Unlocking Nintendo Switch Account Limits: How Many Secondary Accounts Can You Have?

So, you’re diving into the world of Nintendo Switch, eager to share the gaming love with your family and friends. A common question pops up: how many secondary accounts can you actually have on a single console? The answer, surprisingly, isn’t straightforward and involves understanding the intricacies of primary and secondary console designations. While the system permits up to 8 user accounts, the concept of “secondary accounts” needs clarifying regarding game sharing and online access. Let’s get into the details.

Essentially, every Nintendo Switch console has the capacity to hold up to eight user accounts. Each of these user accounts can then be linked to a separate Nintendo Account. However, when it comes to accessing digital games purchased from the Nintendo eShop, the concept of primary and secondary consoles comes into play, which affects how those accounts function and whether they truly act as distinct, fully functional accounts when game sharing is involved. The console designated as your primary console has full access to all your purchased digital games for all users on that console, whether online or offline. Any other console where you log in with your Nintendo Account becomes a secondary console.

Now, the tricky part: on a secondary console, only the account that purchased the game can play it, and only when connected to the internet. Other user accounts on that secondary console cannot access those downloaded games, even if they are online. This functionality, or lack thereof, makes it difficult to view the other seven accounts as secondary accounts.

To put it another way, you aren’t limited by the quantity of accounts that can be linked to the switch. The limitation is in the ability for all accounts on a non-primary switch to access the same games.

Understanding Primary and Secondary Consoles

The distinction between primary and secondary consoles is crucial to understanding game sharing on the Nintendo Switch.

• Primary Console: This is the console where your Nintendo Account has full rights to your digital library. Anyone on this console can play your games, online or offline. If you have a Nintendo Switch and a Nintendo Switch Lite, your primary console is going to be the one you play most often.
• Secondary Console: Any other console where you log in with your Nintendo Account. On a secondary console, only you (the account that owns the games) can play your digital purchases, and only while connected to the internet. No other user accounts on the secondary console can access your digital games.

This setup aims to prevent widespread game sharing while still allowing users to access their games on multiple devices. It also means that those other seven accounts can’t necessarily access games downloaded by the primary account.

Nintendo Switch Online and Family Memberships

The Nintendo Switch Online service adds another layer to the account landscape. A Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts to access online features, classic NES and Super NES games, and cloud save data. This means that even if family members are using different consoles, they can still enjoy online multiplayer and other benefits if they are part of the same Family Group.

The Value of a Family Membership

A Family Membership is a cost-effective way to provide online access to multiple users, making it a popular choice for households with multiple Nintendo Switch owners. It also fosters a sense of community and allows family members to play together, regardless of their physical location. To learn more about how games foster communities and development, see the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about Nintendo Switch accounts and game sharing:

1. Can you have 2 different Nintendo Accounts on one Switch?

Yes, you can have up to eight different Nintendo Accounts linked to user accounts on a single Nintendo Switch console.

2. What is a secondary account on Nintendo Switch?

A secondary account is a user account on a Nintendo Switch that is linked to a Nintendo Account. On a secondary console (a console that isn’t designated as the primary console for a particular Nintendo Account), only the account that purchased the digital game can play it, and only when connected to the internet.

3. Can multiple accounts use Switch Online?

Yes, with a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership, up to eight Nintendo Accounts can access the online services, even on different consoles.

4. How many accounts can game share on Switch?

On the primary console, all user accounts can access games purchased by any Nintendo Account registered as primary on that console. On a secondary console, only the account that purchased the game can play it, and only while online.

5. Can 2 users share a Nintendo Account?

While it’s technically possible, it’s not recommended due to the primary/secondary console limitations. As a rule, games store save data by user account. Sharing an account can lead to confusion and data loss.

6. Can two Nintendo Accounts share games on the same Switch?

All user accounts on your primary Nintendo Switch console can play games you’ve purchased with your Nintendo Account. This is the most common and straightforward way to share games.

7. How many accounts can you switch between on a Nintendo Switch?

You can have up to eight user accounts on a single Nintendo Switch console, each potentially linked to a different Nintendo Account.

8. What are the benefits of a Nintendo Family Membership?

The Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership provides online play, access to classic NES and Super NES games, cloud save data, and special offers for up to eight Nintendo Accounts.

9. Can family Nintendo Accounts share games?

Yes, on the primary console, all user accounts in the family can play games purchased by any Nintendo Account that has registered the system as their primary console.

10. What does linking a Nintendo Account do?

Linking a Nintendo Account to a user account on the Nintendo Switch grants access to online game modes, global rankings, downloadable content (DLC), and other online features.

11. How do I allow other users to play games on my Switch?

Register your Nintendo Switch as the primary console for your Nintendo Account. This allows all user accounts on that console to access your purchased digital games.

12. Is a family membership worth it for Nintendo Switch?

A Family Membership is generally worth it if you have multiple Nintendo Switch users in your household, as it’s more cost-effective than individual memberships.

13. How many accounts can you have on a Nintendo Family Plan?

A Family Membership covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts within a family group.

14. How many Nintendo Switches can be on a family plan?

A Family Membership covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts, regardless of how many Nintendo Switch consoles those accounts are used on. The focus is on the accounts, not the consoles.

15. Can you get banned for sharing a Nintendo Account?

Sharing a Nintendo Account violates the Nintendo Account User Agreement, which can result in a ban.

Conclusion

While the Nintendo Switch allows for up to eight user accounts, understanding the nuances of primary and secondary consoles is essential for game sharing. The Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership further enhances the experience by providing online access to multiple users. By following these guidelines and understanding the account limitations, you can maximize your gaming enjoyment on the Nintendo Switch while staying within the bounds of Nintendo’s terms of service.

Whether you’re sharing games with family or friends, understanding these account dynamics will ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone involved.