Can Two People Play Nintendo Switch Online at the Same Time? A Deep Dive
Yes, absolutely! Two people can play Nintendo Switch Online at the same time, but the specifics depend on the game, the type of Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership, and whether you’re playing on the same console or separate consoles. Let’s break it down.
If you’re playing on the same Nintendo Switch console, and the game supports local multiplayer (like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe), then two players can definitely play together online against others. The key here is that only one NSO membership is required for the console.
If you’re playing on separate consoles, each player will generally need their own NSO membership to access online features. However, a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts, making it a cost-effective solution for families or groups of friends who want to play online together.
The world of Nintendo Switch Online can be a bit of a maze, so let’s navigate it together with some frequently asked questions!
Navigating Nintendo Switch Online: Your FAQs Answered
Here are 15 FAQs to further illuminate the complexities of playing online with friends and family on your Nintendo Switch.
1. Do both players need Nintendo Switch Online to play “It Takes Two” online?
Yes, for online play in games like “It Takes Two,” both players generally need to have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. However, “It Takes Two” utilizes the Friend Pass system. This means that only one player needs to own the game and have NSO. The other player can download a special “Friend Pass” version, which allows them to play the entire game in co-op with the owner, as long as the owner is online. This is a great way to experience co-op adventures without both players buying the game.
2. Can two players use the same Nintendo Switch account at the same time online?
No, this is not possible. A Nintendo Account can only be actively used on one console at a time as the primary console. While multiple users can share a Switch, each user generally has their own Nintendo Account to track their progress and access online services.
3. Can I share my digital Nintendo Switch games with someone else?
Yes, you can gameshare on the Nintendo Switch. By designating one Switch as the primary console for your Nintendo Account and another as a non-primary console, you can share digital games. However, the person using the non-primary console will need to be connected to the internet to play the shared games. Importantly, you cannot both play the same game at the same time using the same Nintendo Account on two different consoles.
4. Does each user on a Nintendo Switch need their own Nintendo Switch Online membership?
Not necessarily. A Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts to access the online services. If you’re not part of a Family Membership, then each individual user who wants to play online will need their own Individual Membership.
5. Can you play online with two different Nintendo Switch consoles using cross-platform play?
Cross-platform play depends entirely on the game itself. Some games support cross-play between Nintendo Switch and other platforms like PC, Xbox, or PlayStation, allowing players on different systems to play together. Check the specific game’s details to see if it supports cross-play.
6. How do you add players to Nintendo Switch Online to play together?
You can add friends through several methods:
- Friend Code: Exchange unique friend codes.
- Local Search: Bring consoles together and search for nearby users.
- Friend Suggestions: Connect with friends from your Nintendo Account.
- Via Users You Played With: Add people you’ve recently played with online.
7. Can two people play “A Way Out” on the same console?
Yes, “A Way Out” is specifically designed for co-op play, both online and locally on the same console using split-screen.
8. Do you need two copies of a game like “A Way Out” to play online?
Not necessarily. “A Way Out” offers a Friend Pass system. Only one player needs to purchase the game, and the other player can download a free Friend Pass to play online together. This is a fantastic feature for co-op games.
9. Is a Nintendo Switch Online subscription worth it?
Whether a Nintendo Switch Online membership is worth it depends on your gaming habits. If you regularly play online multiplayer games, access cloud saves, and enjoy the library of classic NES and SNES games, then it’s likely a worthwhile investment. However, if you primarily play single-player games offline, the benefits might not justify the cost.
10. How can I get a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for free?
Nintendo occasionally offers free trials of Nintendo Switch Online. These trials are often tied to specific games or promotions. Keep an eye on the Nintendo eShop and official Nintendo website for these opportunities. Also, certain retailers may bundle a free trial with a console purchase.
11. What’s the difference between users and accounts on Nintendo Switch?
User accounts manage each player’s save data and personal settings on the console. A Nintendo Account is a separate online account linked to a user account, providing access to online services like the eShop and Nintendo Switch Online.
12. Can different consoles play together using LAN (Local Area Network) play?
Yes, many games support LAN play, allowing multiple Nintendo Switch consoles to connect and play together locally without needing an internet connection. This is great for gaming events or when internet access is limited. For example, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe supports up to 12 players via LAN connection.
13. Are there age restrictions for playing online games on Nintendo Switch?
While the Nintendo Switch itself doesn’t have explicit age restrictions, individual games have age ratings based on their content. Parents can use the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app to restrict access to games based on age ratings and manage other online features.
14. What is the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack and is it needed for online play?
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is a higher tier of the NSO subscription that includes all the benefits of the standard NSO membership, plus access to a library of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, as well as downloadable content (DLC) for select games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It is not required for basic online play; the standard NSO membership is sufficient for that.
15. If I have an individual NSO membership, can I still join a Family Membership later?
Yes, you can upgrade from an Individual Membership to a Family Membership. Nintendo will usually offer a prorated refund for the remaining time on your Individual Membership, which can be applied to the cost of the Family Membership.
The Future of Cooperative Gaming
The Nintendo Switch continues to be a powerhouse for cooperative gaming, both locally and online. With its versatile hardware and a growing library of games that support shared experiences, it’s an excellent choice for families and friends looking to game together. As technology evolves, we can expect even more seamless and engaging ways to connect and play with others.
Whether you’re strategizing in “It Takes Two,” racing in “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,” or exploring new worlds together, the Nintendo Switch provides a platform for building memories and sharing the joy of gaming with loved ones. You can delve into the educational benefits and collaborative potential of gaming by visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.