Table of Contents

Can I Link 2 Nintendo Accounts to One Switch? The Definitive Guide

Quick answer

This page answers Can I link 2 Nintendo accounts to one Switch? quickly.

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.

▶

Yes, you absolutely can link multiple Nintendo Accounts to a single Nintendo Switch console. In fact, up to eight Nintendo Accounts can be linked to one Switch. This functionality is crucial for households with multiple users, allowing each person to maintain their own game progress, settings, and access to online services. Let’s delve deeper into how this works and explore the nuances of managing multiple accounts on a single Switch.

Understanding Nintendo Accounts and User Profiles

Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the difference between a Nintendo Account and a user profile on the Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Account: This is your online identity, linked to your email address, Nintendo Network ID (if applicable), and eShop purchases. It’s how you access online services, redeem download codes, and manage your digital games.
User Profile: This is the profile you create on the Nintendo Switch itself. Each user profile can be linked to a Nintendo Account, allowing that user to access their associated games and services. You can also create user profiles without linking them to a Nintendo Account, but these profiles will be limited in functionality (e.g., no online play, no eShop access).

Linking Multiple Accounts to a Single Switch

The process of linking multiple Nintendo Accounts to one Switch is straightforward:

Create User Profiles: On the HOME Menu, navigate to System Settings > Users > Add User. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user profile.
Link Nintendo Account (if needed): When prompted, you can either link an existing Nintendo Account to the profile or create a new Nintendo Account. If you already have a Nintendo Account, simply sign in with your credentials. If you need a new one, the Switch will guide you through the account creation process.

Repeat these steps for each user who wants to have their own separate account on the Switch.

Sharing Games and Nintendo Switch Online

One of the most common questions is how game sharing works when multiple accounts are linked to a single Switch. Here’s a breakdown:

Primary Console: Each Nintendo Account can designate one Nintendo Switch console as its primary console. Digital games purchased with that Nintendo Account can be played by anyone on the primary console, regardless of which user profile they’re using.
Non-Primary Console: On a non-primary console, digital games purchased with a particular Nintendo Account can only be played by the user profile linked to that account.

This means that if User A buys a game on their Nintendo Account and their Switch is set as the primary console, User B (who has a different Nintendo Account) can also play that game on the same Switch. However, if User A tries to play that same game on a different Switch (that is not their primary console), only User A can play it.

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO): A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for online play for most games. There are two main membership options:

Individual Membership: Covers only one Nintendo Account.
Family Membership: Covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts within the same family group. This is the most cost-effective option for households with multiple Switch users who want online access.

Multiple users on the same console are not automatically covered by a family membership. Each Nintendo Account needs an Individual Membership or needs to be part of a Family Membership to access Nintendo Switch Online benefits. It’s also worth noting that institutions such as the Games Learning Society often explore the social dynamics and educational opportunities enabled by these shared gaming experiences. Learning more about the GamesLearningSociety.org can provide insights into the broader impact of gaming communities.

Setting Up a Primary and Secondary Switch

The system of primary and secondary consoles adds flexibility but also requires careful management. Here’s how to set it up:

Primary Console: The first Nintendo Switch console you use to access the eShop with your Nintendo Account automatically becomes your primary console.
Secondary Console: To use your Nintendo Account on a second Switch, simply sign in to the eShop on that console. It will then operate as your non-primary console.

Important Considerations: You can only have one primary console per Nintendo Account. Deregistering one console will allow you to select a different console as the primary console for your Nintendo Account.

Managing Digital Purchases

All digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them. This is a critical point to remember. If User A buys a game and User B wants to play it, the best way for User B to play it is on User A’s primary console. If that’s not possible, User B would need to purchase the game on their own Nintendo Account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about linking multiple Nintendo Accounts to one Switch:

1. Can two Nintendo Accounts on the same Switch share an online subscription?

No, multiple users on the same console are not automatically covered by a family membership. Each Nintendo Account needs an Individual Membership or needs to be part of a Family Membership to access Nintendo Switch Online benefits.

2. How many Nintendo Accounts can I link to one Switch?

Up to eight Nintendo Accounts can be linked to a single Nintendo Switch console.

3. Can two accounts play the same game on Switch simultaneously?

Anyone using your primary Nintendo Switch console will be able to play games purchased with your Nintendo Account. On a non-primary console, the game can only be started by the player that owns the game. Two Switches each using their own account can both play the same game at the same time.

4. Can I set up two Switches with two Nintendo Accounts on one?

You can link your Nintendo Account to multiple consoles. However, you can only activate one primary console per Nintendo Account.

5. How do I link a second Nintendo Account?

Select System Settings on the HOME Menu, scroll down to highlight Users, then select Add User, and follow the on-screen prompts.

6. Can two Nintendo Accounts share games across multiple Switches?

Not easily. Digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them. 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.

7. Why can’t I play a game on my Switch on a different account?

This is likely because you are not using the primary console for the Nintendo Account that purchased the game.

8. What does linking a Nintendo Account do?

Linking a Nintendo Account to a user account provides access to online game modes, global rankings, DLC, and other online features.

9. How do I share games between accounts on the same Switch?

You can gameshare on your Switch by sharing your Nintendo account with another console, so your games need to be digitally associated, or you can’t share them. You can also share physical game cartridges.

10. How many times can I change my primary Switch?

A single Switch can be the primary console for as many accounts as you want, but each account can only set one Switch as its primary at a time.

11. Do I need a separate Nintendo Online account for each user?

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.

12. Are Switch games tied to the user or the account?

Purchases on the Nintendo Switch eShop are tied to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase.

13. What happens if I deregister my Switch as primary?

Deregistering one console will allow you to select a different console as the primary console for your Nintendo Account. Each Nintendo Account can have one primary Nintendo Switch console at a time.

14. Can a primary and secondary Switch play the same game at the same time?

You cannot play the same downloaded game at the same time on your primary and a secondary Switch.

15. How do you set a primary and secondary Switch?

The first Switch you use your Nintendo Account to access the eShop on is automatically set as your primary. Accessing the eShop on another Switch will make it the secondary console.

Conclusion

Linking multiple Nintendo Accounts to a single Nintendo Switch is a valuable feature that allows families and households to enjoy the Switch’s capabilities while maintaining individual game progress and online access. By understanding the concepts of primary and secondary consoles, managing Nintendo Switch Online memberships, and carefully planning digital purchases, you can optimize your Nintendo Switch experience for multiple users. Remember, the vibrant community surrounding gaming, as explored by organizations like the Games Learning Society, highlights the social and collaborative aspects of this entertainment medium.