Nintendo is releasing a major firmware update for the Nintendo Switch with several new features. The software covers all of the brand's portable consoles. We explain everything to you, with the complete details of the firmware 20.0.0 release notes.
Nintendo has been offering version 20.0.0 for all variants of the Nintendo Switch since April 29, 2025 – including the Switch 2, which is expected to hit stores on June 5th. As the upgrade to version “20” indicates, this is indeed a major update, with quite a few new features. Essentially, this update seems designed to unify the company’s portable console ecosystem.
This will better integrate the new hardware generation and Nintendo’s announcements into the user experience of all Switch variants. This ranges from new ways of purchasing and sharing digital games to simplifying the transition for users to the Switch 2.
Here’s what’s changing with firmware 20.0.0 on all Nintendo Switches
Nintendo is implementing a new “Virtual Game Card” system. Specifically, all digital games, additional content (DLC), and certain free software purchased from the Nintendo eShop have adopted a new presentation, which takes the form of a list of cards. You can use this menu to remotely install and delete this content on up to two different Switch consoles (but not one more).
Furthermore, the "GameShare" function is arriving. This allows you to easily share compatible games from a Nintendo Switch 2 console to other Nintendo Switch systems in the immediate vicinity, via Wi-Fi. Please note, however, that GameShare cannot be initiated from older models (the original Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite). The Nintendo Switch 2 console must initiate sharing.
For users who are active online, the "Online License" option is also making its appearance. This allows you to play downloaded games or purchased DLC, even without having loaded the corresponding virtual card, as long as the console remains connected to the internet. A welcome flexibility for players who enjoy mobile gaming.
A very practical improvement concerns data transfer. It is now possible to select and transfer multiple game saves simultaneously. More broadly, Nintendo is simplifying the transition to the new Switch 2 with a data transfer assistant. Finally, Nintendo is improving the options for restricting access to the console. It is now possible to block access to the Virtual Game Card menu via a PIN code or mandatory Nintendo Account login.
Here are the full firmware 20.0.0 release notes
For details on everything that's coming, we recommend the full release notes that we have translated from English.
🆕 Icons added to the HOME Menu
🎮 Virtual Game Card
- Digitally purchased games, DLC (downloadable content), and some free software are now presented as Virtual Game Cards.
- These cards appear in a new menu and can be virtually inserted or ejected between up to two Nintendo Switch consoles.
- You can lend a Virtual Game Card to a member of your family group Nintendo.
📤 GameShare
- Allows you to share a compatible game from a Nintendo Switch2 with other nearby consoles via local wireless only (no online play).
- ⚠️ This feature does not work with Nintendo Switch Classic, OLED, or Lite models.
🔐 New User Settings
User Verification
- Added a "User Verification Settings" menu in User > User Settings.
- Allows you to protect access to the Virtual Game Card menu with a PIN or Nintendo Account login.
Online License Settings
- Enables the ability to play downloaded software and DLC without inserting the Virtual Game Card, as long as the console is connected to the internet.
- These settings can be accessed from the System Settings screen.
🎨 Interface Changes
- The Nintendo eShop and Nintendo Switch News icons have been recolored.
- It is now possible to select and transfer multiple saves at once via the "Transfer your save data" menu.
🔁 Transfer to Nintendo Switch2
- A new option has been added to System Settings > System to transfer data to a Nintendo Switch2 via local communication.
- If you lose access to your old console before getting the new one, it is possible to upload the data to a dedicated server and then retrieve it on the Switch2.
- Attention: after uploading, the original console will be reset. This transfer should only be performed if you are certain that you can complete the procedure on the new console.
- It is recommended to perform the local transfer after receiving the Nintendo Switch 2, if you continue to use the first one in the meantime.
- 🌐 An internet connection and a Nintendo Account are required for both types of transfer.
👤 User Icons
- Some user avatars have been updated with new visuals.
How to install the update?
To install this update, it's easy:
- Go to the System Settings of your Nintendo Switch
- From there, simply select System Update to start the process. Just make sure you have a stable internet connection.
0 Comments