Guide to Game Sharing Between Nintendo Switch 2 and Original Switch

The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived, bringing with it a fantastic feature that allows players to share games effortlessly across a range of consoles, including the Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED. The simplicity of this game-sharing process is bound to enhance your gaming experience dramatically.

To cater to its loyal user base, Nintendo has rolled out a crucial firmware update for earlier Switch models, introducing a feature known as GameShare. This update facilitates seamless game sharing from the new Switch 2 to the original Switch consoles.

If you’re interested in exploring the GameShare functionality, you’ve come to the right place!

Understanding GameShare

The GameShare feature permits players to share compatible games from the Nintendo Switch 2 with other Switch consoles, even if those consoles don’t own a copy of the game. It’s essential to note that while only Switch 2 users can initiate a GameShare session, users of older Switch models can join these game-sharing sessions without needing their own copies.

The sharing experience can commence with just one player holding a copy of the game. By utilizing ‘GameChat’, a feature that allows sharing with up to three additional players, it creates an excellent opportunity for collaborative play.

Compatible Games for GameShare

Below are some of the games that currently support the GameShare feature. Keep an eye out, as this list may expand in the future:

Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV
Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
51 Worldwide Games
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Super Mario Odyssey

Excited to jump into the GameShare world? Let’s dive into how to activate this feature on your Nintendo Switch!

Steps to Activate GameShare on Your Nintendo Switch

Before using GameShare, ensure that you have the latest firmware version (20.0.0 or higher).Follow these steps to search for and install updates:

Power on your Switch and confirm that your battery is above 50%.
Make sure your console is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.
Select the System Settings icon on your home screen.
Scroll down to the System option, then choose System Update.
Your device will now check for any available updates. If an update is available, it will be downloaded and installed automatically.
After a reboot, your Switch is now ready to use the GameShare functionality!

Local GameShare between Switch 2 and Original Switch

This method allows game sharing only from a Switch 2 to the original Switch or to another Switch 2. Unfortunately, sharing directly from an original Switch to a Switch 2 is not possible. Here’s how to set it up locally:

GameShare Between Switch 2 and OG Switch — Nintendo

Ensure that both Switch consoles are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Launch the compatible game on your Switch 2 and select the GameShare option from the game menu.
On the second Switch, navigate to the GameShare option from the Home menu. Choose ‘Join GameShare’ → ‘A Local User’ → Select the user you wish to join.
On the Switch 2, press the Start button to initiate the game sharing session.
The game will now be available for both devices, allowing you to play together!

A Demo Video

New video showing how to play with other people using GameShare (From Nintendo Today App) byu/Cube_play_8 inNintendoSwitch2

Switch 2 users also have the capability to end the GameShare session at any time, which will conclude the session on the other device as well.

GameShare with GameChat (Exclusively for Switch 2 Users)

Another way to share games is through the GameChat feature. This exciting option allows you to chat with up to 11 friends online and is currently free for the first year, until March 31st, 2026. After that, it will be included in the Nintendo Online Subscription plans.

Even if only one of your friends owns a game, everyone can participate using this method, simply by having a Switch 2. Here’s how to start sharing games via GameChat:

On your Switch 2, press the dedicated C button to open the GameChat menu.
Select a user, then tap on Create Chat.
Invite the friends you wish to include in the game share session.
After confirming your selections, proceed by selecting Next > Start Chat.
Launch the desired game and choose the GameShare option from the game’s settings or menu.
Once your friends receive an invite, they can press the C button and select View GameShare Invitations to join.
After all players have joined, the host can commence the gaming session.

That’s it! This method allows you to enjoy a game together with friends on different Switch 2 consoles, even if only one of you owns a copy. Remember, GameShare must always be initiated by a Switch 2 for local gameplay, while online sessions are reserved for Switch 2 consoles only.

In Conclusion

What are your thoughts on the GameShare feature? Is it something you’re likely to utilize for trying out games owned by your friends? Share your opinions with us in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What consoles can utilize the GameShare feature?

The GameShare feature allows sharing games between the Nintendo Switch 2, original Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED. However, only Switch 2 users can initiate a GameShare session.

2. What happens if I end a GameShare session?

When you end a GameShare session on your Switch 2, it will also terminate the session on the other console connected to your game share, stopping all ongoing gameplay.

3. Are there limits to the number of players in a GameShare session?

Yes, when using GameShare through the GameChat feature, you can share games with up to 11 players online, while local sessions only allow for two devices connected under the same Wi-Fi.

Source & Images