Virtual gamecards are just DRM

[Lenny64]

There's nothing new here, downloading games and updates always required the latest system version. Loading a Virtual Game Card only requires internet when loading it, which you already have for sure when you just downloaded the game. Then the game can be played offline.

Except that now, you not only need internet when downloading all your games updates at once, you also need internet drm check to first start each game. Imagine you get a physical copy, and install updates offline (or download update offline from a nearby other console with the update, or download a bunch of updates before leaving home). Before you could play all the updated games without issue. Now updates can force the drm check and offline play won't work until you first start each game with internet and a nintendo account linked.

It's unlikely it would affect piracy since that already requires patching out signature and license checks.

Patching out signature check does not (yet ?) remove this first start online check.

Which means whatever firmware we are currently on will probably be the last we can use. Good thing there aren't too many decent games left.

You won't be able to start latest game updates (at least offline), even if you stay on whatever firmware you are currently on. That's a different check than firmware version check (that says 'could not run the software' ): now it's not even trying to run the software.

 

[ihaveahax]

Except that now, you not only need internet when downloading all your games updates at once, you also need internet drm check to first start each game.

This is not true, I just checked myself. I loaded a Virtual Game Card and was able to launch it immediately offline without an additional check.

 

[Scarlet]

I really don't understand all the virtual game card complainers. It's literally just what they had before with primary systems, but you can have two primary systems instead of one now. I've been finding it super handy as somebody who moves between systems.