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Can You GameShare with 3 Switches? A Deep Dive into Nintendo’s Sharing System

The short answer is no, you cannot effectively game share between three Nintendo Switch consoles using a single Nintendo Account in the way that many players hope. Nintendo’s system is designed primarily for individual use across multiple devices and limited sharing between two. The primary/non-primary console designation is key, and it only supports one primary console per account. Let’s break down why and explore the nuances of sharing games within the Nintendo ecosystem.

Understanding the Nintendo Account System

At the heart of Nintendo’s digital game ownership lies the Nintendo Account. This account is your key to accessing the Nintendo eShop, purchasing digital games, and using online services like Nintendo Switch Online. It’s crucial to understand how this account interacts with your Nintendo Switch consoles to grasp the limitations (and possibilities) of game sharing.

Each Nintendo Account can be linked to multiple Nintendo Switch consoles. This allows you to access your purchased games on any of your consoles. However, Nintendo introduces the concept of a “primary console” which significantly impacts game sharing functionality.

The Primary Console: Your Digital Home Base

You can designate one Nintendo Switch console as the primary console for your Nintendo Account. This designation unlocks specific benefits:

Offline Play: Any user on the primary console can access and play your digitally purchased games, even without an internet connection.
Shared Access: All user profiles on the primary console can play your digital games. This is perfect for families where multiple members use the same console.

Non-Primary Consoles: A More Restricted Experience

When playing on a Nintendo Switch console that isn’t set as your primary console, the rules change:

Online Requirement: You can only access and play your digital games on a non-primary console if you’re connected to the internet. This is because the console needs to verify your ownership of the game each time you launch it.
Account Specific Access: Only your user profile can play your digital games on a non-primary console. Other users on that console will not have access.

Why 3-Way Game Sharing Doesn’t Work

The core limitation preventing 3-way game sharing stems from the one primary console per account rule. Imagine you have three Switches: A, B, and C.

If you set Switch A as your primary console, anyone on Switch A can play your games.
If you then try to make Switch B the primary console, Switch A loses its primary status. Now, only you can play your games on Switch A (and only with an internet connection), and anyone can play on Switch B.

Switch C is always a non-primary console, requiring your account and an internet connection to play your games. There’s no configuration that allows all three consoles to simultaneously and conveniently access the same digital library.

Workarounds and Alternative Sharing Methods

While true 3-way game sharing isn’t possible, here are some strategies to maximize game access:

Physical Games: The most straightforward way to share games across multiple consoles is to buy physical copies. Cartridges can be freely shared between any Switch.
Separate Accounts: Each person could have their own Nintendo Account and purchase games individually. This is the most expensive option but ensures everyone has independent access. This is the only real solution for three individuals on separate consoles.
Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership: A Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts to share the benefits of the online service, including access to classic NES and SNES games, and cloud saves for compatible titles. This doesn’t directly share purchased digital games, but it does provide added value.
Strategic Primary Console Switching (Limited Use): If you only need to occasionally share, you can change your primary console to whichever Switch needs full access at that moment. However, this is cumbersome and requires internet access to re-download games on non-primary consoles after the switch.

Is Nintendo likely to offer greater game sharing options in the future?

Nintendo are incredibly tight-lipped about future plans. Many players would definitely welcome a more flexible game sharing system, but it’s impossible to say if Nintendo will change their approach.

FAQs: Deepening Your Understanding of Nintendo Game Sharing

Here are some frequently asked questions to address common concerns and scenarios related to game sharing on the Nintendo Switch:

1. Can I have multiple Nintendo Accounts on one Switch?

Yes. A single Nintendo Switch console can have multiple user profiles, each linked to a separate Nintendo Account. This allows different family members to have their own accounts and purchase games independently.

2. Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for each Switch in my family?

No. A Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts, regardless of which Switch consoles they use.

3. If I buy a digital game, can my spouse play it on their Switch?

Yes, but only if you designate their Switch as your primary console. Otherwise, only you can play the game on their Switch (using your account and with an internet connection).

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

Your digital games are tied to your Nintendo Account, not the console. Simply log into your Nintendo Account on a new Nintendo Switch and redownload your games. However, remember that save data may be lost if you didn’t use cloud saves (available with Nintendo Switch Online).

5. Can I transfer save data between Switches?

Yes, using the save data transfer tool within the Nintendo Switch system settings or via cloud saves if you have Nintendo Switch Online. Not all games support cloud saves.

6. If I buy a physical game, can I play it on multiple Switches simultaneously?

Yes. Physical games can be freely moved between consoles, and there are no restrictions on playing them simultaneously.

7. Can I pre-load a digital game on multiple Switches?

Yes, you can pre-load a digital game on both your primary and non-primary consoles. However, the game will only be playable on the console designated as primary at the time of release, unless you are playing on the non-primary console using the purchasing account with an internet connection.

8. What is the difference between a user profile and a Nintendo Account?

A user profile is created on the Nintendo Switch console itself. A Nintendo Account is an online account that you link to a user profile.

9. How do I change my primary console?

In the Nintendo eShop settings on the console you want to make primary, select your profile icon, then scroll down to “Primary Console” and deregister the current primary console. Then, on the console you want to be the primary one, log into the Nintendo eShop, and it will automatically become your primary console.

10. Are there any games that are easier to share than others?

Physical games are inherently easier to share since they can be freely transferred between consoles. Games that support local wireless multiplayer are also good choices for families with multiple Switches, as players can play together even without an internet connection, as long as each switch owns a copy of the game.

11. What is the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack?

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack includes all the benefits of Nintendo Switch Online, plus access to Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, as well as downloadable content for select games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. This does not impact your ability to gameshare.

12. If I buy DLC for a game, can I share it?

DLC is treated the same way as digital games. It can be shared with other user profiles on the primary console, but only accessible by your account on non-primary consoles with an active internet connection.

13. What are the limitations of cloud saves?

Not all games support cloud saves. Also, if your Nintendo Switch Online membership expires, your cloud save data may be deleted after a certain period.

14. Can I play a downloaded game offline on my non-primary console?

No. To play a downloaded game on a non-primary console, you must be connected to the internet to verify your Nintendo Account.

15. How can I provide feedback to Nintendo about their game sharing policies?

You can contact Nintendo customer support or use their online feedback forms to express your opinions. Consumer feedback can sometimes influence future policy changes. The Games Learning Society has a plethora of resources to help in the world of gaming and its applications in education. More information can be found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Can you Gameshare with 3 switches?