Can Kids Share Switch Games? A Parent’s Guide to Nintendo’s Ecosystem

Yes, kids can absolutely share Switch games, but the “how” depends on a few key factors: whether you’re talking about physical or digital games, the number of Switch consoles you have, and your family’s Nintendo Account setup. The good news is, Nintendo offers several avenues to make gaming more accessible and affordable for families. Let’s dive into the details to clarify how game sharing works in the Nintendo Switch universe.

Understanding Nintendo Accounts and Consoles

First, it’s crucial to understand the relationship between Nintendo Accounts and Nintendo Switch consoles. A Nintendo Account is essentially your profile – it stores your digital game purchases, save data, and online membership information. Each Switch console can have multiple user profiles, each linked to a unique Nintendo Account.

One Switch console can be designated as the “primary console” for a specific Nintendo Account. This is where things get interesting for game sharing. On the primary console, any user profile can access and play the digital games purchased with that Nintendo Account, even without an internet connection. Think of it as the home base for your digital library.

A non-primary console requires an active internet connection to verify the game license with Nintendo’s servers each time you launch a digital game purchased with that account. Crucially, only the user profile associated with the purchasing Nintendo Account can play those digital games on a non-primary console.

Physical vs. Digital Games: A Key Distinction

• Physical Games: These are the game cartridges you physically insert into the Switch. Sharing is straightforward – simply swap the cartridge between consoles. Anyone can play the game on any Switch console, regardless of Nintendo Account setup. However, you need to be mindful of save data not always being transferable. Some games save directly to the cartridge, but many save to the console’s internal memory.

• Digital Games: These are downloaded from the Nintendo eShop. Sharing digital games is more complex and relies on the primary console designation.

Sharing Digital Games: The Primary Console Method

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how to share digital games using the primary console method:

1. Choose a Primary Console: Decide which Switch console will be the primary console for your Nintendo Account. Typically, this would be the console used most frequently by the account holder who purchased the games.

2. Register the Primary Console: On the chosen console, log in with your Nintendo Account. This console is now automatically registered as your primary console.

3. Download Games: Download all the digital games you want to share onto the primary console.

4. Secondary Console Setup: On any other Switch consoles, log in with the same Nintendo Account. This automatically designates these consoles as non-primary.

5. Redownload Games: On the non-primary console, redownload the games you want to access.

6. Playing Games:

   • Primary Console: Anyone on the primary console can play the downloaded games under their own user profile.
   • Non-Primary Console: Only the user profile linked to the Nintendo Account that purchased the games can play them on the non-primary console. And they need an active internet connection to do so.

Limitations to Consider

• Simultaneous Play: You cannot use the same Nintendo Account to play the same game on multiple consoles simultaneously. If you try, the game will pause on one console with an error message stating that the game is being played on another console.

• Internet Connection: While users on the primary console can play digital games offline, the user playing on the non-primary console needs an active internet connection to verify their game license.

• One Account Per User: To avoid constant switching of primary console designations (which can be done only once a year), it’s recommended that each child have their own Nintendo Account linked to the family group, and have access to the games on the primary console.

Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership: Enhancing the Experience

A Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership is a great investment if you have multiple kids. For a single annual price, up to eight Nintendo Accounts can access the online features of Nintendo Switch games, including online multiplayer, cloud saves, and access to a library of classic NES and Super NES games. This does not, however, allow you to share your full digital game library between consoles. It only covers the online features that come with the membership.

The Games Learning Society actively researches and promotes how games can be used effectively for education. You can find more about their work at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

FAQs: Game Sharing on Nintendo Switch for Families

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of game sharing on the Nintendo Switch:

1. Can my child and I share a Switch account on different Switches?

Yes, but with limitations. You can log in to different Switch consoles with the same Nintendo Account, but only one console can be the “primary” console. On the primary console, anyone can play the games purchased with that account. On the non-primary console, only the account holder can play the games, and they need an internet connection to do so. You cannot play the same game simultaneously on both consoles with the same account.

2. How can my kids play Nintendo Switch together?

If they are in the same room, they can use “couch co-op” or local wireless to connect up to eight Switch consoles for multiplayer games. If they are far apart, they can play online if they have a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

3. Can you share games on Nintendo Switch if you have 3 switches?

Yes, but the primary console system still applies. Only one Switch can be designated as the primary console for a particular Nintendo Account. The others will function as secondary consoles, needing an internet connection for the account holder to play games. Each user will likely still need a separate copy of games to play together on separate switches.

4. Can you play the same game on 2 different switches simultaneously?

Not with the same Nintendo Account. Only one console can use a specific digital game license at a time. If you want to play the same game simultaneously, you’ll need separate digital or physical copies of the game for each console and player.

5. Can 2 people use the same Switch game cartridge?

Yes, this is the simplest form of game sharing. Since the game data is on the cartridge, anyone can insert the cartridge into any Switch and play the game.

6. Can 2 kids share a Switch?

Absolutely. The Switch supports multiple user profiles, so each child can have their own profile on the same console. This allows them to keep their save data separate. Sharing turns is then simply a matter of agreeing on a schedule.

7. Does my child need their own Nintendo Account?

While not strictly necessary, it’s highly recommended. A Nintendo Account allows your child to access online features, download games, earn My Nintendo points, and customize their user profile. Parents can create and manage child accounts for users aged 12 and under.

8. Does each kid need their own Nintendo Switch?

It depends on your budget and how you want them to play. Multiple Switch consoles eliminate arguments over screen time, and a Nintendo Switch Online family membership offers a cost-effective option. A single Switch can be a good starting point, especially if kids are willing to share and take turns.

9. Can a Nintendo child account buy games?

Yes, but with parental controls. The parent/guardian account can restrict eShop purchases and add funds to the child’s account, preventing unauthorized spending.

10. What is the difference between a Nintendo Account for a child and an account for an adult?

Child accounts are designed for users aged 0-17 and require parental consent and oversight. Adult accounts (13+) have full access to all Nintendo online services and features.

11. How does a Nintendo Switch family plan work?

A Family Membership allows up to eight Nintendo Account holders to access Nintendo Switch Online services (online play, cloud saves, classic games) from any Switch console. It doesn’t allow game sharing beyond the primary/non-primary console system.

12. Do I need two copies of Switch games to play multiplayer?

Usually, yes. To play online or use local wireless multiplayer on separate Switch consoles, each player typically needs their own copy of the game, except for games that specifically offer single-cart multiplayer functionality.

13. Should I get my 7 year old a Nintendo Switch?

The Nintendo Switch offers games for all ages. Carefully review the game’s ESRB rating and content before allowing your child to play.

14. Does every user on a Switch need a Nintendo Account?

You’ll need a user profile to play on Nintendo Switch, and linking a Nintendo Account to that profile is required for online features and accessing the eShop.

15. 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 already own. However, owning the physical copy does not entitle you to a free digital copy. Game saves from a physical copy can often be transferred to a digital one.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Nintendo Switch Experience

Game sharing on the Nintendo Switch requires a bit of planning and understanding of Nintendo’s account system. By carefully considering the primary console setup, leveraging the benefits of the Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership, and being mindful of physical versus digital game ownership, you can create a gaming environment that’s both fun and affordable for the whole family. Remember, the goal is to encourage shared experiences and create lasting memories, so choose the setup that best suits your family’s needs and gaming habits. More information on game based learning can be found at GamesLearningSociety.org.