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Yes—you can share digital Nintendo Switch games, but the method determines who can play and where. Load a virtual game card on a console to let any user there play it, lend an eligible card temporarily to someone in your Nintendo Account family group, or use an online license when the purchasing account plays on another system. Nintendo’s Switch 2 GameShare is a separate feature, and none of these methods transfers save data.
Choose the sharing method that fits
| Goal | Method | Main limit |
|---|---|---|
| Let other profiles play on a household console | Load the virtual game card on that console | Any user on that console can play the loaded game; the card can be played offline. Nintendo’s virtual game card guide |
| Let a family-group member borrow a digital game | Lend the virtual game card | Eligible games only; consoles must be nearby and online to set up lending. The loan lasts up to 14 days. Nintendo’s virtual game card guide |
| Play a purchase on another console with the purchasing account | Load its virtual game card or use an online license | Virtual cards can be loaded on up to two consoles. Online licenses need internet access and do not give other console users access. Nintendo Support: Digital Game Purchases |
| Share a compatible game session from Switch 2 | GameShare | A Switch 2 must start the session; a Switch can receive a compatible share but cannot initiate one. Nintendo Switch 2 features |
Let other users play on the same console
For household sharing, load the purchaser’s virtual game card on the console. Once it is loaded, any user account on that console can play the game, and the card can be played without an internet connection. Nintendo permits an account to load virtual game cards on up to two consoles, but a given card is moved between them rather than loaded on both at once. Nintendo’s virtual game card guide and Nintendo Support describe these rules.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - US Version | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Mario Kart™ World (Nintendo Switch 2) | $79.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Super Mario Galaxy™ + Super Mario Galaxy™ 2 | $64.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Lend a digital game to a family-group member
Nintendo lets an account holder lend eligible virtual game cards to members of their Nintendo Account family group. Both consoles need to be nearby and connected to the internet to arrange the loan. The borrower can use the card for up to 14 days and may return it sooner. While the card is lent, the lender cannot play that game using the card, so coordinate the timing. Some games are not eligible. Nintendo’s virtual game card guide
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Virtual game cards
A Nintendo Account can load virtual game cards on up to two consoles. A loaded card lets any user on that console play, but the same card is not concurrently loaded on both systems. Moving a card changes where it is available; it does not copy the game’s save file. Nintendo Support: Digital Game Purchases
#1 Best Overall
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Online licenses
An online license can let the purchasing account play its digital games on additional consoles. The console must connect to the internet to validate access, and only the account that owns the game gets access this way; other local profiles do not. Nintendo also says the same game cannot be played simultaneously on multiple systems using these arrangements. Nintendo Support: Digital Game Purchases
GameShare on Switch 2 is a different feature
GameShare is not the same as loading or lending a virtual game card. It lets a Switch 2 initiate sharing for compatible games. A Nintendo Switch can receive a compatible GameShare session locally, but it cannot start one. Availability depends on game compatibility. Nintendo Switch 2 features and Nintendo Switch 2 information
Rank #2
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
Game access does not move save data
A virtual game card loan or move grants access to the game, not the original player’s save. Save data remains on the system where it was created. For supported games, Nintendo Switch Online members can use Save Data Cloud Backup; support varies by title. Nintendo also provides a separate save-data transfer process. Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Support: How to Transfer Save Data
Physical game cards work differently
A physical game card can be played on a compatible console when the card is inserted. Sharing it means handing over the physical card; it does not move the save file, which remains a separate matter tied to the console and user. Nintendo Support: Digital Game Purchases
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Journey through space in two Super Mario adventures, now improved for the Nintendo Switch system!
- Travel the stars with enhanced resolution, improved UI, and additional content
- Learn more about the Lumas from additional Storybook chapters, groove to a bit of additional music
- Get additional Health and fall recovery in Assist Mode
- Join Rosalina and the Lumas to restore the Comet Observatory and rescue Princess Peach in Super Mario Galaxy.
Rank #3
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- Ride on rails, jump off walls, skim across water, and more as you race for the finish line
- Take on the adrenaline-packed Knockout Tour—a fierce 24-driver elimination mode
- Explore courses at your own pace and wander the world to discover fun surprises in Free Roam
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
