Introduction to Virtual Game Cards
In the lead-up to the release of the Switch 2, Nintendo is revamping its approach to game sharing. The most significant announcement from the company’s latest Direct was the introduction of the Virtual Game Cards feature. This new system aims to simplify the process of sharing digital games, making it more akin to sharing physical ones. However, it still has limitations that prevent it from feeling entirely modern.

How Virtual Game Cards Work
The Virtual Game Cards feature represents games as "cards" that can be easily shared between two Switch consoles logged into the same Nintendo Account. The process involves "ejecting" the game from one console and "loading" it onto another. The only requirements are that the consoles must be connected over local wireless and have access to the internet to download the game and run it for the first time.

Sharing with Family Members
Users can also share a Virtual Game Card with anyone in the same Nintendo Account family group for a period of two weeks, after which the game automatically returns. In both cases, game saves remain on the console where the game was played, making it simple to share the Virtual Game Card again and continue playing.

Comparison to Nintendo’s Current System
Compared to Nintendo’s current system, which requires designating a Switch console as "primary" and allows offline play, while other devices are considered "secondary" and require an internet connection to play shared games, Virtual Game Cards are a significant improvement. This new system is particularly beneficial for parents sharing games with their kids or enthusiasts with multiple Switch consoles.

Limitations and Industry Comparison
However, Nintendo’s approach still lags behind other gaming platforms. For instance, on PlayStation, users can download a game on their PS4 and PS5 and play on either console without the need for complex sharing processes. Similarly, Steam allows game sharing and play on accounts connected to the same Steam Family, without requiring physical proximity or internet connections for the hand-off. People are often sensitive to digital rights management (DRM) systems, and Nintendo’s Virtual Game Cards, while improved, still have limitations, such as requiring an internet connection and restricting concurrent play.

Conclusion
Virtual Game Cards are undoubtedly an improvement over Nintendo’s current system, offering a more user-friendly and accessible way to share digital games. However, they do not necessarily represent a more modern or flexible approach to game sharing compared to other platforms in the gaming industry. Nintendo has created a better mental model for sharing games but has not entirely revolutionized the way it is done.