Can One Switch Have 2 Nintendo Accounts? A Deep Dive into Nintendo’s Account System

Yes, one Nintendo Switch can absolutely have multiple Nintendo Accounts linked to it! In fact, up to eight Nintendo Accounts can be associated with a single console. This is a fantastic feature for families or households with multiple gamers, allowing each person to have their own personalized experience, save data, and access to online features.

Understanding Nintendo Accounts and User Profiles

Before diving into the details, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between Nintendo Accounts and user profiles on the Switch. A user profile is simply an identity created on the console itself. Think of it as a local login. A Nintendo Account, on the other hand, is your online identity with Nintendo, granting access to the Nintendo eShop, online multiplayer, and other services. You can link a Nintendo Account to a user profile to unlock these online functionalities. Without linking a Nintendo Account, you can still use the Switch, but your experience will be limited to offline gameplay and system settings.

Benefits of Multiple Accounts on a Single Switch

Having multiple Nintendo Accounts linked to a single Switch offers numerous benefits:

• Personalized Save Data: Each user has their own separate save files for games. No more accidental overwriting or progress sharing!

• Individual eShop Access: Each account can purchase and download games from the Nintendo eShop, building their own digital library.

• Online Multiplayer: Each account, with a Nintendo Switch Online membership, can participate in online multiplayer games.

• Customized Settings: Each user can tailor the system settings, such as language, parental controls, and brightness, to their preferences.

• Family Management: Parents can use Nintendo’s parental control features to manage each child’s gaming activity and purchases.

How to Add a Nintendo Account to Your Switch

Adding another Nintendo Account to your Switch is a straightforward process:

1. From the HOME Menu, select “System Settings”.
2. Scroll down and select “Users”.
3. Choose “Add User”.
4. Select how you’d like to add a user. You can create a new user or import one from another console.
5. If creating a new user, choose an icon and nickname, and then select “OK”.
6. From here, select “Sign In and Link” if you want to associate a Nintendo Account with this user profile.
7. Enter the login information of the Nintendo Account you want to link, and select “Link”, followed by “OK”.

Primary and Secondary Consoles: Sharing Digital Games

Nintendo’s system allows for digital game sharing between multiple consoles, but it relies on the concept of primary and secondary consoles.

Primary Console

The primary console is the first Switch that a Nintendo Account uses to access the Nintendo eShop. Any user on the primary console can play games purchased by any Nintendo Account that has registered that console as their primary. This is a great way for families to share digital game libraries on their main console.

Secondary Console

A secondary console is any Switch other than the primary console for a particular Nintendo Account. On a secondary console, only the Nintendo Account that purchased the game can play it. In order to play the game, the Nintendo Account has to connect to the internet to verify that it owns the digital game. Also, if the user is already playing a game purchased with the same account on another Nintendo Switch console, they won’t be able to play it on the secondary console.

Changing Your Primary Console

You can easily change which Switch is designated as your primary console. Simply access the Nintendo eShop on the console you want to be the new primary console, and it will automatically become the primary. The old primary console will then be deregistered. You can do this as many times as you like but can only have one primary console at a time.

Game Sharing Caveats

It is important to know that only one person can play a shared game at a time, regardless of which user profile is in use. Also, you can’t play the same game at the same time on both consoles with the same Nintendo Account.

Nintendo Switch Online and Family Memberships

To enjoy online multiplayer and other online features, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required. A Family Membership is often the most cost-effective option for households with multiple users, as it covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts for a single annual fee. Note that multiple users on the same console are not automatically covered by a Family Membership. Each user needs their own Individual Membership or to be part of a Family Membership to access online services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about using multiple Nintendo Accounts on a single Switch:

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

No, two Nintendo Accounts on the same Switch cannot share an individual online subscription. Each account needs its own individual subscription or must be part of a Family Membership.

2. Can two Nintendo accounts share games?

Yes, digital games can be shared on the primary console. 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.

3. Can two Nintendo Switches play on the same account at the same time?

No, you can’t play the same game at the same time on both consoles with the same Nintendo Account.

4. How do I allow other users to play games on Switch?

Create a new user profile and link it to the Nintendo Account that owns the digital games. Then, make sure the console is set as the primary console for that Nintendo Account.

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

You are likely not using the primary console for the Nintendo Account that purchased the game. On a secondary console, the game can only be started by the player that owns the game.

6. What is the difference between users and accounts on Nintendo Switch?

User profiles are used to manage each player’s save data and personal settings. A Nintendo Account provides access to online features and the Nintendo eShop.

7. What does linking a Nintendo Account do?

Linking a Nintendo Account to a user profile provides access to online game modes (online multiplayer, global rankings, DLC, etc.)

8. How do I make my secondary Switch primary?

Use your Nintendo Account to access the Nintendo eShop on the console that you want to be the primary console. The system will automatically be set as the primary console for your Nintendo Account.

9. How many times can you change primary Switch?

You can change your primary console as many times as you want, but you can only have one primary console at a time.

10. How many Nintendo Accounts can be linked to a console?

Up to eight user profiles, each of which can be linked to a different Nintendo Account, can be created on one console.

11. Can you have two profiles under one Nintendo Account?

No, you cannot have two profiles under one Nintendo Account. Each profile must be linked to a unique Nintendo Account.

12. Do both players need the same game to play Nintendo Switch Online?

For multiplayer, you will need one copy for each console.

13. Do you 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 benefits.

14. Does each account on Switch need online?

No, the Nintendo Switch Online membership is not for one Nintendo Switch console, but for one Nintendo Account.

15. 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.

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch’s account system is designed to be flexible and accommodating, allowing multiple users to share a single console while maintaining personalized experiences. Understanding the differences between user profiles, Nintendo Accounts, and primary/secondary console designations is key to maximizing the benefits of this system. With a little planning, families and groups of friends can easily share digital game libraries and enjoy online multiplayer together. For more on games and learning, check out the GamesLearningSociety.org website.