Nintendo Switch download software will evolve into a loanable virtual game card, which will also be available on Nintendo Switch 2, and will also have an automatic return function, so there's no need to worry about borrowing and stealing.

Nintendo announced during a Nintendo Direct on March 27, 2025 that downloadable software for the Nintendo Switch will be upgraded to virtual game cards in a software update in late April 2025 .

Nintendo Direct 2025.3.27 | Nintendo
https://www.nintendo.com/jp/nintendo_direct/20250327/index.html

Virtual Game Card Introduction Video - YouTube


Virtual game cards bring the convenience of game cards to downloadable software.

Downloadable software will be replaced by virtual game cards in the future.

Virtual game cards can be viewed on a dedicated management screen.

The virtual game card can be inserted and removed from the console like a game card, and if you have two Nintendo Switches, you can insert the virtual game card into the second Nintendo Switch. Note that an internet connection is required when removing and inserting the virtual game card.

In addition, the second Nintendo Switch will need to communicate locally with the first Nintendo Switch only the first time.

You can also lend your virtual game card to family members. Local communication is required when lending.

However, only one virtual game card can be loaned to one person at a time, and the loan period is set to two weeks. After two weeks, the virtual game card will be automatically returned. Game save data will not be deleted.

Additionally, the virtual game cards will also be available for use on the Nintendo Switch 2.