Nintendo Switch Update 20.0.0: Gameshare, Virtual Game Cards & System Transfer Upgrades

30 April 2025
Nintendo Switch
7 min.
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Nintendo Switch Update 20.0.0: Gameshare, Virtual Game Cards & System Transfer Upgrades

Summary:

Nintendo’s latest firmware update for the Switch, Version 20.0.0, introduces a collection of game-changing features designed to bring the hybrid console experience closer to next-gen convenience. Key highlights include the all-new Virtual Game Cards system, which turns your purchased digital titles into swappable items between systems, and the debut of GameShare—a local multiplayer sharing system exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2. This update also brings enhanced system transfer capabilities, allowing users to move multiple save data entries at once or even prep their data for cloud-based migration to the upcoming Switch 2. Other refinements include new security options under user verification, redesigned system icons, and changes to eShop and news visuals. Whether you’re planning to migrate to the next generation or simply want better digital management, this update makes the Switch more flexible than ever.

What’s new in Nintendo Switch version 20.0.0

Nintendo has rolled out Version 20.0.0 for the Switch, and it’s far from a simple patch. This isn’t about squashing a few bugs or changing button layouts. Instead, it’s a foundational shift that leans heavily into the digital future of gaming. With features like Virtual Game Cards and GameShare now front and center, the update paves the way for a more connected, versatile experience. There’s also a new wave of convenience-focused changes to system transfer, save data management, and user customization settings. Whether you own the original Switch or are eyeing the Switch 2, these features matter.

Virtual Game Cards: Digital goes dynamic

Imagine having your entire digital game library stored as virtual cartridges you can “insert” and “eject” at will between consoles. That’s exactly what Nintendo has introduced with Virtual Game Cards. Now, purchased games, DLC, and select free software appear as cards in a dedicated menu on the Home screen. You’re not just scrolling through a list of downloads—you’re organizing, managing, and even sharing them within your Nintendo Account family group. This turns digital ownership into something more tangible and flexible. The Virtual Game Card interface also makes it easier to juggle titles across two consoles, especially helpful for households with multiple players. You can set access restrictions using a PIN or login requirement, giving parents and shared users more peace of mind. Lending virtual games becomes safer and more structured, moving away from the messy workarounds of old.

How Virtual Game Cards reshape ownership

With this update, Nintendo is redefining what it means to “own” a digital title. These virtual cards act like licensed keys that can travel with you from device to device. They’re managed through your Nintendo Account and offer seamless movement between systems. And yes, they can even be lent to someone in your family group—no strings, no fuss.

GameShare: Multiplayer reimagined

If you’ve ever wished you could share your games locally without juggling multiple accounts or buying extra copies, GameShare is the answer. Exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, this feature lets you wirelessly share compatible software with nearby devices. It’s a perfect setup for quick multiplayer sessions, whether you’re on a road trip, at school, or hanging out at home. The catch? Only the Switch 2 can initiate the sharing session. While the feature doesn’t work on the original Switch or its OLED and Lite variants, it points to a more connected future. Imagine everyone playing together with just one digital copy—it’s the digital equivalent of passing the controller, without giving it up.

Local wireless, not online co-op

One key detail to note is that GameShare operates exclusively over local wireless. That means you don’t need an internet connection—but it also means you can’t use it remotely. It’s all about proximity and spontaneity, something many Switch owners will appreciate during group hangouts or LAN-style setups.

Online License Settings: Play freely with internet access

Another standout in this update is the new Online License Settings feature. Once enabled, this lets you play any downloaded software or DLC you’ve purchased while connected to the internet, even if the corresponding virtual game card isn’t loaded. It’s a subtle change that solves a lot of headaches. No more swapping virtual licenses just to boot up a game you already own. As long as you’re online, your digital purchases follow you. This setting is particularly useful if you frequently switch between consoles, or if multiple users in a household access the same library. And it’s all controlled from a single menu—straightforward and user-friendly.

Save data transfer: Simplified and smarter

Transferring save data used to be a clunky, one-by-one affair. Version 20.0.0 changes that by letting you select multiple save files at once. This is a massive quality-of-life upgrade for anyone managing large game libraries or multiple profiles. Now, instead of manually moving each game’s progress, you can batch-transfer entire data sets in just a few steps. Whether you’re preparing to upgrade or backing things up before a reset, this streamlined approach saves time and reduces the risk of missing anything important. And if you’re a parent managing data for several kids? Consider this a gift from the gaming gods.

