Can 2 People Play Animal Crossing on the Same Nintendo?

Absolutely! The wonderful world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is designed to be enjoyed both solo and with friends, and that includes playing together on the same Nintendo Switch. Up to four residents of the same island can play simultaneously on a single Nintendo Switch console. Get ready for some couch co-op fun!

Diving Deeper into Animal Crossing Multiplayer

While the answer is a definitive yes, there are nuances to understand regarding how multiplayer works on a single Switch. Let’s explore the details to ensure you and your fellow islanders have the best possible experience.

Couch Co-op: A Shared Island Adventure

Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a local co-op mode, often called “couch co-op,” where multiple players can explore the same island together on one Switch. This isn’t split-screen, though. One player is designated the leader, and the others are followers.

• The Leader: The leader controls the camera and dictates the direction the group goes.

• The Followers: Followers automatically follow the leader, appearing back on screen if they wander too far.

Setting Up Multiplayer

Getting started is simple:

1. Create User Accounts: Each player needs their own user account on the Nintendo Switch. If they don’t have one, you can easily create one in the system settings. Up to 8 user accounts can be created on a single Switch.

2. Establish Residency: Each user account needs to establish a resident on the island. This involves starting the game with that user profile and going through the initial setup process.

3. Call Residents: Once everyone has a resident, the first player to start the game becomes the primary resident and has more control over island development. Other players can join in by using the NookPhone in the game and selecting the “Call Resident” app.

4. Choose a Leader: The first player to initiate the “Call Resident” feature becomes the leader for that play session.

Limitations of Second Players

It’s important to note that while multiple players can live on the same island and play together, the second (and subsequent) players have certain limitations, especially early in the game. They can:

• Collect Resources: Gather materials like wood, stone, and iron nuggets.
• Catch Bugs and Fish: Enjoy the thrill of the hunt and contribute to the island’s museum.
• Earn Bells: Work towards upgrading their homes and buying items.
• Buy Items: Purchase goods from Nook’s Cranny and the Able Sisters.

However, they cannot:

• Progress the Story: Only the primary resident can advance the main storyline, which involves building new facilities and inviting new villagers.
• Make Major Island Decisions: Construction and infrastructure projects are largely controlled by the primary resident.
• Forge Ahead with New Island Projects: Such as donating materials to build new homes for new villagers.

Sharing is Caring: Tips for Harmonious Island Living

To ensure a positive multiplayer experience, consider these tips:

• Communicate: Talk about goals and plans for the island to avoid conflicts.
• Share Resources: Be mindful of the resources you gather and make sure everyone has a chance to contribute.
• Take Turns Being Leader: Rotate the leader role so everyone gets a chance to guide the adventure.
• Collaborate on Projects: Even if the primary resident leads the story, work together on decorating and designing the island.

Online and Local Wireless Multiplayer

In addition to couch co-op, Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers other multiplayer options:

• Online Multiplayer: Visit other players’ islands or invite them to yours via the internet. A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required for this feature. Up to eight players can be on an island at once using this method.

• Local Wireless Multiplayer: Play with friends who have their own Nintendo Switch consoles and copies of the game, but are in the same physical location. No internet connection is needed. Up to eight players can be on an island at once using this method.

One Island Per Switch: A Crucial Limitation

It is important to remember that only one island can exist per Nintendo Switch system, regardless of how many copies of the game you own. If you want separate islands, each player needs their own Nintendo Switch.

This limitation is due to the island save data being stored on the Switch console itself, not on the game cartridge. So, even if you have multiple game cartridges, each Switch can only maintain one island save file.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify how multiplayer works in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

1. Do I need multiple copies of Animal Crossing to play with 2 people on the same Switch?

No, you only need one copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to play with up to four players on the same Nintendo Switch console.

2. Can we play split-screen in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

No, Animal Crossing: New Horizons does not have split-screen functionality. One player acts as the leader, and the others follow.

3. What happens if a follower gets too far away from the leader?

The follower will automatically reappear near the leader. The game keeps all players within the same screen view.

4. Can the second player progress the story?

No, only the primary resident (the first player to start the game on the island) can progress the main storyline.

5. Do all players need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play together?

No, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is only required for online multiplayer. You don’t need a subscription to play local co-op on the same Switch or local wireless with friends nearby.

6. Can I transfer my island to another Switch?

Yes, you can transfer your entire island to another Switch console. This process requires both consoles to be present and for Animal Crossing: New Horizons to be updated to the latest version. Note that the island will be completely transferred to the target console, so you will no longer be able to play on the island on your source console.

7. Can I have multiple islands with one copy of the game?

No, you can only have one island per Nintendo Switch system. To have separate islands, you need separate consoles.

8. What happens if I insert my Animal Crossing game card into a different Switch?

You can play the game on the different Switch, but you will be starting a new island. Your original island is saved on the original Switch console, not the game card. Save data for games on the Switch is saved to the console itself, not the game Cartridge. So you can swap the same physical game between any number of consoles and each console will have different save data.

9. How many villagers can live on my island?

You can have a maximum of 10 villagers living on your island, in addition to the player characters.

10. Is there a way to make the second player have more control over the island?

Unfortunately, there is no built-in way to give the second player complete control over the island’s progression. The primary resident will always have more authority.

11. What are some fun activities we can do together in couch co-op?

Enjoy fishing, bug catching, exploring the island, decorating your homes, visiting the museum, and participating in events together!

12. Can we both use tools at the same time?

Yes, each player can use tools simultaneously. However, be mindful of your surroundings to avoid accidentally interfering with each other’s activities.

13. If I buy a digital copy of the game, can we both play it on different Switches?

This is tricky. You can play with one digital copy of the game on both systems. Switch 1, the one you play on, needs to NOT be your primary console. Switch 2, the one she plays on, NEEDS to be your primary console. On your primary console, any user can play your purchased games. You can’t play the same game at the same time on both console with the same account on both Switch. That’s Nintendo DRM doesn’t allow that.

14. How many users can be linked to a Nintendo Account?

Up to 8 user accounts can be created on one console. On the HOME Menu, select “System Settings” → “Users” → “Add User”.

15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of video games?

Check out the Games Learning Society! They explore how games can be used for learning and development. You can find more information on GamesLearningSociety.org.