How do I share Nintendo games with my kids?

To share Nintendo games with your kids, you can set up a Nintendo Account and designate one of your Nintendo Switch consoles as the primary console, allowing all users on that console to play games purchased by any Nintendo Account that has registered the system as their primary console. By doing so, you can easily share digital games with your kids, and they can play them on the designated primary console without needing to purchase the games separately or worry about online license checks.

Understanding Nintendo Game Sharing

Sharing Nintendo games with your kids is a straightforward process that involves creating a Nintendo Account, setting up a primary console, and downloading the games you want to share. This way, all users on the primary console can access and play the shared games, making it an excellent way for families to enjoy their favorite Nintendo games together.

Setting Up Nintendo Game Sharing

To set up Nintendo game sharing, start by creating a Nintendo Account and registering one of your Nintendo Switch consoles as the primary console. Then, download the digital games you want to share with your kids, and they will be available to all users on the primary console. You can also create a family group and add up to 7 additional members, making it easy to manage and share games with your kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following FAQs provide additional information and answers to common questions about sharing Nintendo games with your kids:

1. Can my kids share Nintendo Switch games?: Yes, digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them, and all users on a system will be able to play games purchased by any Nintendo Account that has registered the system as their primary console.
2. How do I share digital Switch games with kids?: Gamesharing on Nintendo Switch basically boils down to signing out of your account on one console and signing into your account on another, requiring a user account, an internet connection, and a digital game you want to share.
3. Can two Nintendo Accounts share games?: Yes, you can play digital games you’ve purchased on any Nintendo Switch console that has been linked to your Nintendo Account, but please note that you can register one primary console per Nintendo Account.
4. How does family sharing work on Nintendo?: Up to 7 additional members can be added to a Nintendo Account family group, and when any member of a family group purchases a Nintendo Switch Online family membership, the Nintendo Switch Online service is available to everyone in the family group.
5. Does each family member need their own Nintendo Account?: Yes, each Nintendo Account needs an Individual Membership or needs to be part of a Family Membership to access Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack benefits.
6. What is the point of a Nintendo family account?: A Nintendo Account family group allows up to 8 Nintendo Account users to connect together into one group, including one admin account to manage the group.
7. What happens if you link 2 Nintendo Accounts?: We are not able to combine two different Nintendo Accounts together into one, but you can link up to 8 Nintendo Accounts to a single Nintendo Switch console.
8. Can you use one Nintendo online account for two profiles?: Yes, you can, even if your family members are using their accounts on different Nintendo Switch consoles, if you have a Family Membership and create a Family Group.
9. Can you use the same game card on two switches?: Yes, you can swap the same physical game between any number of consoles, and each console will have different save data.
10. Can 2 kids share 1 Nintendo Switch?: Yes, you’ll be able to play select games for up to two players with the included Joy-Con (one controller per person), and you can also purchase extra controllers for multiplayer games for 3+ players.
11. How do I download games to my child’s Switch?: Complete these steps: link a Nintendo Account to your Nintendo Switch console, access the Nintendo eShop, purchase games and/or add funds, and download and start playing the games you have purchased.
12. What is the difference between users and accounts on Nintendo Switch?: User accounts are used to manage each player’s save data and personal settings, and up to 8 user accounts can be created on the Nintendo Switch.
13. Do I need 2 Nintendo switches if I have 2 kids?: It depends on whether they plan to play multiplayer games or different games at the same time, but having two Nintendo Switch consoles can provide more flexibility and convenience.
14. How can my kids play Nintendo Switch together?: If everyone is gathered in the same room, you can link together up to eight Nintendo Switch family systems via local wireless (also known as “couch co-op”) in compatible games, or hop online to play with family and friends who are far away.
15. Can you merge two Nintendo users?: No, it is not possible to combine multiple Nintendo Accounts together, or to add additional members to a Nintendo Account, but you can create a new Nintendo Account and join the My Nintendo service.