Why Didn’t My DLC Transfer to My New Switch?
The frustration is palpable: you’ve excitedly unboxed your new Nintendo Switch, ready to dive back into your favorite games, only to find your painstakingly purchased downloadable content (DLC) is missing. This common issue can be perplexing, but the reasons are usually straightforward and fixable. In short, your DLC didn’t transfer because either the new Switch isn’t recognized as your primary console, the content wasn’t correctly redownloaded, or there’s a misunderstanding about how Nintendo Accounts and DLC ownership work. Let’s break down the primary reasons and how to resolve them.
The main issue is that DLC is tied to your Nintendo Account, not the console itself. Think of it like a digital library. The books (DLC) you’ve purchased are in your name, but you need to check them out on a specific device. The Nintendo Switch ecosystem operates on the concept of a primary console. When you make a purchase on a Nintendo Account, that console is, by default, set as the primary. Only the primary console has the automatic ability to freely access the DLC purchased by the Nintendo account. This means that the DLC is immediately available to all user profiles on that primary console. When you set up a new console, it is initially designated as a non-primary console and therefore requires a few more steps. Here’s where things often go wrong:
- New Switch Isn’t the Primary Console: Your new Switch is not automatically your primary console. If your old Switch is still set as your primary, your new Switch will require an internet connection and for you to be logged in with the account that purchased the DLC in order to access it, it won’t work on other user profiles on the console and that user profile will not be able to access it offline.
- DLC Not Redownloaded: Simply having the correct account on your new Switch isn’t enough. You must redownload the DLC onto your new device. It’s not magically present; it needs to be actively downloaded again.
- Incorrect Nintendo Account: If you’ve accidentally used a different Nintendo Account on your new Switch, the DLC won’t be available. Double-check that you are logged in with the exact same account that you used to make the DLC purchases.
To address this, you need to take the following steps:
- Set the New Switch as Your Primary Console: On your new Switch, go to Nintendo eShop, click on your profile icon (top right), and then scroll down to Primary Console. Here, you can deactivate your old console as the primary (if it’s still registered) and make the new one your primary. This makes the DLC immediately available to all user profiles on that console.
- Redownload Your DLC: After setting your new console as primary, or if you want to use it as a non-primary device, you must manually redownload the DLC. Go to Nintendo eShop, access your profile again, and select the “Redownload” option. Find the content you wish to access, and start the download. This is essential even if you can see the game in the library, the DLC does not automatically download with the base game.
- Verify Nintendo Account: Double-check that the email associated with the Nintendo Account on your new Switch matches the one used for the original DLC purchase.
Once these steps are followed, your DLC should be accessible on your new Switch. Let’s dive deeper into this topic with some commonly asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Switch DLC Transfers
1. Can I use my DLC on multiple Switch consoles?
Yes, but with limitations. DLC is tied to your Nintendo Account. You can access your DLC on any Nintendo Switch console where you are logged in with the account that made the purchase. However, only the primary console has the freedom to freely access the DLC for any user profile offline. On a non-primary console, only the user profile that purchased the DLC will be able to access it online when logged in. You cannot simultaneously access the DLC on multiple consoles using the same account.
2. Is DLC linked to the game card or digital version of the game?
DLC is linked to your Nintendo Account, not the game itself (whether it’s a physical or digital version). This means that even if you change from a physical cartridge to a digital download of a game, or vice versa, your DLC will remain associated with your account and be accessible when you download it again.
3. How do I redownload my DLC?
Go to the Nintendo eShop on your Switch, access your profile by selecting your user icon in the upper right, and select the “Redownload” option. A list of all the games and DLC you own will appear. Select the DLC you wish to install, and the download will start. Ensure your Switch has an internet connection.
4. Will I lose my game progress if I switch to a new Switch?
No, you shouldn’t lose your game progress. Game save data is stored on the console’s system memory. When you transfer your user data to a new Switch using the Transfer User Data option in System Settings, your save data will be moved to the new console. Alternatively, you can also use the Save Data Cloud backup function.
5. Does DLC transfer automatically when I transfer user data?
No. The Transfer User Data feature moves your account, associated data and save files but it doesn’t move the DLC itself. You will still need to redownload any DLC from the Nintendo eShop on your new console.
6. Can I move my SD card to a new Switch and play my DLC?
Software downloaded to a microSD card on one system cannot be played on a different system. While you can move the SD card, the content will not be playable. Nintendo ties the software data to the console. You must redownload the games and DLC using your Nintendo Account on the new Switch.
7. What happens if I sell my old Switch?
Before selling your old Switch, it’s important to deactivate it as your primary console. This ensures that your new console can be set as the primary and that the person you sell to doesn’t have access to your purchased games and DLC. Also be sure to wipe the system in the system settings option prior to handing it over.
8. Can I have multiple Nintendo Accounts on one Switch?
Yes, you can have multiple Nintendo Accounts on one Switch, but DLC purchased by one account is not shared between different accounts on that same console unless it is the primary console. Therefore, all user profiles on your primary console can play DLC purchased on that primary console. This is not the case on non-primary devices.
9. Do Nintendo Switch DLC codes expire?
Download codes purchased from retailers do not typically expire. However, codes given out for promotions or specific events often have an expiration date. Always check the terms and conditions of the promotion for any expiration dates.
10. Is it possible to backup my save data on the Switch?
Yes, you can backup your save data using the Save Data Cloud feature (if you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership). This is recommended to prevent data loss. You can also transfer local data between consoles using the Transfer User Data feature.
11. What if I have multiple Switch consoles in my household?
In a household with multiple Switch consoles, each console has its own primary setting. Ideally, the main user’s primary console would be the one used most often, allowing any user to access the full digital library without further steps. All other devices will need to be linked to the account that purchased the DLC and have a good internet connection.
12. How do I know if my DLC has been purchased?
When you go to redownload the content in the eShop, DLC that you’ve purchased will have a “Purchased” indicator. You can then redownload it for no additional cost.
13. Why isn’t my DLC working even after redownloading?
If your DLC isn’t working after redownloading, try these steps:
- Restart your Nintendo Switch
- Ensure your Nintendo Account is the same as when the DLC was purchased.
- Check that the DLC is for the correct region.
14. Does DLC save to my Nintendo Account?
Yes, DLC is saved to your Nintendo Account and not just to your console. This is why you can redownload it on other consoles linked to your account.
15. Will I be able to redownload DLC after the eShop closes?
While you will no longer be able to purchase new content in the eShop, Nintendo has confirmed that you will still be able to redownload your previously purchased games and DLC.