How it works in practice

You’ll find this feature under “Transfer Your Save Data” in the System Settings. From there, just select the saves you want, follow the on-screen prompts, and let the system handle the heavy lifting. It’s fast, intuitive, and far overdue.

System transfer to Switch 2: Two ways to move forward

For those jumping from the original Switch to the shiny new Switch 2, Nintendo now offers a dual-path system transfer option. First, there’s local communication, ideal for users who still have their original Switch on hand. Just link up the two consoles, initiate the process, and your data moves over without needing the cloud. But what if your original Switch is gone or needs to be wiped before the new one arrives? No problem—there’s a server-based alternative. Upload your transfer data to a secure Nintendo server, then download it once your Switch 2 is ready. After uploading, the original system will be reset, so it’s best used only if you’re finished with it. Either way, it’s a flexible system that accommodates real-life scenarios instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.

Secure, flexible migration

This two-part method acknowledges that not everyone upgrades the same way. Some people sell their old consoles before getting the new one. Others want to keep both running for a while. Either scenario is now supported with a reliable, user-friendly setup.

User settings update: More control, more security

In an age of shared devices and young players, more control is always better. The updated user settings now include options for restricting access to the Virtual Game Card menu. You can lock it behind a PIN or Nintendo Account login, preventing accidental game sharing or tampering. These changes make it easier for families to manage multiple users on the same device. Whether it’s keeping your 6-year-old from deleting Pokémon saves or preventing a sibling from lending out games, these tools give users peace of mind. It’s a thoughtful touch that aligns with Nintendo’s family-first philosophy.

Visual tweaks and minor improvements

Alongside the bigger changes, Version 20.0.0 adds a few subtle but welcome visual updates. The Home Menu icons for the Nintendo eShop and News now have new colors, refreshing the dashboard without altering its familiar layout. Some user icons have also received updated appearances, giving profiles a more modern feel. While these are minor changes compared to GameShare and system transfer, they help freshen up the experience and signal a new phase for the console family.

When and how to update your Switch

Updating to Version 20.0.0 is as simple as heading to your system settings and selecting “System Update.” As long as you’re connected to the internet, your console will guide you through the process. The download and installation only take a few minutes, and you’ll be ready to explore the new features. For those with multiple users, it’s smart to go over the new settings together, especially Virtual Game Card restrictions and GameShare availability. And if you’re preparing for a system transfer, carve out some quiet time—it’s a smooth process, but one that deserves your full attention.

How these updates shape the future of Nintendo

Nintendo’s move toward virtual management, local sharing, and flexible account systems shows a clear direction. It’s no longer just about physical vs. digital—it’s about blending the best of both. Features like GameShare, cloud-based transfers, and virtual cards suggest a world where access trumps ownership and convenience rules. These aren’t just gimmicks—they’re building blocks for what comes next. As the Switch 2 continues to take shape, expect more features like this, bridging the gap between casual gamers and hardcore enthusiasts, all while keeping Nintendo’s trademark playfulness intact.

Conclusion

Nintendo’s Version 20.0.0 firmware update doesn’t just add features—it sets a foundation for the future of the platform. Virtual Game Cards, GameShare, and improved system transfers address long-standing user frustrations while opening up new possibilities. By combining flexibility, accessibility, and forward-thinking design, this update delivers more than convenience—it brings clarity to where the Switch family is headed next. If you haven’t updated yet, now’s the time. Your games—and your future console experience—will thank you.

FAQs
  • Can I use Virtual Game Cards on all Switch models?
    • Yes, but the sharing functionality is tied to the Nintendo Account family group, and optimal use is on systems with the update installed.
  • Is GameShare compatible with the original Switch?
    • No, GameShare only works when initiated from a Nintendo Switch 2 console.
  • Do I need an internet connection for Online License Settings?
    • Yes, the feature only works while connected to the internet.
  • How secure is the server-based system transfer?
    • Very secure. Once uploaded, your data is stored on a Nintendo-dedicated server until downloaded to your Switch 2.
  • Will my save data be deleted during the transfer?
    • Only if you use the server-based method. The original system is wiped after uploading the data.
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