Can I Play Games I Bought on Another Switch? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, absolutely! You can play games you’ve purchased on another Nintendo Switch, but there’s a bit more to it than simply popping in a cartridge or expecting your digital library to magically appear. Nintendo’s system involves a primary console and a system of account linking that determines how and who can access your digital games. Think of it like having a home base for your games, and then understanding how to take those games on the road. Let’s dive into the details.
Understanding the Nintendo Switch Ecosystem
The Nintendo Switch offers a hybrid experience, blending the convenience of digital downloads with the tangibility of physical game cartridges. This versatility allows you to build a library of games in different formats, but it also necessitates understanding how Nintendo handles game ownership and accessibility across multiple consoles.
Primary vs. Non-Primary Consoles
The core of understanding game sharing on the Switch lies in the concept of primary and non-primary consoles. Each Nintendo Account can designate one Switch as its primary console. This designation grants certain privileges, especially regarding digital game access.
- Primary Console: On your primary console, anyone who uses the Switch can play the digital games you’ve purchased, regardless of whether you’re actively logged in. It’s the equivalent of letting your family use your Netflix account on the living room TV.
- Non-Primary Console: On a non-primary console, only you, the account holder who purchased the game, can play your digital games. And you’ll need to be connected to the internet to verify your account. This is akin to logging into Netflix on your phone while traveling – only you can watch, and you need an internet connection.
Digital vs. Physical Games
It’s also essential to distinguish between digital and physical games, as their behavior differs when used on multiple consoles:
- Digital Games: These are tied to your Nintendo Account. They require an internet connection on non-primary consoles to verify your ownership.
- Physical Games: These are stored on cartridges. You can insert them into any Switch and play them, regardless of the console’s primary status or your account. However, save data is stored on the console itself, not the cartridge, so your progress will differ on each Switch unless you use cloud saves (requires Nintendo Switch Online).
Setting Up a New Switch and Accessing Your Games
So, you’ve got a new Switch, and you want to play your existing games. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Link Your Nintendo Account: The first step is to link your Nintendo Account to the new Switch. This is done during the initial setup or within the System Settings.
- Designate as Primary Console: Once linked, go to the Nintendo eShop on the new Switch. This will automatically make the new Switch your primary console. Note that doing so will de-activate your old Switch as the primary console for that account.
- Download Your Games: Navigate to your account information within the eShop, and you’ll find a list of your previously purchased games. Simply select the games you want to play and initiate the download.
- Consider Save Data Transfer: If you want to transfer your save data from your old Switch to the new one, you can do so through the System Settings. There are also cloud save options available with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Sharing Games with Family and Friends
Nintendo allows you to share your digital games, but it’s not as straightforward as gifting a physical copy. Here’s how it works:
- On Your Primary Console: Anyone using your primary console can access and play your digital games.
- On Other Consoles: Only the account holder who purchased the game can play it on non-primary consoles, and they must be connected to the internet.
This system allows families to share games within the same household, as long as one Switch is designated as the primary console. However, it also means that you can’t simply give a digital game to a friend who doesn’t live with you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the complexities of playing games on multiple Nintendo Switch consoles:
1. Do I have to rebuy games on a new Switch?
No, you don’t have to rebuy games on a new Switch. Log in to your Nintendo Account on your new Switch and designate it as your primary console. Then, redownload your previously purchased games from the eShop.
2. Can I have 2 Switches with the same account?
Yes, you can link your Nintendo Account to multiple consoles. However, only one can be the primary console for that account.
3. Can I share my digital Switch games with family?
Yes, you can share digital games with family members who use your primary console. Anyone on that console can play your downloaded games.
4. Can I give my digital Switch game to someone else?
No, you can’t directly give a digital Switch game to someone else. However, anyone using your primary console can play the games purchased on your account.
5. Can you send a digital Switch game to someone else?
No, it is not possible to send a gift directly through the Nintendo eShop. Consider gifting a Nintendo eShop card instead.
6. Can I play digital games on two switches simultaneously?
No, you can only play a digital game on one Switch at a time using the same account. If you try to launch the same game on a non-primary console while it’s running on the primary, you’ll encounter an error.
7. Can I redownload my games on a new SD card?
Yes, you can redownload purchased games onto a new SD card. Simply redownload them from the Nintendo eShop using the account that purchased the games. Alternatively, you can copy the game data from your old SD card to your new one.
8. How many times can you change the primary Switch?
You can change your primary Switch as many times as you need to. However, each account can only have one active primary console at a time.
9. Do I lose my games if I sell my Switch?
You don’t lose your digital games if you sell your Switch. They are tied to your Nintendo Account. Just make sure to deregister the Switch as your primary console before selling it.
10. Why do I have to repurchase a game on a Switch?
If a game shows a cost in the eShop, it means you’re not using the primary console for the account that purchased the game. Only the account holder can play the game on a non-primary console.
11. Can you redownload purchased games on Switch to a new SD card?
Yes, you can redownload games to a new SD card. Your eShop balance is tied to your account, so you won’t lose it.
12. Why can’t I play my downloaded games on Switch?
This usually happens if the console isn’t set as the primary console for the account that purchased the games, or if you are not connected to the internet to verify your license on a non-primary console.
13. Do I need to buy 2 of every game if I buy 2 Switch consoles?
For digital games, you don’t necessarily need two copies. As long as one console is set as the primary console, anyone using that console can play the digital games. However, to play simultaneously on both consoles, you would need to buy two copies.
14. What happens if you buy a game on the Nintendo Switch eShop but also have the cartridge?
If you have both the digital and physical versions, the Switch will prioritize the cartridge when it’s inserted.
15. Do you keep digital Switch games forever?
Yes, you keep digital Switch games forever. They are tied to your Nintendo Account and can be redownloaded as many times as you want.
Navigating the Nintendo Switch Online Service
It’s worth mentioning the Nintendo Switch Online service, which offers several benefits, including cloud saves for many games. This service helps ensure that your progress is backed up and can be transferred to new consoles or restored if something happens to your Switch. While not all games support cloud saves, it’s a valuable feature to consider. You can find some great game ideas at the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Conclusion
Playing your purchased games on multiple Nintendo Switch consoles is entirely possible, but it requires understanding the nuances of Nintendo’s primary console system and account linking. By following the steps outlined in this guide and keeping the FAQs in mind, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience across all your Switch devices. Whether you’re sharing with family or simply want to play your games on the go, the Nintendo Switch offers the flexibility to make it happen.