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Nintendo's Introduction of Virtual Game Cards Transforms the Switch 2 into a Digital Rights Management Maze

Discovered the harsh implications of potent DRM on Switch 2 devices.

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3 min read
Discovered the harsh implications of the DRM implemented on the Switch 2 system.
Discovered the harsh implications of the DRM implemented on the Switch 2 system.

Nintendo's Introduction of Virtual Game Cards Transforms the Switch 2 into a Digital Rights Management Maze

Living the Switch Life: Navigating Nintendo's Virtual Game Cards

Virtual Game Cards, the new digital management tool for Nintendo's Switch and Switch 2 consoles, has became a double-edged sword in the world of gaming. Intended to simplify the loading of digital titles, this DRM (Digital Rights Management) system unsurprisingly comes with a host of restrictions that may leave gamers scratching their heads.

Playing games on your shiny new Switch 2 requires careful planning lest you wind up in a pickle, as we from Gizmodo's consumer tech team discovered the hard way. Receiving our Switch 2 unit, we were caught off guard on what to do with our pre-existing Switch. With encodes for titles like Mario Kart World, Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, and a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, we encountered a pop-up crash course in Virtual Game Cards' limitations.

First up, the system transfer conundrum. If you don't have your old Switch handy, you're in for a bind. There are two options Nintendo offers: bringing the new Switch near the old one or remotely transferring data through a browser. The latter, meant for folks with missing or damaged Switches, becomes the go-to choice if you don't have instant access to your old handheld. However, this means your original Switch would be factory reset, forcing you to re-establish the user account.

Virtual Game Cards have been living on the Switch family for almost a month, but the Switch 2 is shining a spotlight on these DRM issues. Transferring save data from the old Switch to the new one leads to the deletion of the data on the original device. Unless your files are saved in the cloud, you can't simply switch from one system to another without downloading the save data first, and careful reading of on-screen prompts is a must to avoid mishaps, as our Senior Editor of Consumer Tech, Raymond Wong, unfortunately learned.

The beauty of Digital Game Cards isn't just about playing games on a Switch 2; it's about restricting you from sharing games with friends on their systems. To share games with your network, you must undergo a time-consuming and confusing process of temporarily transferring the owned game to their account, provided they're in your "Family Group." But be warned, the loan period expires after two weeks - similar to Blockbuster's game rentals, if you will, minus the tub of popcorn.

All in all, Nintendo's Virtual Game Cards aren't exactly promoting ownership culture in gaming. Your save data isn't yours. Your games aren't yours. They're there to prevent you from generously sharing your games with friends.

If you're ready to jump into the wild world of Virtual Game Cards, here's a glimpse into how the transfer process works:

  1. Initial Pairing and Linking: To transfer Virtual Game Cards between systems, both consoles must be connected to the internet and in close proximity for the initial linking process. You must also be signed in to the same Nintendo Account on both systems.
  2. Virtual Game Card Menu: Users can access the Virtual Game Cards section on the home menu, where all virtual games and DLC (not physical copies) are displayed for each user. Here, users can load or eject multiple Virtual Game Cards and view which games are currently active on the system.
  3. Loading to Another Console: Selecting a Virtual Game Card and choosing "Load to Another Console" initiates the transfer. This process requires both consoles to be linked for security and verification.
  4. System Transfer for All Data: When setting up a new Switch 2, users can do a full system transfer from their old Switch. This process includes system data, user profiles, and installed games. The transfer can be done either directly between consoles or via cloud upload.
  5. Cloud Option: Data (including Virtual Game Card status and user information) can be uploaded to the cloud if you don't have a Switch 2 immediately. Only the user who initiated the upload can complete the download on the target console.

With Virtual Game Cards, gamers can play their favorite titles across multiple systems, but at the cost of convenience and freedom. The transfer process is time-consuming, restrictive, and filled with potential pitfalls. But hey, at least you won't be breaking any laws, right?

[1] https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/31104[2] https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/32988[3] https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/46928/kw/system%20transfer

  1. In the realm of gaming gadgets, the new Virtual Game Cards on Nintendo's Switch 2, amidst the excitement of technology, have raised questions about the sharing of AI-powered games with friends, necessitating a complex and time-consuming process that could potentially leave users pondering the concepts of ownership and sharing within the gaming community.
  2. Furthermore, as space-age advancements continue to revolutionize gaming, it's essential to equip oneself with the knowledge of the transfer process involved in moving one's gaming progress and AI-powered digital games from an older Switch to the newer Switch 2, a task that demands careful planning and patience to avoid any undesirable circumstances.

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