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Can Two Nintendo Accounts Share a Switch? The Ultimate Guide

Yes, absolutely! Two (or even more) Nintendo Accounts can share a single Nintendo Switch console. The Nintendo Switch is designed to accommodate multiple users, each with their own profile and Nintendo Account. However, there are nuances to understand to get the most out of sharing your Switch, especially regarding digital games, online services, and save data. This guide will break down everything you need to know.

Understanding Nintendo Accounts and User Profiles

Before diving into the specifics, let’s clarify the difference between a Nintendo Account and a user profile on the Switch.

User Profile: This is a local profile on your Nintendo Switch. Each person who uses the Switch should have their own user profile. This profile stores individual game progress, settings, and preferences. You can have up to eight user profiles on a single Switch.
Nintendo Account: This is your online account with Nintendo. It’s linked to a user profile and provides access to online services like the Nintendo eShop, online multiplayer, cloud saves (for compatible games), and more.

Linking a Nintendo Account to a user profile unlocks the full potential of the Nintendo Switch. Without linking, you can only play physical games and are unable to access online features.

How Sharing Works: Digital Games and Primary Consoles

One of the key aspects of sharing a Switch is understanding how digital game ownership works. When you purchase a digital game from the Nintendo eShop, it’s tied to your Nintendo Account.

Primary Console: You can designate one Nintendo Switch console as your primary console for your Nintendo Account. On your primary console, anyone using the console can play the digital games you’ve purchased, even if they’re using a different user profile linked to a different Nintendo Account. This is crucial for families sharing a single Switch.
Non-Primary Console: If you log into your Nintendo Account on a different (non-primary) Switch, you can still play your digital games. However, only you (the account holder) can play them. Everyone else on the non-primary console will not be able to access the games you downloaded. You’ll also need an active internet connection to verify your ownership each time you launch a game on a non-primary console.

This primary/non-primary console system is designed to allow you to play your games on multiple Switches (perhaps you have a Switch at home and a Switch Lite for travel), while also preventing widespread game sharing amongst people who aren’t part of your family.

Nintendo Switch Online and Family Memberships

Another vital consideration is the Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) service. NSO is required to play many games online and provides access to a library of classic NES and SNES games, cloud saves, and other benefits.

Individual Membership: Each Nintendo Account can purchase an individual NSO membership.
Family Membership: A much more cost-effective option for families is the Family Membership. This allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts within a family group to access NSO services. Importantly, members of the family group do not need to be on the same physical Switch console. This covers any combination of Switches across multiple households.
Expansion Pack: The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack adds even more benefits, including access to Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, as well as DLC for certain games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This expansion pack can also be added to both Individual and Family Memberships, though the Family Membership with Expansion Pack provides the best value for families.

Considerations for Save Data and Parental Controls

Save Data: Game save data is stored per user profile on the Switch. This means each person has their own individual progress in each game. Make sure everyone has their own user profile to avoid accidentally overwriting each other’s saves. While NSO offers cloud saves, it’s linked to the Nintendo Account, further emphasizing the importance of individual profiles.
Parental Controls: The Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app allows you to manage what children can access on the Switch, including setting time limits, restricting access to certain games based on age rating, and controlling online interactions. Parental controls are also tied to Nintendo Accounts, allowing for different levels of access and restriction for each child in the family group.

Gaming Together on a Single Switch

The Nintendo Switch is designed for multiplayer fun.

Local Multiplayer: Many games support local multiplayer, allowing multiple people to play together on the same console using Joy-Cons or other controllers. The Switch can connect to up to eight wireless controllers simultaneously.
Co-op Games: Some games, like It Takes Two, are specifically designed for co-op gameplay. These games often require two sets of Joy-Cons or other controllers for two players to play together on one console.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Game Not Playable: If someone on your primary console can’t play a digital game you purchased, make sure that console is still set as your primary console in your Nintendo Account settings.
Internet Connection Required: On a non-primary console, you must have an active internet connection to launch digital games.
Save Data Conflicts: Ensure everyone has their own user profile to avoid save data conflicts.

FAQs About Sharing a Nintendo Switch

1. Can I merge two Nintendo Accounts into one?

No, Nintendo does not allow merging of two Nintendo Accounts. Therefore, carefully consider which account you want to use as your primary one before making any digital purchases.

2. How many Nintendo Accounts can be linked to a single Switch?

You can link up to eight Nintendo Accounts to a single Nintendo Switch console, allowing for multiple users with personalized settings and online access.

3. Do I need a separate Nintendo Switch Online subscription for each user?

Not necessarily. A Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts, making it a cost-effective option for families.

4. Can two people play the same digital game at the same time on different Switches with one account?

No. If one person is playing a digital game on a non-primary console, the other person cannot simultaneously play the same game on a different console using the same Nintendo Account. One account may be playing at a time.

5. Can I share my digital games with someone who isn’t in my “family group”?

The primary/non-primary console system is designed to facilitate sharing within a household. Sharing with someone outside your immediate family group would require giving them access to your Nintendo Account, which isn’t recommended due to security reasons.

6. How do I change my primary console?

You can change your primary console in your Nintendo Account settings on the Nintendo eShop. There’s usually a limit to how frequently you can change it, so choose carefully.

7. What happens if I lose my Switch with digital games on it?

If your Switch is lost or stolen, contact Nintendo support immediately. They may be able to assist in transferring your Nintendo Account and digital game licenses to a new console once you’ve marked the old one as lost.

8. Can I play physical games without a Nintendo Account?

Yes, you can play physical games without linking a Nintendo Account. However, you won’t be able to access online features or download updates.

9. Is save data stored on the game cartridge or the console?

Save data for most games is stored on the console itself, not on the game cartridge. This highlights the importance of having separate user profiles to avoid overwriting saves.

10. What is a supervised Nintendo Account?

A Supervised Nintendo Account is usually for children aged 12 and under. It allows parents to manage their child’s activity on the Switch, including setting spending limits and restricting access to certain features.

11. How do I create a new user profile on my Switch?

From the HOME Menu, select “System Settings” > “Users” > “Add User.” Follow the on-screen prompts to create a new user profile.

12. Can I use a Nintendo Account from a different region?

Yes, you can use a Nintendo Account from a different region on your Switch. However, the Nintendo eShop region will be determined by the region associated with your account. You may encounter region locks with certain digital content.

13. What are the benefits of linking my Nintendo Account to a user profile?

Linking your Nintendo Account provides access to online multiplayer, the Nintendo eShop, cloud saves (for compatible games), and other online features.

14. Can I transfer save data from one user profile to another?

Directly transferring save data between user profiles on the same Switch is not officially supported. However, some games may offer in-game options to transfer data, or there may be unofficial methods available online (use at your own risk).

15. Where can I learn more about how games foster learning and development?

For further insights into the educational benefits of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society is dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and education.

Sharing a Nintendo Switch can be a fantastic way to enjoy gaming with family and friends. By understanding how Nintendo Accounts, user profiles, and the primary/non-primary console system work, you can create a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone.

Can two Nintendo accounts share a switch?