Yesterday, Nintendo officially released the firmware version update of Switch 20.0.0. This update is the first major version update in 2025.
The new version 20.0.0 has added multiple functions such as virtual game cards, game sharing, game data transfer, and icon updates, all aimed at preparing for the release of the Switch 2 on June 5.
The following is all the content of the Ver. 20.0.0 firmware update (released on April 29, 2025).
The following new function icons have been added to the main menu:
Virtual Game Card
– Purchased Nintendo Switch digital software, DLC, and some free software are now virtual game cards and are displayed in a list in this menu.
– You can virtually load and eject the virtual game card between up to two Nintendo Switch systems.
– The virtual game card can be lent to other people in the same Nintendo Account family group.
Game Sharing
– Compatible software can be shared from the Nintendo Switch 2 system to other nearby systems for playing together.
– Sharing can only be done for playing together via the local wireless network, and the Nintendo Switch 2 system must enable GameShare.
– This function cannot be used between two Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch – OLED model, and/or Nintendo Switch Lite systems.
User Verification Settings Added Under User > User Settings
– You can restrict access to the virtual game card menu by entering a PIN or logging into your Nintendo account.
– Online license settings have been added.
– After it is turned on, you can play the downloaded software or purchased DLC when the system is connected to the Internet even without loading the virtual game card.
– The colors of the eShop and Nintendo Switch News icons on the HOME menu have been changed.
The option of transferring the system to the Nintendo Switch 2 has been added under System Settings > System
For users who cannot access the Nintendo Switch before receiving the Nintendo Switch 2, they can choose to upload the system transfer data to the dedicated server and then retrieve this data on the Nintendo Switch 2.
After uploading the system data to the dedicated server, the Nintendo Switch system will be initialized to the factory settings. Therefore, the official recommendation is to perform this transfer only when you can complete the transfer on the Nintendo Switch 2.
If you want to continue using the Nintendo Switch before having the Switch 2, the official suggestion is that players complete the system transfer using local communication after obtaining the Switch 2.
The appearance of the user icon has been updated
– Some profile icons in the system have changed in this update. (See the picture below)
