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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Yes—you can share digital Nintendo Switch games, but the method determines who can play, which console needs to be online, and whether the purchaser can play at the same time. For sharing with profiles on one console, load the game’s virtual game card there. For a temporary loan to a family-group member, use virtual game card lending. Nintendo’s online licenses and Switch 2 GameShare are different features with different limits.
Choose the sharing method that matches your goal
| Goal | Method | Main limit |
|---|---|---|
| Let other profiles on a household console play a digital purchase | Load its virtual game card on that console | Any user of that console can play while the card is loaded; a Nintendo Account can load cards on up to two consoles. |
| Let a family member borrow a digital game | Lend the virtual game card | The borrower must be in the lender’s Nintendo Account family group. The loan lasts up to 14 days, and the lender cannot play that card while it is lent. |
| Play a purchase on another console as the purchasing account | Load a virtual game card there or use an online license | Online licenses require an internet connection and do not give other profiles access through the purchaser’s license. |
| Play a compatible game together through a shared session | GameShare | A Switch 2 must start the session; compatibility varies by game. |
Nintendo’s virtual game card guide and lending instructions describe the first two options. Its GameShare overview explains the separate Switch 2 feature.
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Share a game with profiles on the same console
Load the purchased game’s virtual game card on the console where you want it available. After it is loaded, any user account on that console can play it, and the game can be played without an internet connection. Nintendo says an account can load virtual game cards on up to two consoles. A particular card is moved between those systems; it is not loaded on both at once.
- On the console where the game should be available, open the HOME Menu and select Virtual Game Cards.
- Select the purchasing Nintendo Account, then select the game’s card.
- Choose Load on This System and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Once loading is complete, another user can launch the game from their own profile.
Menu wording can vary with system software. Nintendo’s support instructions cover the virtual-card menu and moving or lending cards.
#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Lend a digital game to a family-group member
Virtual game card lending is for eligible games and people in the purchaser’s Nintendo Account family group. The two consoles must be close to each other and connected to the internet to set up the loan. A loan can last up to 14 days; the borrower may return the card sooner. While it is lent, the purchaser cannot play that game using the card, so agree on timing before lending.
- Bring the lender’s and borrower’s consoles close together and connect both to the internet.
- On the lender’s console, open Virtual Game Cards from the HOME Menu and choose the purchasing account.
- Select the eligible game, choose the lend option, then follow the prompts to select the family-group member.
- On the borrower’s console, accept the loan as prompted. The borrower can play while the card is lent; return it early if the game is needed by the lender.
Not every digital game is eligible. Nintendo’s family lending page gives the current eligibility and setup details.
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- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Use a second console: virtual game cards versus online licenses
Virtual game cards can be loaded on up to two consoles associated with the Nintendo Account. Moving a card makes it available on the selected console, where other users can also play it. Nintendo’s virtual game card guide explains this option.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsAn online license is another way for the purchasing account to access a digital game on additional consoles. It must be validated online, and it only gives access to the purchasing account—not other profiles on that console. Nintendo says the same game cannot be played simultaneously on multiple systems using these digital access methods. See Nintendo’s digital game purchase guidance for its explanation of console access and licenses.
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
These are not a way to give two people independent, simultaneous access to one digital copy. If the goal is to let another profile play offline on a household console, loading the virtual game card there is the relevant method; an online license is for the purchaser’s own account access.
GameShare is not the same as sharing a purchase
GameShare is a session feature for compatible games, not the standard way to make a digital purchase available to another profile. A Nintendo Switch 2 console initiates a GameShare session. A compatible original Switch can receive a locally shared session, but it cannot start one. Which games work depends on compatibility. Nintendo outlines the feature on its Switch 2 GameShare page and virtual game card page.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Game access does not move save data
Loading or lending a virtual game card does not transfer the game’s save file. Save data remains tied to the system where it was created unless you use a separate save-data process. For supported games, Nintendo Switch Online members can use Save Data Cloud Backup; support is not universal across games. Nintendo also provides a separate transfer process for moving save data between systems. Check Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud Backup information and nearby-system save transfer instructions for the game and systems involved.
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Physical game cards work differently: the console needs the physical card inserted to play, so whoever has the card has access to the game. The save file remains a separate matter and is not carried on the game card.
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Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
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