Can I Use Someone Else’s Switch Game on My Switch? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: Yes, you can use someone else’s Nintendo Switch game on your own Switch, but the methods and limitations depend heavily on whether the game is a digital purchase or a physical cartridge. The Nintendo Switch’s system for sharing games is a little more nuanced than simply handing over a disk, so understanding how it works is crucial. This article will delve into the intricacies of sharing games on the Nintendo Switch, covering both digital and physical versions, and answer many frequently asked questions to provide you with a complete understanding of the process.
Understanding Digital Game Sharing on Nintendo Switch
Nintendo’s approach to digital game sharing is centered around the concept of a primary console for each Nintendo Account. Every user with a Nintendo Account can designate one of their Switch consoles as their primary system. This means that anyone using that specific Switch console can play any digital games purchased by the Nintendo Account owner.
How Primary Consoles Affect Game Sharing
- Primary Console Benefit: If your Switch is the primary console for a Nintendo Account, any user profiles on that console can access the games purchased with that account. This is ideal for families sharing one console at home.
- Non-Primary Console Limitations: On any Switch that is not the primary console for a Nintendo Account, only the account owner can access their digitally purchased games. Other users on that non-primary console cannot play those games.
Sharing with Friends and Family:
To share games with a friend or family member who owns a separate Switch, you need to understand the difference between a primary and non-primary console:
- Friend’s Switch as Your Primary: You can log into your Nintendo Account on your friend’s Switch and then set it as your primary console. This will allow them to access all your digital games on their Switch through any user profiles.
- Your Switch as Secondary: If your friend’s Switch is set as your primary, then your Switch becomes a non-primary console for your account. You can still play your digital games but only when logged in with your specific Nintendo Account. Other user profiles on your Switch won’t be able to play games that you own on this console.
- Redownloading Games: After setting your friend’s console as your primary, they will be able to redownload games from the Nintendo eShop using any of their user accounts.
Sharing Physical Games (Cartridges)
Physical games on the Nintendo Switch offer a more straightforward sharing experience.
Sharing Physical Cartridges
- Simple Sharing: Unlike digital games, you can freely lend, borrow, or trade physical cartridges. There is no account ownership tied to the cartridge.
- No Account Restrictions: Any user on any Switch console can play a game by simply inserting the physical game cartridge.
- Reselling and Trading: You can also buy, sell, and trade physical cartridges without any Nintendo account constraints.
No Converting Physical to Digital
It’s important to know that you cannot convert your physical game cartridge into a digital version. Purchasing a physical copy does not give you a digital copy. If you want both a physical and digital version, you will need to purchase them separately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Using Someone Else’s Switch Game
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to clarify the various aspects of game sharing on Nintendo Switch:
Q1: Can multiple users on the same Switch play my digital games?
A: Yes, on the primary console for your Nintendo Account, all user profiles can play any digital games you have purchased with that account.
Q2: Can I play my digital games on multiple Switch consoles at the same time?
A: No, your digital games can only be played simultaneously by your account on the primary console and your user on any non-primary consoles. They cannot be played simultaneously on two non-primary consoles.
Q3: If I set my friend’s Switch as my primary, can they play my games offline?
A: Yes, once a Switch is set as the primary for your Nintendo Account, the games can be played offline by anyone on that console.
Q4: What happens if I set a new primary console?
A: Setting a new primary console automatically makes your previous primary console a non-primary console. This may mean your previous primary console can only access your digital games if they log into your profile.
Q5: Can I transfer my game progress to another Switch?
A: Yes, your game progress is linked to your Nintendo Account, and it can be transferred to another Switch when you move your account and its associated data.
Q6: Can I share physical cartridges on any Switch?
A: Absolutely. Any Nintendo Switch console can play a game as long as the game cartridge is inserted. No account link is required.
Q7: Can I download a physical game to my Switch?
A: No, you cannot download a physical game from the cartridge to your Nintendo Switch console. The cartridge provides a physical copy of the game.
Q8: Can I share digital games with someone on a Switch Lite?
A: Yes, the rules for sharing digital games are the same across all Nintendo Switch models (original, OLED, and Lite). You just need to set their system as your primary console.
Q9: Can I link two Switches together for local play if we have the same game?
A: Yes, for games that support it like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, you can connect multiple Nintendo Switch systems via local wireless for multiplayer.
Q10: How many Nintendo Accounts can be linked to one Switch?
A: You can link up to 8 Nintendo Accounts to a single Nintendo Switch console.
Q11: If I have a child account, can it play games on the primary console?
A: Yes, all user accounts, including child accounts, on your primary Nintendo Switch console can play games you purchased with your Nintendo Account.
Q12: Is it better to buy physical or digital games for sharing?
A: Physical games are easier to share, as there are no account restrictions, while digital games can be shared with others if you set their console as your primary. Both have their own pros and cons in terms of price and flexibility, depending on whether you want a shared experience or a more individual one.
Q13: Can I copy a Switch game from a cartridge onto an SD card?
A: No, you cannot copy physical game cartridges to an SD card.
Q14: Can I play the same game on two Switches using one digital purchase?
A: Yes, you can as long as one of those switches is your primary and you are using your profile on the secondary switch.
Q15: What happens if I buy a game digitally?
A: Once purchased, the game will automatically download to the system linked to your Nintendo Account and can be played on any primary consoles and can be played on other Nintendo Switch consoles using the Nintendo account that purchased it.
Conclusion
Understanding how game sharing works on the Nintendo Switch allows you to make the most of your game library and enjoy playing with friends and family. While digital sharing is linked to the primary console system, physical cartridges offer a simple, restriction-free alternative. Knowing these details allows you to maximize the enjoyment of your games while respecting the Nintendo platform’s sharing mechanisms.