

  • Link your family devices through local wireless, ensuring both have an internet connection.
  • Select a game and choose the Lend to Family Member option.
  • Choose the family member you wish to share the game with.
  • Click the Lend button to allow the member to access the game.

Just like that, your family members will have access to your Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 games.