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A new feature added to both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles is the ability to link two consoles together that both have the same Nintendo Account on them. By linking systems, you can eject and load Virtual Game Cards between the two consoles whenever you like to play downloaded games on either console.

Linking Your Nintendo Switch Systems

System Links can be performed on either a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 console, but it’s important to note that a Nintendo Switch cannot play games exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, while a Nintendo Switch 2 is backwards compatible with most Nintendo Switch games (though you may need original Joy-Cons for certain games like Ring Fit Adventure).

To perform a first time link, be sure you have completed the following steps

Update each Nintendo Switch console to its most current version (which can be found under System Settings > System > System Update.
Ensure each console has the user account added that you wish to share Virtual Game Cards between.
Ensure each console is connected to a wireless network.
Have both systems in close proximity to each other.

To link your systems for the first time, select the Virtual Game Cards tab in the Home Menu on the system you wish to load a game onto from the other system. Once the list of Virtual Game Cards appears, select a game that you wish to load, and select Load on This System.

You’ll be instructed to keep the two systems close to complete proximity, and then select Systems Are Close Enough on the target console once you have brought them together.

On the Home console that has the Virtual Game Card you want to transfer over, select the Virtual Game Cards tab using the same account, and you’ll automatically be shown a confirmation screen to link the two systems together.

Once you are given confirmation that the screens are linked, they will remain paired, and will not require this step again. You can now continue to eject the Virtual Game Card from the other system, and load it into your target system.

Now that the console is linked for that account, you can continue to eject and load Virtual Game Cards between the two consoles without having to keep them in close proximity. All that is required is for both consoles to either be powered on and connected to the internet, or in sleep mode.

Note that linking systems is on an account basis, and not a console basis. This means if you link two consoles together for a specific account, you will have to do a first time link again if there is another account on those two consoles you also want to be able to transfer games between.

Unlinking Systems

If you decide that you want to pair one of your systems with a different Nintendo Switch, you will need to unlink the pair before you can transfer games to a new system. This can be done in a few ways.

The easiest way is to simply perform a first time link with the new system you wish to link up. When selecting the Virtual Game Card on the new system and selecting Load on This System, you’ll be informed that you already have two paired consoles.

Select Next, and then you’ll be given the option to unpair the console you no longer wish to use. This will not require the old console to be in proximity (which is useful if the old console can no longer be accessed!)

You’ll just need to repeat the process of a first time pairing for the new system, and then will be able to transfer Virtual Game Cards again.

Accessing Linked Systems From The Nintendo Website

Once paired, you can also use Nintendo’s website to access your account and use it in several ways, including configuring your Virtual Game Cards!

At the accounts.nintendo/com/portal, you’ll be able to see your User Account, current Game Systems that are linked to the account (and to each other), and a list of Virtual Game Cards you own.

From these menus, you can actually load or eject Virtual Game Cards on any linked system without having to use the console itself (although the console will have to be powered on and connected to the internet, or in sleep mode).

You can also manually unpair a console from your Game Systems Menu if you are unable to access the console itself. You can do this by selecting the Console, and then select the Virtual Game Cards tab, and look for the option to Unlink.

Be aware however that you can only unlink one of your systems using the Nintendo Website once a year.