Nintendo has released firmware update 20.0.0 for the Switch console and it brings several exciting new features. First up are Virtual Game Cards. Every game you buy digitally, along with specific DLC and free titles, now shows up as a virtual game card in its own menu. You can load or eject these cards on up to two linked consoles and lend them to family members on your Nintendo Account or to friends outside your group for up to 14 days. When the loan period ends, the game disappears from their library, but your saved data stays safe on their system. Next is GameShare, which only a Switch 2 owner can start. Once a Switch 2 user launches a compatible game, they can invite any nearby Switch or Switch 2 player to join in over local wireless. Only the host needs to own the game, and there doesn't seem to be a limit on how many players can connect. It's a simple way to play together without everyone having to buy the same title.

There are some visual changes on the HOME Menu as well. New icons for Virtual Game Cards and GameShare have appeared. The eShop icon switched from yellow to red, and the New Features icon now appears in green. Also, every installed title, be it physical or digital, now features a small blue Game Card icon, making it clear what's in your collection. With the Switch 2 launching on June 5, Nintendo has added a "System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2" option under System Settings. This wizard guides you through uploading all your user profiles and saving files, screenshots, videos, and system settings to Nintendo's servers. Once complete, your old Switch resets to factory settings and the new console downloads everything back.