Electronic Arts has announced that its upcoming game, Split Fiction, will feature a GameShare option, enabling players on the original Nintendo Switch to join in the action with owners of the new Switch 2. This functionality, unveiled alongside the Switch 2, allows two users to share one copy of a compatible game through a local wireless connection. Consequently, a Nintendo Switch 2 owner will be able to share the widely praised co-op game developed by Hazelight Studios with players using the original Switch. Split Fiction is set to launch on the new console on June 5.
GameShare Functionality for Split Fiction
In a recent blog post, EA confirmed that users on the original Switch will be able to participate in local gameplay with Switch 2 owners. The post outlined how GameShare allows Nintendo Switch 2 owners to invite another player to join them via a local wireless connection with only one copy of the game required. This “other player” does not need a Switch 2; they can also be a Nintendo Switch owner.
Previously, EA had stated in another announcement that the co-op game could exclusively be shared between players on the new system.
However, it is essential to mention that Nintendo has clarified limitations regarding game sharing from the new hardware. Their guidelines indicate that only compatible games from the Switch 2 can be shared, and that “only Nintendo Switch 2 systems can share games, but any Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch can receive them.” According to their GameShare feature page, “Nintendo Switch systems can only receive games that are compatible with Nintendo Switch.”
EA’s recent confirmation about Split Fiction’s availability on the original Switch appears to contradict Nintendo’s guidelines, given that the game is confirmed only for the Switch 2 and will not be available natively on the older model.
Additionally, Split Fiction will support features such as Friend’s Pass and Cross Play on the Nintendo Switch 2. The Friend’s Pass feature, characteristic of Hazelight Studios’ co-op games, allows two players to team up online, with just one needing to own the game. Furthermore, cross play enables gamers to play together on PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch 2 using an EA account.
Pre-orders for Split Fiction on the Switch 2 will commence on April 24, with the game priced at $49.99. The official release coincides with the launch of the Switch 2 on June 5. Split Fiction was initially released on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X on March 6.
