Can Two People Play Switch Online with One Account? The Ultimate Guide
The short answer is: yes, but with caveats. Sharing a single Nintendo Account for online play between two people on separate Nintendo Switch consoles is possible through the Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership, but it’s not quite as simple as just logging in on two devices simultaneously. Using the system to its full potential requires understanding the nuances of primary and non-primary consoles, account linking, and the family membership structure. This article dives deep into how to navigate this system, offering comprehensive insights and answering common questions.
Understanding the Nintendo Account Ecosystem
Before diving into the specifics of shared online play, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamental building blocks of the Nintendo Account system. Each user on a Nintendo Switch console has a user profile. This profile can then be linked to a Nintendo Account, which is your gateway to online services, digital game purchases, and more.
A Nintendo Account can only have one designated primary console. This designation is critical because it determines who can access your digital games and benefits. Anyone playing on your primary console can access your purchased digital games, regardless of their own Nintendo Account status.
On a non-primary console, you, as the account holder, can still access and play your digital games, but only when logged in with your Nintendo Account and with an active internet connection. Other users on that non-primary console cannot play your games unless they are using your account.
The Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership: Your Key to Shared Online Play
The most straightforward way for two or more people to play Nintendo Switch games online using one “account” (technically, a membership) is through the Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership. This membership allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts within a family group to access the Nintendo Switch Online service.
With a Family Membership, each member can use their own individual Nintendo Account on any Nintendo Switch console and still enjoy the benefits of online play, cloud saves, and access to the library of classic NES and SNES games. Critically, they don’t all have to be on the same console.
How to Set Up Shared Online Play with a Family Membership
- Purchase a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership: The administrator of the family group needs to purchase the Family Membership from the Nintendo eShop.
- Create a Family Group: In your Nintendo Account settings on the Nintendo website, create a family group.
- Invite Family Members: Invite other Nintendo Accounts to join your family group. Note: They must accept the invitation to become official members.
- Enjoy Online Play: Once added to the family group, each member can access Nintendo Switch Online services on their respective Nintendo Switch consoles using their own Nintendo Account.
Limitations and Considerations
While the Family Membership offers a convenient way to share online access, some limitations exist. Each member of the family group still needs their own Nintendo Account. You cannot have two people using the same Nintendo Account simultaneously on different consoles. Trying to do so will result in errors and connection issues.
Also, if you plan on game sharing digital titles, remember the primary console limitation. Only users on the primary console can play digital games purchased by the account holder, regardless of their own Nintendo Account status. On non-primary consoles, only the account holder can access those games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 common questions regarding playing Nintendo Switch games online with one account:
1. Can two people play the same digital game at the same time using one Nintendo Account?
No, only one person can play a digital game at a time using a single Nintendo Account, unless both players are on the primary console for that account. On the primary console, anyone can play the games associated with the Nintendo account, regardless of their own Nintendo Account status.
2. What happens if I try to play the same game simultaneously on two Switches with the same account?
One of the Switches will likely encounter an error, interrupting the gameplay. Nintendo enforces this limitation to prevent widespread game sharing.
3. Can I share my physical games with another person on a different Switch?
Yes, you can share physical game cartridges with anyone, regardless of their Nintendo Account status or location. However, only one person can play the game at a time.
4. Do both players need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play online co-op games like It Takes Two?
Yes, for most online co-op games, including It Takes Two, each player needs a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, either an individual membership or through a Family Membership.
5. Can I combine two Nintendo Accounts into one?
No, Nintendo does not allow the merging of two separate Nintendo Accounts.
6. What is the difference between a primary and non-primary console?
The primary console is the Nintendo Switch that is registered as the main console for a particular Nintendo Account. Anyone on the primary console can play games purchased by that account. The non-primary console requires the account holder to be logged in and connected to the internet to access and play their digital games.
7. How do I change my primary console?
You can de-register your current primary console through the Nintendo eShop on that console. Then, when you download a digital game on a different console, it will automatically become your new primary console. Note that there’s a limit to how frequently you can change your primary console.
8. What is the maximum number of users I can have on one Nintendo Switch console?
You can create up to eight user accounts on a single Nintendo Switch console.
9. Do I need a separate Nintendo Online account for each user on my Switch?
No, not necessarily. With a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership, multiple users can access online services using their own Nintendo Accounts, all under one membership.
10. How much does a Nintendo Online Family Plan cost?
The Family Plan costs $34.99 per year and grants access to Nintendo Switch Online for up to eight Nintendo Accounts. Adding the Expansion Pack costs a total of $79.99 per year.
11. Can I play someone else’s games on my Switch if they have a digital copy?
Yes, if their Nintendo Account is the primary account on your Nintendo Switch, you can play their games. Alternatively, you can log in using their Nintendo Account, however, only one person can play the game at a time.
12. Can my wife and I share a Nintendo Account and play online together?
You can share a Nintendo Account, but you can only play the same digital game simultaneously on separate consoles if the console is set to the primary console. Using a family membership will allow each of you to play on your own account and console.
13. Can you share games on Nintendo Switch if you have 3 switches?
Technically, yes, but only one Nintendo Switch can be set to the primary console for each Nintendo Account. This means you would need to purchase multiple copies of a digital game if you want to play simultaneously on all three consoles, or use a family membership that would allow you to play using individual accounts.
14. Is Nintendo Switch Online free?
No, Nintendo Switch Online is a paid service. There is a free trial available, but it automatically converts to a paid membership unless cancelled.
15. What are the benefits of linking a Nintendo Account to a user account on Switch?
Linking a Nintendo Account to a user account allows access to online game modes (online multiplayer, global rankings, DLC, etc.), digital game purchases, cloud saves, and other online features.
Conclusion: Navigating the Nintendo Switch Online Landscape
While using a single Nintendo Account for online play on multiple Nintendo Switch consoles has limitations, the Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership offers a practical and cost-effective solution for families and groups of friends. By understanding the nuances of primary and non-primary consoles, account linking, and the benefits of a Family Membership, you can maximize your enjoyment of Nintendo Switch games online.
For more information on gaming and its impact on learning, consider exploring resources such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Understanding the design and functionality of gaming systems like the Nintendo Switch can offer valuable insights into how people learn and interact within digital environments.