Nintendo has rolled out firmware update 20.0.0 for the Switch, delivering a range of new features aimed at improving digital game management, local multiplayer access, and future-proofing for the upcoming Switch 2 console.
The update adds Virtual Game Cards, a new way to manage digital game purchases. Each title, including certain DLC and free-to-play games, now appears in its own menu. These cards work like digital cartridges and can be loaded or ejected on up to two linked consoles. A new sharing feature also lets users lend games to friends or family for up to 14 days. Once the period ends, the game is removed from the borrower’s system, but any progress is saved locally.
GameShare is another major addition, available exclusively through the Switch 2. It lets a Switch 2 owner host a compatible game and invite nearby players—whether on a Switch or Switch 2—over a local wireless connection. Only the host needs to own the game, making it easier for groups to play together without everyone buying a separate copy. At this time, there’s no announced limit on how many players can join a session.
In addition to these gameplay enhancements, the update introduces a number of visual changes to the HOME Menu. New icons have been added for both Virtual Game Cards and GameShare. The eShop icon now appears in red, replacing its previous yellow color, and the “New Features” icon is now green. Each installed game, whether physical or digital, now displays a small blue Game Card icon, helping users quickly identify items in their collection.
Ahead of the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch on June 5, the update includes a dedicated “System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2” option in the System Settings menu. This feature provides a step-by-step guide for uploading user profiles, saving data, screenshots, videos, and settings to Nintendo’s cloud servers. Once the transfer is complete, the original Switch will return to factory settings, and the new system will retrieve all transferred data. Nintendo also allows users to upload this data in advance and finalize the transfer later, offering flexibility for those waiting on their new hardware.
Additional improvements include new identity verification options, such as locking the Virtual Game Cards menu behind a PIN or account login. There is also an Online License mode, which lets users play digital games while connected to the internet without needing to load the virtual card. Users can now also move multiple save files in bulk, and several new user icons have been added.
Overall, firmware 20.0.0 sets the stage for a smoother transition to the next-generation console while improving the current Switch experience with better sharing and account management features.
