Can You Share Games from Nintendo eShop? The Definitive Guide
The short answer is both yes and no, and it hinges entirely on Nintendo’s account and console system. While a direct “game sharing” feature like those found on other platforms doesn’t exist in the same straightforward manner, Nintendo provides a system where digital game access can be shared, albeit with significant limitations and caveats. Understanding these nuances is key to maximizing your Nintendo eShop library without breaking the bank or violating Nintendo’s terms of service.
Understanding the Nintendo Account and Console Relationship
The cornerstone of understanding “sharing” on the Nintendo eShop lies in grasping how Nintendo accounts and consoles interact. Unlike some other platforms where a game license is tied solely to an account, Nintendo ties licenses to both an account and a primary console. This creates a system where access varies depending on whether you’re playing on your primary or a non-primary console.
The Primary Console: Your Digital Home Base
Designating a Nintendo Switch as your primary console is crucial. This console becomes the main hub for your digital purchases. Here’s what being a primary console means:
- Anyone playing on the primary console can access and play any digital game purchased with the Nintendo Account.
- No internet connection is required to launch and play games on the primary console.
- You can easily purchase and download new games directly onto the primary console.
Non-Primary Consoles: Sharing with Restrictions
When you log in to a Nintendo Switch that isn’t your primary console, the rules change. This is where the “sharing” comes in, albeit with asterisks:
- Only the Nintendo Account that purchased the game can play it on a non-primary console. Other users on that console won’t have access.
- An active internet connection is required to launch and play any digital game on a non-primary console. This verifies the game license with Nintendo’s servers.
- If the Nintendo Account is used to launch the same game on another console (primary or non-primary), the game will pause on the initial non-primary console, displaying an error message.
The Family Group: Limited Sharing Opportunities
Nintendo offers a Family Group feature, which allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts to be linked together. While this doesn’t directly enable game sharing, it simplifies managing Nintendo Switch Online memberships and parental controls across multiple accounts and consoles. It also streamlines purchasing, as one adult account can manage funds for the entire group (with parental controls in place, of course). However, keep in mind that games purchased on one account within the Family Group cannot be directly accessed by other accounts in the group unless the primary/non-primary console rules outlined above are followed.
Strategies for Maximizing Your Digital Library
Given these limitations, what are the best ways to approach accessing your digital games on multiple consoles?
- The Single User Scenario: If only one person is using multiple Nintendo Switch consoles (e.g., a Switch and a Switch Lite), the primary/non-primary system works well. Designate the console you use most often as primary, and the other as non-primary.
- Families with Multiple Consoles: This is where things get trickier. The best approach is often to purchase physical copies of games that everyone wants to play simultaneously. For single-player games, decide which console the primary account will reside on, allowing that console’s users full access.
- Consider Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack: While not direct game sharing, the Expansion Pack provides access to a library of classic Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, which can be a cost-effective way to expand your game library across multiple accounts.
- Physical Copies: Don’t underestimate the power of physical game cartridges! They can be easily shared between consoles and accounts without any restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about sharing games on the Nintendo eShop, addressing common concerns and clarifying the nuances of Nintendo’s system.
1. Can I lend a digital game to a friend on their Nintendo Switch?
Not directly. The game is tied to your Nintendo Account and the primary/non-primary console system. They would need your account login details (which is against Nintendo’s Terms of Service) to access the game on their console as a non-primary device.
2. If I buy a game on the eShop, can my kids play it on their Switch?
Yes, but it depends. If their Switch is designated as your Nintendo Account’s primary console, they can play it without restrictions. If not, they’ll need to use your Nintendo Account to access and play the game, and require an internet connection.
3. What happens if I lose my Nintendo Switch? Can I still access my games?
Yes. Log into your Nintendo Account on a new Nintendo Switch and designate it as your primary console. This will allow you to re-download your previously purchased games. Remember to deregister your lost console first, if possible, through the Nintendo website.
4. How do I change which Nintendo Switch is my primary console?
You can deregister your current primary console either through the Nintendo eShop on that console (under your account settings) or remotely through the Nintendo website. Then, simply log in to the desired console and launch the eShop; it will automatically prompt you to set it as your primary console.
5. Can multiple users play the same digital game simultaneously on different consoles?
Only if one console is the primary console for the account that owns the game and the other console is being used by that same account. If different accounts attempt to play the same game, it will not work.
6. Does Nintendo offer a family game sharing plan like other platforms?
Currently, no. The Family Group feature primarily focuses on managing accounts and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions, not direct game sharing.
7. If I purchase a game with Gold Points, can it be shared?
The same rules apply. Gold Points don’t affect the primary/non-primary console restrictions.
8. What happens if my internet connection drops while playing a digital game on a non-primary console?
The game will likely pause or stop working. An active internet connection is required to verify the game license on non-primary consoles.
9. Is it against Nintendo’s terms of service to share my account information with friends or family?
Yes. Sharing your account information violates Nintendo’s Terms of Service and could result in account suspension or termination.
10. Can I share a digital game I got with a download code?
The download code is redeemed to your Nintendo Account, and the game becomes subject to the primary/non-primary console restrictions. The code itself can only be used once.
11. Does Nintendo Switch Online membership allow game sharing?
Nintendo Switch Online membership itself doesn’t allow sharing purchased games. However, it provides access to a library of classic NES and SNES games, and the Expansion Pack includes N64 and Sega Genesis titles, which can be played by anyone with an active membership on their own account.
12. Are there any exceptions to the primary/non-primary console rule?
No, the primary/non-primary console system applies to all digital games purchased on the Nintendo eShop.
13. If I have two Nintendo Switch consoles, should I buy digital or physical games?
It depends on your usage. If you want to play the same game simultaneously on both consoles, physical copies are the easiest solution. For single-player games, consider digital if one console is designated as the primary for your account.
14. How can I find out more about game design and learning through games?
You can check the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for research and resources on how games can be used for education and development. Exploring the GamesLearningSociety.org website can provide valuable insights.
15. Will Nintendo ever implement a more robust game sharing system?
That’s impossible to say. Nintendo’s approach to digital game ownership has remained consistent, but consumer demand and industry trends could influence future changes. Keep an eye on official Nintendo announcements for any updates.
Ultimately, understanding the nuances of Nintendo’s system allows you to make informed decisions about purchasing digital games and managing access across multiple consoles. While not a true “sharing” feature in the traditional sense, the primary/non-primary console system offers a degree of flexibility for families and individuals with multiple Nintendo Switch devices. Choose wisely, play responsibly, and enjoy the vast library of games the Nintendo eShop has to offer!