Nintendo Switch owners can download and install a big new firmware update, as version 20.0.0 hits the system. The latest Nintendo Switch update has huge ramifications for the launch of the Switch 2, adding multiple features that will prove important for fans upgrading to the next-gen.
As you can see from the patch notes further down the page, this includes the introduction of Nintendo’s new Virtual Game Card system, which allows users to load and eject virtual game cards, and share them with other systems.
It also adds the GameShare system for Nintendo Switch 2 and regular Nintendo Switch consoles. The feature enables compatible software to be shared from a Nintendo Switch 2 system to other nearby systems to play together over local wireless.
As Nintendo points out, Nintendo Switch 2 consoles must initiate GameShare, and the feature won’t work between two Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED or Switch Lite consoles.
Fans looking to upgrade to the Switch 2 will be pleased to hear that System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2 has been added to the setting menu.
This makes it possible to transfer your games, save data and other files to the new Nintendo console when it launches in June.
Other interesting additions include updated artwork for some of Nintendo’s iconic characters. This includes new designs for the likes of Donkey Kong.
You can check out the remaining Nintendo Switch version 20.0.0 patch notes below.
Ver. 20.0.0 patch notes…
Virtual Game Card
– Purchased Switch software, DLC, and some free software, are now virtual game cards and displayed in a list in this menu.
– You can virtually load and eject virtual game cards between up to two Nintendo Switch systems.
– Virtual game cards can be lent to others in the same Nintendo Account family group.
GameShare
– Compatible software can be shared from a Nintendo Switch 2 system to other nearby system(s) to play together.
– You can only play together via local wireless, and the Nintendo Switch 2 system must initiate GameShare.
– This feature cannot be used between two Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model and/or Nintendo Switch Lite systems.
User-Verification Settings has been added under User > User Settings.
– You can restrict access to the Virtual Game Card menu by requiring entry of a PIN or signing in to your Nintendo Account.
Online License Settings has been added.
– When turned on, you can play downloaded software or DLC you’ve purchased while the system is connected to the internet, even if you don’t have the virtual game card loaded.
• The Nintendo eShop and Nintendo Switch News icon colors on the HOME Menu have been changed.
• Multiple save data can be selected and transferred at once in “Transfer Your Save Data” menu.
• System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2 has been added under System Settings > System.
– You can perform a system transfer from your Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2 using local communication.
For users that will lose access to their Nintendo Switch before receiving their Nintendo Switch 2, there is an option to upload system transfer data to a dedicated server which can then be retrieved on their Nintendo Switch 2. After you upload your system transfer data to the dedicated server, the Nintendo Switch system will be initialized to factory settings, so only perform this transfer if you’ll be able to complete the transfer on Nintendo Switch 2.
If you want to continue using your Nintendo Switch until you have a Nintendo Switch 2, we recommend completing the system transfer using local communication after you have acquired a Nintendo Switch 2 system.
• The appearance of some user icons have been updated.