Nintendo has released firmware 20.0 for the original Nintendo Switch, which adds a cloud backup for those who may sell their Switch ahead of the Switch 2 release.
The update is a normal one in terms of how you update it, and has features preparing the system for Switch 2 in many ways. However, there’s a key bit of information that’s been added via the new “System Transfer to Nintendo Switch 2” setting, which you can find under “System Settings” then “System”:
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.
This is handy for those who are looking to sell their current Switch ahead of grabbing the new console, as it means you can keep your old account and details then grab them on the new console.
Here’s the rest of the features:
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.
There is, however, another key change that’s been made. The “Primary Console” feature seems to be being changed.
Note that the use of “Primary Console” has been deprecated with the transition to virtual game cards, and “Pass-enabled console” will be used instead. On a console set as the “Pass-enabled console” for a user, all users on the console can access certain subscriptions or passes for some software.
Nintendo Switch 2 is coming on June 5th.
