When Nintendo unveiled its Virtual Game Card system, it looked like a lot of fluff for something that could technically be done already. If anything, this new feature felt more restrictive, though later details did confirm that there were significant differences that will be handy for Switch and Switch 2 users.
As soon as the new Switch update hit, I decided to check out the system myself. For the most part, it seemed like I wouldn’t get much use out of it, seeing as I don’t share an NSO Family membership with any friends.
However, some features of the Virtual Game Card system won me over hard.
You know how annoying it can be to go through Nintendo’s slow and AI-slop-filled eShop? This new system ensures that those visits are going to lessen somewhat. The new system lets you redownload purchased games without having to go to the eShop.
The minute this feature popped up, I had to try it. Without thinking about it much, I decided to download Persona 4 Golden, just to see if it would work. Surprisingly enough, the game was downloading, and it seemed faster than usual.
Maybe it was just the excitement of trying out a new feature, but the Virtual Game Card system downloaded this game in 20 or so minutes. Since I’m based in the Philippines, Switch downloads don’t usually go this fast, so I was surprised. The fact that this was a 9GB game was also impressive to see.
In hindsight, 9GB doesn’t seem that big anymore, but I digress.
Another thing that impressed me was the little graphic of your digital game getting “inserted” into the cartridge slot. Again, this is just a lot of fluff, and most fans won’t even think about it that much. However, I felt that it showed some personality in ways only Nintendo could, and it put a huge smile on my face.
This is a small thing, but going to the Virtual Game Card menu activates a satisfying cartridge insert sound effect. Not the most revolutionary thing, obviously, but small details like this are what put Nintendo ahead of Sony and Microsoft. Granted, they’re also just as greedy as those companies, but these small bits of personality can win over the coldest of hearts.
We’re sure this system will get more use out of those who actually have Family NSO memberships. Lending someone a copy of Persona 5 Royal or Super Mario Odyssey through this system is actually pretty inspired, especially if they live far away from you. The two-week limit is pretty weak, but that’s just Nintendo being stubborn about online sharing.
The Switch’s Virtual Game Card system could be something special. It’s not the most practical feature on the system, and Nintendo's reveal of it was pretty awkward.
But there are neat sound effects and animations, so no complaints here.