Switch 2's new GameShare: buy 1 game, share it with 3 friends online

Nintendo's new Switch 2 console shake things up in a big way, adding new features centered around social play and sharing.

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The Switch 1 was about bringing games on-the-go and playing with anyone. The Switch 2 builds on that concept and has more of a console-oriented feature set centered around social play, online engagement, and friend interactions. As per Nintendo, the Switch 2 "brings new forms of communication to life," and that's certainly true: The Switch 2 has a camera attachment and two online features that define the system's new focus.

The Switch 2's new GameChat and GameShare features are the backbone of the innovations, and they're tied to a Switch Online subscription. GameChat isn't exactly novel, but it's new for the Switch: Users can make online parties on-system and chat with the Switch 2's built-in mic, or buy a camera and video chat. GameShare lets you do just that: Share a copy of your game with a friend online as you play, and then play together.

Only six games support GameShare so far:

• Super Mario Party™ Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV
• Big Brain Academy™: Brain vs. Brain
• Super Mario™ 3D World + Bowser's Fury
• Clubhouse Games™: 51 Worldwide Classics
• Captain Toad™: Treasure Tracker
• Super Mario Odyssey™

GameChat typically requires a Switch Online subscription, but will be free until March 31, 2026.

Check below for snippets of everything we know about GameShare, as per Nintendo.

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Nintendo Switch 2 producer Kouichi Kawamoto:

"With GameShare, you can receive games on Nintendo Switch 2 and on Nintendo Switch. Up to three other consoles at a time can receive a game. So you can all play together, even in games where you don't want other players seeing your screen.

"With GameShare, there are games where it's better if players aren't shown the same screen, so we've created a feature that enables each person to see a different screen even if they're playing together with just one copy of the game.

"GameShare also supports online play with other Switch 2 consoles, and you can use it with friends via GameChat.

"GameShare is only compatible with select titles. This feature is planned for several titles, starting with a free update for 51 games on Nintendo Switch.

"You can also look forward to GameShare support in selected games exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2.

"GameShare may not be suitable for certain games due to things like responsiveness. For example, it may not be ideal for games that require precise timing of button inputs, such as rhythm games. As for Nintendo games, we'll choose ones that best fit the feature."

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Nintendo press release:

Multiple people can play one title with GameShare

With GameShare, a new Nintendo Switch 2 feature, players can share and play the same game with others who do not have the game. If one person has a Nintendo Switch 2 system and a game compatible with GameShare, that person can invite others to temporarily play the same game together via local play with their Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch system. Between Nintendo Switch 2 systems, GameShare can also be used along with GameChat for online play, so that players can chat with others while all of them play the same game.

Nintendo website:

• With a Nintendo Switch™ 2 system, you can use GameShare to share supported games with friends and family-even if they don't have the game. Everyone can play together!
• Share your games in person - The Nintendo Switch 2 system can share compatible games with anyone who has a Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch system. That way, everyone can play the game, even if they don't have it.
• Share the fun via GameChat - You can share compatible games and play together online via GameChat for Nintendo Switch 2 systems.
• Users who receive software via GameShare can only play the software during the GameChat session in which it was shared. The user will not be able to continue playing after the chat ends.

Nintendo website GameChat section:

Show off your game

Show your game screen to friends while chatting, whether you're playing the same game or not. GameChat is all about connecting together to share your experiences. Check out what your crew is playing, give some timely advice if your friend is stuck on a puzzle, or bring some lively excitement to your cooperative (and competitive) matches. Using GameChat makes it feel like you're all together in the same room!