Vortex Gaming

Nintendo Switch 2 is right around the corner, and the gaming giant also has a few complementary products under its sleeve to go along with the console's release. Nintendo recently announced Virtual Game Cards and also a new mobile app that aims to further improve the Nintendo ecosystem.

Virtual Game Cards allow players to share their digital game library in a way that mirrors physical game trading. When you purchase a digital game, they'll automatically receive a Virtual Game Card. These can also be passed around to Nintendo Account Family Groups, and a local connection will be required for the initial setup. There's a game lending limit per family group member and a two-week borrowing period. Once the time is up, the game automatically returns to its owner.

Alongside the Virtual Game Cards, Nintendo also announced a new mobile app, Nintendo Today!. This iOS/Android app acts as a hub for Nintendo-related content. Players can expect to see daily updates from the Nintendo ecosystem and other content that will be tailored toward users' gaming interests. You can unlock animated calendars featuring legendary characters from Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, and Splatoon by simply linking your Nintendo account to the app.

These two developments were particularly exciting for Nintendo fans as it showcased that the Switch 2 will be more than a new generation of the handheld console. Nintendo looks to ensure that it continues to build a strong ecosystem that can attract more players in the long run.

Nintendo Switch was released in 2017, and it became the third most successful gaming console by sales, closely trailing Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2. While it's difficult to decide whether Switch 2 can achieve the same numbers as its predecessor, the Switch family will likely become the most-selling console family when we eventually combine their numbers a few years from now.

A quick look at the current console market also shows that, there hasn't been a notable competitor for Nintendo in the handheld category. Steam tried with Deck and other third-party handheld gaming devices popped here and there, but they couldn't achieve the same level of popularity as Nintendo did with Switch.