Can I have a digital game on two switches?
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Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
You can have a digital game on two Nintendo Switch consoles, but there are certain restrictions and requirements that apply, such as the game being tied to your Nintendo Account and only one console being able to be the primary console at a time. To play a digital game on two Switch consoles, you need to link your Nintendo Account to both consoles, but you can only play the game on one console at a time, unless you have a physical copy of the game on the other console.
Understanding Digital Game Sharing on Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch offers a flexible gaming experience, allowing you to play digital games on multiple consoles using the same Nintendo Account. However, there are some limitations and requirements to be aware of, which are explained in the following FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can two switches play the same digital game?
No, you can’t play the same digital game at the same time on both consoles with the same Nintendo Account on both Switch consoles, due to Nintendo’s DRM restrictions.
2. Can I use a digital code on multiple switches?
Yes, a download code can be used again on a different Nintendo Switch, but it depends on the specific circumstances and restrictions set by the game developer or publisher.
3. Can 2 people play with 2 switches?
Yes, you can link together up to eight Nintendo Switch family systems via local wireless (also known as “couch co-op”) in compatible games, or play online with family and friends who are far away.
4. Can you play digital games on a new Switch?
Yes, downloadable software that you purchase is tied to your Nintendo Account and can be played on your primary Nintendo Switch console and, under certain conditions, other Nintendo Switch consoles where you link your Nintendo Account.
5. How to Game Share Between Two Nintendo Switch Consoles?
To gameshare on Nintendo Switch, you need to sign out of your account on one console and sign into your account on another, using a user account, an internet connection, and a digital game you want to share.
6. Would I have to rebuy digital games on the Switch if I bought a new Switch?
No, you don’t have to rebuy digital games on the Switch if you buy a new Switch, as Switch games are tied to your Nintendo account.
7. What is the downside to digital games on Switch?
One of the downsides to digital games on Switch is that you can run out of space easily, unless you buy massive storage cards.
8. How do I use two switches with one account?
To add your existing Nintendo account to an additional Switch, create a new local account on your Switch with your preferred name, then link that account to your Nintendo account using your login and password.
9. Can you play Mario Kart on two switches with one game?
No, you need two copies of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to play on two Switch consoles, and they cannot be under the same user.
10. Can I get a digital copy of a game I already own on Switch?
Yes, you can purchase and download a digital copy of a physical game you own on Nintendo Switch, but the physical game does not give you rights to a free digital copy.
11. How long do Switch digital codes last?
Download codes purchased from retailers do not expire.
12. How does buying a Nintendo Switch digital code work?
When you buy a digital code, you can enter it into the Nintendo eShop on your Switch to redeem the game.
13. How many digital games can a Switch hold?
The standard Nintendo Switch has 32 GB of storage, allowing you to store and install around 4-8 games, while a Switch with 64 GB of storage can store double the number of games.
14. Do both people need Switch games to play online?
Yes, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for each player to use online multiplayer features, and your game must be updated to ver 1.1 or higher.
15. Are digital Switch games linked to account or device?
Digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that was used to purchase them, and all users on a console can play games purchased by any Nintendo Account that has registered the console as their primary console.