If you haven't yet, follow us on X (Twitter), Mastodon, or Bluesky to know when we post new articles, and join our Reddit or Subscribe to us on YouTube to check out our content and interact with our awesome community. Thank you for supporting us!

The latest version of the Nintendo Switch software, Version 20.0.0, has been released, and amazingly, it doesn’t just contain the expected System Stability updates that we’ve come to expect! In fact, there’s plenty to take note of here, although a lot of it won’t come as a surprise if you were paying attention to the latest Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentations that have graced our ever-desperate retinas.

The most notable change is the inclusion of a few icons on the Home menu, specifically the addition of Virtual Game Card and GameShare icons. Virtual Game Cards were first detailed back in March, with purchased Nintendo Switch digital software, DLC, and some free software, now being displayed in a list in this particular menu. You can load and eject virtual game cards between up to two Nintendo Switch systems for those with multiple Switch systems (or soon-to-be). Furthermore, Virtual Game Cards can be lent to others in the same Nintendo Account family group, with the maximum length available being 2 weeks. After those two weeks, the title will be automatically returned to the original owner.

GameShare, conversely, is akin to the DS Download Play featured in the Nintendo DS family of systems. With GameShare, compatible software can be shared from a Nintendo Switch 2 system to other nearby systems to play together. The Nintendo Switch 2 system must initiate the GameShare, mind you, so it cannot be used between two Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model, and/or Nintendo Switch Lite systems.

Outside of these two larger, more noticeable additions to the Switch UI, various other changes have been made across the board:

  • User-Verification Settings have been added under User > User Settings.
    • You can restrict access to the Virtual Game Card menu by requiring entry of a PIN or signing in to your Nintendo Account.
  • Online License Settings have been added.
    • When turned on, you can play downloaded software or DLC you’ve purchased while the system is connected to the internet, even if you don’t have the virtual game card loaded.
    • For more information, please refer to the details about the option on the System Settings screen.
  • The Nintendo eShop and Nintendo Switch News icon colours on the HOME Menu have been changed.
  • Multiple save data can be selected and transferred at once in the “Transfer Your Save Data” menu.
  • System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2 has been added under System Settings > System.
    • You can perform a system transfer from your Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2 using local communication.
      • For users who lose access to their Nintendo Switch before receiving their Nintendo Switch 2, there is an option to upload system transfer data to a dedicated server, which can then be retrieved on their Nintendo Switch 2. After you upload your system transfer data to the dedicated server, the Nintendo Switch system will be initialized to factory settings, so only perform this transfer if you’ll be able to complete the transfer on Nintendo Switch 2.
      • If you want to continue using your Nintendo Switch until you have a Nintendo Switch 2, we recommend completing the system transfer using local communication after you have acquired a Nintendo Switch 2 system.
    • An internet connection and a Nintendo Account are required to complete both the local and the server-based system transfer service.
    • For more information, see System Transfer from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2.
  • The appearance of some user icons have been updated.

With this being, arguably, the last major update we’ll get for the Nintendo Switch system - system stability updates notwithstanding - coupled with the impending release of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5th, this 2017 behemoth is going out with a bang. I guess it's too late to think themes are ever coming though, huh...

If you enjoyed this article, check out the rest of the content on SteamDeckHQ! We have a wide variety of game reviews and news that will help your gaming experience. Whether you're looking for news, tips and tutorials, game settings and reviews, or just want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, we've got you covered!

Nick Hanchet
By day, an analyst and writer; by night, a streamer; and always a staunch defender of the often-debated Final Fantasy XIII, Nick’s online persona blends sharp attempts at humour with a passion for gaming.
Steam Profile