Nintendo Switch Version 20.0.0 Brings New Switch 2 Features

Nintendo Switch 2’s launch is right around the corner, so it only makes sense that Nintendo would be getting all of its ducks in a row before then. The latest firmware update to Nintendo Switch, Version 20.0.0, just hit the console, and it has brought along a bevy of changes and new features with an eye towards Switch 2. First, here are the patch notes:

Ver. 20.0.0 (Released April 29, 2025)

• The following icons for new features have been added to the HOME Menu:
  • Virtual Game Card
    • Purchased Nintendo Switch digital software, DLC, and some free software, are now virtual game cards and displayed in a list in this menu.
    • You can virtually load and eject virtual game cards between up to two Nintendo Switch systems.
    • Virtual game cards can be lent to others in the same Nintendo Account family group. For more information, see Virtual Game Card Guide.
  • GameShare
    • Compatible software can be shared from a Nintendo Switch 2 system to other nearby system(s) to play together.
      • You can only play together via local wireless, and the Nintendo Switch 2 system must initiate GameShare.
      • This feature cannot be used between two Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED Model and/or Nintendo Switch Lite systems.
• User-Verification Settings has 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 has 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 colors on the HOME Menu have been changed.
• Multiple save data can be selected and transferred at once in “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 that will 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 Nintendo Account is required to complete both 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.

The biggest change revolves around Virtual Game Cards, which are Nintendo’s new take on digital games. There’s a dedicated menu that shows the user all of his available Virtual Game Cards. From there, games can be redownloaded, ejected, and shared with others. Up to two games at a time can be lent to another player so long as they’re part of the same Nintendo Switch Online Family plan.

GameShare has also been added, but is limited to Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. Another feature that is there but won’t be ready until Switch 2 launches is the new system transfer feature. As the notes explain, there’s a local wireless option as well as a server upload option, with the latter being particularly useful for those who might trade in their original Switch consoles leading up to the release of Switch 2.

So, a much richer update than usual for a new version of the Nintendo Switch firmware. Update your console now if you’d like to see it all for yourself.

Source: Nintendo of America Support Page