Nintendo Switch 20.0.0 Update: Patch Notes

Nintendo Switch Gets Major 20.0.0 Update: Virtual Game Cards, Switch 2 Support, and More

By Archyde News | Published: April 30, 2025

Nintendo Switch owners are receiving a significant system update,version 20.0.0, marking the first major enhancement to the console’s software this year. The update introduces anticipated functionalities, including support for virtual game cards and features related to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

Announced during a Nintendo Direct presentation last month, virtual game card support allows users to manage their digital game library in a new way. Additionally, the update lays groundwork for the integration of Nintendo Switch 2, including system transfer options and a gameshare feature for compatible titles.

Virtual Game cards: A New Way to Manage Digital Titles

The most prominent feature is the introduction of virtual game cards. This feature provides a visual portrayal of digitally purchased games and downloadable content (DLC) on the Nintendo Switch.

• Purchased Nintendo Switch digital software, DLC, and some free software are now displayed as virtual game cards.
• Users can virtually load and eject these cards between up to two Nintendo Switch systems.
• Virtual game cards can be lent to other members within the same Nintendo Account family group. Further details are available in the virtual Game Card Guide.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of Virtual Game Cards to keep your home screen clutter-free! Eject the games you don’t play that frequently enough.

Nintendo Switch 2 Support: GameShare and System Transfers

Version 20.0.0 also includes initial support for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. This includes a new GameShare feature and options for transferring data to the new console.

• GameShare: Compatible software can be shared from a Nintendo Switch 2 system to nearby systems for local wireless play. This feature is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 and cannot be used between original Nintendo Switch models.
• System Transfer: A system transfer option has been added, allowing users to move their data from their current Nintendo Switch to a nintendo Switch 2. This can be done via local communication or by uploading data to a dedicated server for later retrieval.

For users who will no longer have access to their original Switch before receiving a Switch 2,Nintendo offers a server-based transfer option. Though, Nintendo cautions that using this method will initialize the original Switch to factory settings. An internet connection and Nintendo Account are required for both transfer methods.

Enhanced User Settings and Online Licensing

Beyond virtual game cards and Switch 2 support, the update brings several other enhancements to the Nintendo Switch system.

• User-verification Settings: A new “User-Verification Settings” option allows users to restrict access to the Virtual Game Card menu using a PIN or Nintendo Account login.
• Online License Settings: Enabling this setting allows users to play downloaded software and DLC while connected to the internet,even without the virtual game card loaded.

Cosmetic and Functional Improvements

The update also includes a few minor but noticeable changes.

• The Nintendo eShop and Nintendo Switch News icons on the HOME Menu have been updated with new colors.
• Users can now select and transfer multiple save data files at once in the “Transfer Your Save Data” menu.
• The appearance of some user icons has been refreshed.

Did you know? This is the first major Nintendo Switch system update of 2025! The last update, version 19.0.1, was released in October of last year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are virtual game cards?

Virtual game cards are a new way to visually represent your digitally purchased games and DLC on the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu.

Can I use GameShare between two regular Nintendo Switch consoles?

No, the GameShare feature is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 and cannot be used between original Nintendo Switch models.

What happens to my original Nintendo Switch if I use the server-based system transfer?

Your original Nintendo Switch will be initialized to factory settings after you upload your system transfer data to the dedicated server.

Do I need an internet connection to use the new system transfer feature?

Yes, an internet connection and a Nintendo Account are required to complete both local and server-based system transfers.

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What are your favorite elements of Nintendo Switch Update 20.0.0 so far?

Archyde news Interviews Gaming Analyst Elias Vance on Nintendo Switch Update 20.0.0

By Archyde News

Archyde News: Welcome,Elias. Thanks for joining us today to discuss teh new Nintendo Switch update,version 20.0.0.This is a big one, and we’re eager to get your insights.

Introducing Virtual Game Cards

Elias Vance: Absolutely, happy to be here.This update is notable. The virtual game card implementation is a game-changer for digital library management. It provides a much more intuitive way to access your downloaded games.

Archyde News: Exactly. How do you see the virtual game card system impacting user experience, particularly for those with large digital game collections?

Elias Vance: For players with a large digital library, the virtual game cards offer a new level of institution.It makes it easier to visually navigate their games and DLC on the Switch’s home screen, something that can be very welcome. The ability to “eject” them to declutter the home screen is a smart design choice.

Switch 2 Support: GameShare and system Transfers

Archyde News: Let’s talk about Switch 2 support. GameShare and system transfers are major additions. What are your thoughts on the gameshare feature specifically?

Elias Vance: GameShare has the potential to greatly improve the social experience on Switch 2. It’s a smart move by Nintendo to encourage local multiplayer, exclusive to the Switch 2. Though, the fact that it won’t be functional with older Switch models is a drawback, though understandable from a technological perspective.

Archyde News: Agreed. The system transfer options also seem straightforward, but the server-based transfer method – which wipes the original console – is a significant consideration for consumers. Any thoughts on that?

Elias Vance: Having a server-based option is essential for users who may not have access to both consoles together or who want to eliminate any user data. However, it’s crucial that Nintendo clearly highlights the implications of initializing the original Switch.Proper communication about this process is vital; otherwise there will be a lot of consumer confusion.

User Settings and Othre Enhancements

Archyde News: Beyond those key features,we saw some user settings updates with the new User-verification settings and the Online License settings.. How does this update improve the security of Switch ownership? or enhance the ease of playing purchased games.

Elias Vance: The user verification settings are a welcome security upgrade. Restricting menu access with a PIN or Nintendo account login shows Nintendo is taking additional steps to protect a user’s Switch data. The addition of the online license setting enabling digital game play, even without a loaded virtual game card, streamlines the user experience. It looks like Nintendo wants to improve the day-to-day playability of digital games on the new switch.

Looking Ahead

Archyde News: from a broader perspective, where do you see the impact of update 20.0.0 in the context of Nintendo’s long-term strategy for the Switch family and the upcoming Switch 2?

Elias Vance: This update is a signal that Nintendo is carefully rolling out new features for the new generation of the device. By adding the virtual game card and support for Switch 2 features, they are offering users incentives to upgrade to the new version while maintaining accessibility to their downloaded games. This update should make the transition to Switch 2 a positive experience for Nintendo Switch users who take advantage of thes new features. This will impact the company’s long-term strategy.

Archyde News: Elias, thank you for your valuable insights. Your analysis provides a clear picture of the benefits of update 20.0.0. It’s good to see Nintendo continuing to iterate on the Switch experience.

Elias vance: My pleasure. It will be captivating to see how users interact with this update and the new Switch 2 features.

Archyde News: For our readers, what are your favorite elements of Nintendo Switch Update 20.0.0 so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Is GameShare the future, or does it have limitations? Let us know!

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