Can You Have 2 Different Animal Crossing Games on One Switch? The Ultimate Guide
In the whimsical world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the allure of island life is strong. But what if one island isn’t enough? The burning question for many players is: Can you have 2 different Animal Crossing games on one Nintendo Switch?
The short answer is: No, not in the traditional sense of two completely separate islands running simultaneously from one digital game license or cartridge. The Nintendo Switch console is designed to allow only one island per console, regardless of how many digital copies or physical game cartridges you own. However, there are workarounds and nuances to this limitation. If you own both a physical game cartridge and a digital version of the game, it is possible to achieve something closer to having two separate islands as they will be treated as 2 different licenses. Let’s dive into the details and explore the various possibilities.
Understanding the Island Limitation
Island Save Data and the Nintendo Switch
The core reason for this limitation lies in how Animal Crossing: New Horizons saves its data. The island save data is stored directly on the Nintendo Switch console’s internal memory, not on the game cartridge itself. This means that regardless of whether you swap game cartridges, the system will always load the island save data associated with that particular console. Consequently, attempting to start a new island with a different game cartridge will simply overwrite your existing island, which is something you would never want to do.
User Profiles vs. Islands
While you can’t have multiple islands on a single console, you can have multiple player profiles. Animal Crossing: New Horizons allows for up to eight different player profiles to reside on a single island. These profiles share the same island, but each player has their own house, inventory, and progression within the game. This is great for families who want to share the game, but it does not give you the “two separate islands” experience that some players may crave.
Workarounds and Alternative Solutions
Multiple Nintendo Switch Consoles
The most straightforward way to have multiple islands is to own multiple Nintendo Switch consoles. Each console can have its own unique island. This is the only way to achieve true separation between islands, allowing you to experience entirely different island layouts, villager populations, and design aesthetics.
Digital and Physical Copies
As we alluded to earlier, owning both a digital copy and a physical copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a unique scenario. In this case, you can consider it as having two game licenses, even though you are using a single Nintendo Switch. You can play one island from the digital download and another on the physical cartridge. However, be prepared to switch between the two, closing one game before starting another.
Island Transfer Tool
Nintendo offers an Island Transfer Tool which allows you to move your entire island to a new console. This is useful if you are upgrading your Nintendo Switch or giving your old console to someone else. Keep in mind that this will completely erase the island data on the original console. Nintendo also offers resident transfer, meaning you can transfer a single resident (player) to a new island without transferring the entire island.
FAQs: Animal Crossing Island Management
1. Can I have two Animal Crossing accounts on one Switch?
Yes, you can have up to eight player accounts on one Nintendo Switch system. Each account will have a resident living on the same island.
2. Do I have to buy two copies of Animal Crossing for two Switches?
If you want to play Animal Crossing simultaneously on two Nintendo Switch consoles, you generally need two copies of the game. However, with a digital copy, you can game share between two consoles, designating one as your primary console and the other as your secondary console. The primary console allows any user to play your purchased games, while the secondary console requires an internet connection and is locked to your account.
3. Can I play my Animal Crossing island on two different Switches?
You can download the digital game license to two Nintendo Switch consoles. However, you can only play offline on the primary console. The secondary console requires an internet connection to play. In other words, the Nintendo Account will be needed on both devices to allow the download and start of the game but offline play will only be possible on the console declared as primary.
4. What happens if I put my Animal Crossing game card in a different Switch?
If you insert your Animal Crossing game card into a different Nintendo Switch, it will load the island save data stored on that console, not the data from the game cartridge. If that console has an existing island, you will be playing on that island.
5. How do I transfer my Animal Crossing island to a new Switch?
Use the Island Transfer Tool, available in the Nintendo eShop. This tool will guide you through the process of transferring your entire island to a new console.
6. How many people can play together on one Animal Crossing island?
Up to four players can play together on the same island at the same time locally (same console). Online, up to eight players can visit the same island.
7. Can I have multiple characters on one Animal Crossing island?
Yes, you can have up to eight characters (residents) living on a single island, each with their own house and progression.
8. How many villagers can I have living on my Animal Crossing island?
You can have a maximum of ten villagers living on your island, in addition to the player characters.
9. Will I lose my Animal Crossing island if I get a new Switch?
Not if you use the Island Transfer Tool to move your island data to the new console before selling or giving away your old one.
10. Can I start a new island in Animal Crossing without deleting my existing island?
Not on the same console. To start a new island, you must delete your existing save data or use a different Nintendo Switch console.
11. How do I delete my Animal Crossing save data?
Go to System Settings > Data Management > Delete Save Data, and then select Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Warning! This will permanently erase your island.
12. What happens to my items if I restart my Animal Crossing island?
All items stored on your island will be lost unless you transfer them to another player’s island before deleting your save data.
13. Can multiple kids play Animal Crossing on one Switch?
Yes, multiple children can play Animal Crossing on one Nintendo Switch by creating separate user profiles for each child.
14. Can I use the same Animal Crossing game card on different Switches?
Yes, you can use the same game cartridge on different Nintendo Switch consoles. However, each console will access its own unique island save data.
15. Are there educational benefits to playing Animal Crossing?
Absolutely! Animal Crossing can foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interaction. Many educators and researchers see the potential of games like Animal Crossing in learning environments. For more information, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Final Thoughts: Island Life for Everyone
While the Nintendo Switch limits you to one island per console, there are ways to maximize your Animal Crossing experience. Whether it’s sharing an island with multiple profiles, utilizing both digital and physical copies, or investing in multiple consoles, the possibilities for island life are vast and varied. So, grab your Nintendo Switch, gather your friends and family, and embark on a digital island adventure tailored to your unique preferences!