Share this @internewscast.com
With just over a month remaining before the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5th, Nintendo has rolled out an update for the original Switch to pave the way for the new console. The V20.0.0 update introduces several new features that complement the Switch 2, such as Home menu buttons for the Virtual Game Card and GameShare features announced earlier this month, as well as a new system transfer feature that allows you to store your data in the cloud until you’re ready to transfer it to a Switch 2. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions before attempting the transfer.
The GameShare feature isn’t usable yet because it requires starting from a Switch 2 system via local wireless connections—switching between two Switch 1 systems won’t work.
Explore the new Virtual Game Cards, which consolidate digital software and DLC, enabling you to “load” and “eject” between two systems, and lend games to individuals in your Nintendo Account family group. You can recall a lent game even if it’s being played, provided the borrower is online, but if they go offline before returning it or reconnecting, you’ll have to wait until the two-week lending period ends to have it automatically restored to your library.
Nintendo’s Virtual Game Card Guide explains all of the ins and outs of the new lending system, like how each Switch can only be connected to one other Switch at a time, how to manage your game cards from the web, and how to hide (or unhide) certain cards.
To use digital games across more than just two systems or without those restrictions, Nintendo is now relying on the Online License Settings, which are also being added to your Switch 1 in this update. If it’s turned on, it will allow the user to play any of their digitally purchased games and DLC as long as they’re connected to the internet, without relying on virtual game cards.
But if you’ve already decided to upgrade, then your first stop might be the new option for “System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2” under the System menu in System Settings. While it can be used for a local system-to-system transfer once your new console arrives, there’s also an option to upload system transfer data to the cloud now, where it will be ready to download to a Switch 2 without requiring access to your old system.
While that might be good for someone passing their Switch 1 off to someone else, the downside is that it will factory reset your Switch 1, so it’s better to wait if possible, and it will only be stored for a year if not downloaded. Another wrinkle is that it’s possible to set up a Switch 2 cloud transfer, then cancel it and bring your data back to a Switch 1. However, as Nintendo’s system transfer FAQ explains, while it doesn’t have to be the same Switch 1 you started with, if it started on a Switch OLED, you will only be able to cancel and reload your data on another Switch OLED.
