In its presentation on March 27, Nintendo introduced the “virtual software cards,” a feature that many fans probably initially dismissed as a nice gimmick. However, the idea behind the Nintendo Switch 2 much more.
Among the information on Pokémon Legends: ZA, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, or Marvel Cosmic Invasion, the slightly over two-minute section on the virtual software cards may have been overlooked. However, this could be not only an innovation, but also a real added value for owners of the Nintendo Switch 2 are hidden.
The idea is initially simple: to simplify the handling of pure download games. The system is scheduled to be available on the current Switch models from the end of April and then, of course, also on the Nintendo Switch 2. All downloaded games will be stored on the systems as "virtual software cards" – as if you were inserting a cartridge into the slot, only without the physical part. The games can then be played on as well as a It can be transferred to another Switch console or even loaned to family members for up to two weeks. However, the game will then no longer be available on the original console. In this case, transferring really means transferring the game—you temporarily hand it over to someone else or use it on another console yourself.
To help you understand what it's all about, here's Nintendo's two-and-a-half-minute video about the virtual software cards:
Nintendo Switch 2 should officially not be an issue
Nintendo had announced before the stream that it would not be about the Nintendo Switch 2. This ultimately turned out not to be entirely true, as a detail about the successor was revealed regarding the software cards: you will supposedly be able to send your games there too. In short: The Nintendo Switch 2 will also support "virtual software cards". However, the reverse will not always work. As the company announced in addition to the feature, "exclusive Nintendo Switch 2 games and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games can only be loaded onto a Nintendo Switch 2 system". A distinction is also made here between exclusive titles and edition games. So Nintendo may be building on the idea of enhanced games as we know them from PlayStation or Xbox – these are titles optimized and improved for the more powerful consoles.
It is therefore quite possible that the game for the Nintendo Switch not only be playable on the successor, but that there could be improved versions. Given the vague information, it remains unclear whether these assumptions will actually be confirmed—and whether Nintendo will charge for them.
The console and game manufacturer plans to reveal details about the Nintendo Switch 2 in the Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2 presentation, which will be shown on April 2nd.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Set* | |||
| 2 |
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Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller* |
89,99 EUR |
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| 3 |
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ivoler 4 Pack Protective Glass Compatible for Nintendo Switch 2...* |
8,41 EUR |
* = Affiliate link/advertisementAs an Amazon Associate, we earn money from qualifying purchases. If you make a purchase through one of the links, we receive a portion of the purchase price as commission. This doesn't cost you anything extra, but it helps support our website. Last updated on September 17.05.2025, XNUMX / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Product Advertising API. Images from Amazon PA API.
