Nintendo released firmware update 20.0.0 for the Nintendo Switch, marking a significant milestone for the original Switch. This comprehensive update introduces a range of new features, likely serving as the last major update for the platform as it prepares users for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to launch on June 5, 2025. Here’s a closer look at what this update offers and why it represents a pivotal moment for Nintendo Switch owners.
Virtual Game Cards — Digital Gets Physical
As previously announced in the final Nintendo Switch-focused Direct in March, update 20.0.0 introduces the Virtual Game Cards feature, which brings the flexibility of physical game cards to digital purchases. Users can now manage their digital library by loading virtual game cards onto their Switch. These cards can be played on any system where they’re loaded. This feature supports sharing within the same Nintendo Account family group, allowing up to two Switch systems to access the same digital game, though simultaneous online play across multiple consoles is restricted.
GameShare — A Game-Changing Feature With a Catch
A major addition with this update is GameShare, a feature designed to enhance multiplayer gaming across Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 systems. GameShare allows users to share select multiplayer titles with friends or family, even if they don’t own the game, reminiscent of the DS Download Play feature from the Nintendo DS. GameShare requires one person to own the game, so others who don’t can join in using their Switch systems, either locally wirelessly or online.
However, a slight catch has me scratching my head a bit. Only a Nintendo Switch 2 system can initiate GameShare, meaning Switch 1 systems can only receive shared games but cannot start the sharing process. This means until June 5th, this feature will be inaccessible.
You will also need a Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) subscription to share or receive games via GameShare online. Local wireless sharing, on the other hand, will not require a subscription.
System Transfer to Switch 2 — Bridging the Generations
The update introduces a “System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2” option under System Settings > System, signaling Nintendo’s focus on the next generation. This feature allows users to transfer digital games, save data, and settings to the Switch 2 via local communication.
For those upgrading early, an alternative lets users upload data to a dedicated server, though this resets the original Switch to factory settings—a practical choice for those trading in their old console.
QOL Features and Icon Refreshes
Update 20.0.0 also includes several quality-of-life improvements. It now supports transferring multiple save data sets at once, simplifying the process of moving game progress between systems. New user-verification settings secure the Virtual Game Card menu with a PIN or Nintendo Account sign-in, while online license settings allow playing purchased software or DLC without a loaded virtual card, provided the system is online.
The HOME Menu gets a visual refresh, with the Nintendo eShop and News icons now featuring a vibrant red hue that aligns with Nintendo Switch 2’s homescreen icons. The update also revamps default profile avatars, including a redesign of Donkey Kong to match his appearance in the upcoming Switch 2 exclusive, Donkey Kong Bananza.
Moving Forward
Since its 2017 debut, the Switch has had an impressive run, and update 20.0.0 serves as a fitting conclusion to its major updates. It acts as a bridge to the future, paving the way for the Nintendo Switch 2. For now, Switch 1 owners can enjoy these new features and prepare for their upgrade, with Nintendo ensuring a smooth transition. As the gaming community anticipates June 5, this update marks a thoughtful farewell to a beloved console, setting the stage for the next chapter in Nintendo’s legacy.
