Summary
The long-awaitedNintendo Switch 2Direct revealed GameShare, a function that seems a lot like Nintendo DS Download Play. With the arrival of theNintendo Switch 2, the company appears to be putting a strong focus on social aspects through the use of GameChat, enabled by the system’s C button, and GameShare, which is planned to facilitate local and online play for a portion of Nintendo’s catalog.
Some gamers have asked thatNintendo bring back their favorite featuresfrom older systems, and DS Download Play is a common request. On hits likeMario Kart DS, other players who didn’t own the game could join the host’s session. Single-card Download Play magnified the accessibility of the Nintendo DS, which seemed to make it more popular among groups of gamers. Although the feature showed up on the 3DS, it wasn’t present during the Nintendo Switch generation. Now, Download Play appears to be making a comeback in a different form.
During the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on April 2, a new GameShare feature was shown off for the system. Many feel that GameShare is a distinct throwback to the Nintendo DS era, reminding faithful gamers ofthe classic DS Download Play feature. The trailer for GameShare revealed that with the Switch 2, players will once again be able to use a single copy of a video game to share the experience with others.
Nintendo Switch 2 GameShare Revealed
GameShare will allow Switch 2 users to share with up to three other players at a time locally, regardless of what Switch system the receiver owns. For online play, Switch 2 users with access to GameChat via Nintendo Switch Online will be able to share and receive content through GameShare. Use of the GameShare feature will be restricted to select compatible titles, with Nintendo implementing it through updates, beginning with NDcube’sunderrated party gameClubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics.
It doesn’t seem to be a coincidence that GameShare is reminiscent of this classic feature. The GameShare logo even pays homage to the original DS Download Play icon, rotating it while keeping the bars to indicate the necessity of communication. Although some aspects of GameShare are more intricate, like online play through GameChat, the core concept that many remember from the DS era is back, and gamers are thrilled to try it out. It’s unclear what titles outside ofClubhouse Gameswill be utilizing GameShare, butMario Kart Worldcould be a strong multiplayer contenderamong others, adding a tinge of nostalgia for players who enjoyedMario Kart DSandMario Kart 7through Download Play.
