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Guide on installing dlc for physical game copies

A growing number of gamers are grappling with a confusing update from Nintendo, impacting how they manage downloadable content (DLC) for their favorite titles. This issue arises after the recent Virtual Game Card (VGC) changes, leaving some players frustrated trying to install DLC separately from the physical game copies they purchased.

By

Derek Johnson

May 4, 2025, 09:46 PM

Edited By

Marcus Chen

Updated

May 5, 2025, 02:28 AM

2 minutes of duration

A gamer sitting in front of a console, looking at a screen with a game library, exploring options to install downloadable content for a physical game copy.
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Why This Matters

Many gamers buy physical versions of games they also own digitally to save storage space on their consoles. However, the VGC update complicates matters as it bundles digital games and their corresponding DLC into a single virtual card. "I shouldnโ€™t have to use this wacky workaround!" one frustrated gamer lamented.

User Experiences and Insights

Players report mixed feelings about the new VGC system, emphasizing the confusion around bundled content. Notably:

  1. Workaround Woes: Several players shared their tricky experiences. One noted, "After I got the DLC, it told me 'you donโ€™t have it' at first, which caused a few 'how do I do that?' moments."

  2. Historical Frustrations: "I had the very same problem with BotW at the console's release," a player recalled. They purchased a Switch and bought Zelda digitally before obtaining the physical cartridge at a lower price. This highlights a recurring issue.

  3. Support Gaps: The lack of guidance from Nintendo support adds to the frustration. "Is there an easier way to handle this? The online support hasnโ€™t been updated on these changes," a user pointed out.

Exploring Solutions

Despite the chaos, players have devised several workarounds:

  • Install All Content: Install all game content digitally before inserting the physical card.

  • Archive Game: After installation, archive the game before inserting the game card again.

  • Software Update: Running an update afterwards helps restore the related DLC, regardless of eShop page accessibility.

"Nintendo, for fuck's sake please just let us install DLC separately from a digital copy of a game," remarked an original poster, echoing community fears on potential issues with future hardware.

Negative Sentiment Amid Updates

Overall, the sentiment around this update remains negative among players. They express a desire for a more efficient way to manage their game content. As one player quipped, "Itโ€™s honestly crazy how convoluted the virtual game card rollout has been. So chaotic!"

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ“Š Many gamers find the VGC changes frustrating and complex.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Workarounds have been shared but require effort and are not ideal.

  • ๐Ÿšจ Updates to the VGC system may be necessary to improve user experience.

Gamers hope for a future update that allows for more granular management of their content. For now, adapting to these changes is essential for those looking to enjoy both physical and digital game experiences.