Nintendo Switch drops major free update we've all been waiting for

Nintendo has finally dropped a long-awaited free update that fans have wanted for years.

I would say that the main benefit of buying digital games is that it’s cheaper than physical media on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo, but sadly, that hasn't been the case for years.

If you’re lucky, you might save a few quids with a pre-order discount on digital games. However, those offers seem few and far between nowadays.

Check out the Virtual Game Card trailer below!

The lack of generous discounts aside, the main benefit of purchasing digital games is being able to share that game with a family member in the same household on a second console.

Sharing games on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox is easy, but it’s not the case with the Nintendo Switch, that was until now. When Nintendo revealed all the juicy Switch 2 details in early April, it announced ‘Virtual Game Cards’.

‘Virtual Game Cards’ are digital games but with a difference. As long as it’s within the same network, you can now share a ‘Virtual Game Card’ with a family member linked to your account.

However, that game can only be played by one account at a time.

Virtual Game Cards are now available on #NintendoSwitch via a system update!

Find out more about Virtual Game Cards: https://t.co/xNSVP2L7JZ pic.twitter.com/4J0pot3KXR

— Nintendo UK (@NintendoUK) April 30, 2025

For example, if my son wanted to play one of my digital games on his Switch, I could send a ‘Virtual Game Card’ to his account. You can even lend ‘Virtual Game Cards’ to someone outside of your network for two weeks.

The ‘Virtual Game Card’ is available today courtesy of a Nintendo Switch system update, and it will also be available on the Nintendo Switch 2 further down the line.

To download the latest system update on the Nintendo Switch, from the Home Menu, go to ‘System’ then ‘System Update’, and here you will find the latest software to download.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will be released on 5 June 2025.