Nintendo Unveils New Virtual Game Card System to Hide Cards

Nintendo's latest Switch update introduces the new Virtual Game Card (VGC) system, offering gamers the ability to keep their game collection private. Now, you can hide your Virtual Game Cards from your acquired list on Nintendo's VGC portal, ensuring that any games you own remain discreet. This feature is particularly useful for those who wish to keep certain titles away from prying eyes.

A user on X/Twitter demonstrated this feature, showcasing how games like Suikoden I&II HD Remaster and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe can be concealed. When these games are hidden, they will not appear on your list on the OLED Switch unless they are installed or loaded. Once uninstalled, they vanish from the visible list.

To access your hidden games, navigate to the "Redownload Software" section in your games list and then log into your Nintendo account through the "Can't Find Software?" option. This will reveal your hidden titles in a separate folder, both on the console and the Nintendo website. While this method is a bit cumbersome, requiring you to unhide and reload games to play them, it adds a layer of privacy to your gaming experience.

It's worth noting that even hidden games might show up in your Play Activity when you launch them, as I experienced with Suikoden I&II HD Remaster. This feature could serve as an effective parental control option, especially for keeping mature games like Mortal Kombat or Doom out of sight. Additionally, if you're someone who prefers to keep certain games private during social gatherings, this feature could be quite handy.

Alongside the introduction of the VGC system, the latest update also includes redesigned icons, a system transfer feature in preparation for the upcoming Switch 2, and the closure of a popular game sharing loophole. For more details on the new Nintendo Switch firmware update, you can find additional information [ttpp].