Nintendo's new Virtual Game Card (VGC) system is now live with the latest Switch update, offering users a novel way to manage their digital game collections. This feature is particularly useful for those who wish to keep certain games out of sight. As demonstrated by a user on X/Twitter, you can hide Virtual Game Cards from your acquired list on Nintendo's VGC portal. This means that anyone snooping around your list of Virtual Game Cards won't be able to see the games you've chosen to conceal, for any reason you might have.
I personally tested this feature and successfully hid games such as Suikoden I&II HD Remaster and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. These games remain visible on your OLED Switch if installed or loaded, but they disappear from your list once uninstalled.
To view your hidden games, navigate to the "Redownload Software" section on your Switch, and then to "Can't Find Software?" where you'll need to log into your Nintendo account. The same process applies on the Nintendo website, where hidden games are tucked away in a separate folder under the "Can't Find Software?" option.
If you're sharing your console and want to keep certain titles like Mortal Kombat or Doom out of reach, this feature can serve as a parental control tool. Alternatively, if you're concerned about certain games appearing in your collection at social gatherings, this feature offers a way to maintain some discretion. However, be aware that hiding games involves a cumbersome process of unhiding and reloading them to play, and your account may still show you as playing hidden games in your Play Activity.
Alongside the introduction of Virtual Game Cards, the latest update also includes redesigned icons, a system transfer feature in anticipation of the upcoming Switch 2, and the closure of a popular game sharing loophole. For more details on the new Nintendo Switch firmware update, you can find further information [ttpp].
