Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

Nintendo Switch Version 20.0.0: What the April 2025 Update Added

The April 2025 Nintendo Switch update added Virtual Game Cards and GameShare, with GameShare limited to sessions started by a nearby Switch 2.
Length1 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Nintendo Switch’s April 2025 system update was version 20.0.0. It added Virtual Game Card and GameShare icons to the HOME Menu, plus a setting to protect access to the Virtual Game Card menu. GameShare requires a Nintendo Switch 2 to start the session and works over local wireless.

When did Nintendo release version 20.0.0?

Nintendo America lists the version 20.0.0 release date as April 29, 2025, while Nintendo UK lists distribution on April 30. The regional support histories give different dates for the same update: Nintendo Support’s system update history and Nintendo UK’s change history.

What did the update add?

Virtual Game Cards

The HOME Menu gained a Virtual Game Card icon. Nintendo describes purchased digital software, downloadable content, and some free software as virtual game cards in a dedicated menu. Cards can be loaded or ejected between up to two Nintendo Switch systems, and lent to others in the same Nintendo Account family group.

GameShare

The update also added a GameShare icon. With compatible software, a Nintendo Switch 2 can share a game to nearby systems so players can play together using local wireless. The Switch 2 must initiate the session; two original Nintendo Switch-family systems cannot use GameShare between them.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Nintendo Switch 2 System
  • The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
  • One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
  • Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
  • Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
  • GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play

Virtual Game Card menu verification

Under User > User Settings, the new User-Verification Settings can require a PIN or Nintendo Account sign-in before someone can open the Virtual Game Card menu.

What changed in the follow-up update?

Nintendo UK lists version 20.0.1 as distributed on May 2, 2025. Its change history says the patch fixed an issue where error code 2206-1015 sometimes appeared when restarting the console after updating to version 20.0.0. This was a later fix, separate from the features introduced in 20.0.0.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Nintendo Switch 2 System
Nintendo Switch 2 System
The next evolution of Nintendo Switch; One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
$499.00
Bestseller No. 2
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con - Handheld Gaming Console
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con - Handheld Gaming Console
6.2” LCD screen; Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld; Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
$339.00
SaleBestseller No. 3
Nintendo Switch Game Console - Black (HAC-001(-01) w/Blue & Red Joycon (Renewed)
Nintendo Switch Game Console - Black (HAC-001(-01) w/Blue & Red Joycon (Renewed)
This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.; Model number HAC 001( 01)
$199.90
SaleBestseller No. 4
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con (Renewed)
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con (Renewed)
6.2” LCD screen.; Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld; Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
$195.00
Bestseller No. 5
Nintendo Switch – Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con (Renewed)
Nintendo Switch – Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con (Renewed)
One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand; Two players can each take one
$200.00
Best Value
Nintendo Switch – Neon Red and Neon Blue Joy-Con (Renewed)
  • One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
  • Two players can each take one
  • Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
  • Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
Sale
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con (Renewed)
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • 6.2” LCD screen.
  • Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
  • Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
  • Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Rank #3
Sale
Nintendo Switch Game Console - Black (HAC-001(-01) w/Blue & Red Joycon (Renewed)
  • Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
  • This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
  • The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
  • Model number HAC 001( 01)
Rank #2
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con - Handheld Gaming Console
  • 6.2” LCD screen
  • Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
  • Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
  • Detachable Joy-Con controllers
  • Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How To Create Custom Stickers & Shoutouts In Monster Hunter WildsMonster Hunter WildsBlog20min
  2. How to Get XL Gogoat in Pokemon Legends Z-A (An Extra-Large Gogoat)Pokemon Legends Z-ABlog20min
  3. How to Get Rotting Lightbringer in Diablo 4Diablo 4Blog17min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.