Nintendo is shaking things up with the introduction of GameShare, a feature included with the Nintendo Switch 2 that makes sharing games with friends and family a breeze, even if they don’t own the game. This innovation is driven by GameShare’s local play capabilities, GameChat for remote sharing over the internet, and virtual game cards that let players lend games for up to two weeks.
This user-friendly approach is establishing a new standard by Nintendo, eliminating the previous barriers related to multiplayer gaming, like the high costs of owning multiple copies of the same game. Nintendo Switch 2 achieves this by building on game-sharing ideas made popular by Valve’s Steam platform, which has long allowed users to share game libraries with others, though it had its limitations.
Steam is well-known for letting gamers share their entire library with family and friends over different devices, providing access to a broad array of games without needing extra purchases. However, its features have some limitations. Only one person can access a shared library at any time, preventing simultaneous gameplay of the same shared game.
Moreover, the account holder must authorize each device individually, which can lead to a tedious setup and management process—almost as if the complexity is intentional. Geographic restrictions can also present challenges, reducing the practicality of Steam’s system. Yet, given Steam’s extensive and highly attractive game library, these issues haven’t been major deterrents—until now, perhaps.
Steam’s authorization process can be daunting, especially for users who prefer quick, straightforward gaming sessions. While the concept is beneficial, the setup can feel cumbersome. Both users must enable Steam Guard, and the game owner must physically log into their account on the friend’s computer to authorize sharing. There’s no option to do this remotely, discouraging many from dealing with the hassle and leading them to buy their own copies. The unveiling of Switch 2’s features points gamers toward a simpler path for digital game access among peers.
Once you log in, the owner must enable sharing through Steam Family settings and manually authorize the user. However, only one person can access the library at a time, meaning if the owner starts playing, the shared user can be kicked off mid-game. Plus, not all games are eligible for sharing—those with third-party DRM or external launchers often don’t work.
While add-ons like DLCs can be shared, they hinge on whether the base game is included, adding another restrictive layer. Managing and revoking device access means diving into Steam settings anew, making the process less efficient than it could be.
Nintendo Switch 2’s GameShare, by contrast, is setting a new benchmark. Unlike Steam, it allows instant sharing of compatible games locally without the hassle of device authorizations. The GameChat function, exclusive to Switch 2 for now, is a breakthrough as it expands game-sharing online and lets friends join multiplayer games without owning the game themselves. Those using GameChat to access a game can play for the session length, free from Steam’s usual restrictions.
This feature makes Nintendo Switch 2’s GameShare a standout feature compared to Valve’s Steam and other gaming platforms, encouraging broader engagement with minimal fuss. Let’s not overlook the virtual game card feature, reminiscent of how Nintendo enthusiasts used to swap physical game cartridges with friends. Now, the game automatically returns to the owner after two weeks, unless the borrower returns it sooner.
