Can You Play DLC From Other Accounts on Switch? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, you can play DLC from other accounts on a Nintendo Switch, but there’s a crucial caveat: it depends on whether the console is set as the primary console for the account that purchased the DLC. If the console is the primary console for the account that owns the DLC, anyone using that console can access and play the DLC, regardless of their own account. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Understanding Primary and Non-Primary Consoles
The key to understanding DLC sharing on the Nintendo Switch lies in the distinction between primary and non-primary consoles. Each Nintendo Account can designate one Nintendo Switch console as its primary console. This designation grants special privileges, including the ability for any user on that console to access digital games and DLC purchased by that account.
On a non-primary console, the rules are stricter. Only the account that purchased the DLC can access and play it. If another user tries to access the DLC on a non-primary console, they will be unable to do so unless they purchase the DLC themselves.
How DLC Sharing Works on the Primary Console
When a Nintendo Account purchases DLC, and the console being used is set as that account’s primary console, all other users on that console can access the DLC without needing to purchase it separately. This makes it easy for families or households with multiple users to share digital content. This applies to games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild DLC, and Pokémon Sword/Shield Expansion Pass.
This system is beneficial because it promotes accessibility within a household. One purchase unlocks content for everyone using the primary console, making it a cost-effective option.
The Limitations of DLC Sharing on Non-Primary Consoles
If you are using a non-primary console, the only way to access the DLC is to use the Nintendo Account that originally purchased it. This means that if you want to play the DLC on a different console, you either need to:
- Make the console the primary console for the account that owns the DLC.
- Purchase the DLC again using the account on the other console.
Managing Multiple Nintendo Switch Consoles
Many people own more than one Nintendo Switch console. When dealing with multiple consoles, understanding how to manage your primary console designation is vital. If you want to designate a new console as your primary console, you need to deregister the existing one.
To deregister a primary console:
- Open the Nintendo eShop on the console you want to deregister.
- Select your profile icon in the upper-right corner.
- Scroll down to Primary Console and select Deregister.
Once the original console is deregistered, you can designate the new console as your primary console by simply accessing the eShop on that console using the account that owns the DLC.
Cross-Save and DLC
Cross-save functionality allows you to transfer your game progress between different platforms or consoles. However, it’s crucial to understand that DLC licenses do not always transfer with cross-save. This often happens when dealing with games available on multiple platforms, like the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
In most cases, you need to purchase the DLC on each platform you want to play it on. So, if you purchased DLC for a game on your PlayStation, you would likely need to purchase it again for your Nintendo Switch, even if the game supports cross-save.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about playing DLC from other accounts on the Nintendo Switch:
1. If I buy DLC on one Switch, can my family members play it on their accounts on the same Switch?
Yes, if the console is set as the primary console for the account that purchased the DLC. Anyone using the primary console can access and play the DLC, regardless of their own Nintendo Account.
2. How do I set my Nintendo Switch as the primary console?
Simply access the Nintendo eShop on the console using the Nintendo Account that owns the digital games and DLC. This will automatically designate the console as the primary console for that account.
3. Can I play the same digital game on two different Nintendo Switch consoles at the same time?
No, you can only play the same digital game on two different consoles at the same time if one of the consoles is the primary console for the account that purchased the game, and the other console is being used by the purchasing account.
4. What happens if I try to play DLC on a non-primary console using an account that didn’t purchase it?
You will be unable to access the DLC. The game will likely prompt you to purchase the DLC or indicate that you do not have the necessary permissions.
5. How many Nintendo Accounts can be linked to a single Nintendo Switch console?
You can link up to eight Nintendo Accounts to a single Nintendo Switch console. However, the DLC sharing rules still apply based on the primary console designation.
6. If I have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, can everyone on my console play the included DLC?
Yes, if the console is set as the primary console for the Nintendo Account with the active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. All users on that console can access the included DLC, such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise.
7. Can I transfer my DLC to a new Nintendo Switch console?
Yes, you can transfer your DLC to a new Nintendo Switch console. Log in with your Nintendo Account on the new console and access the Nintendo eShop. Then, go to your account information and redownload the DLC.
8. I accidentally purchased DLC on the wrong Nintendo Account. Can I transfer it to another account?
Unfortunately, Nintendo does not offer a direct way to transfer DLC between Nintendo Accounts. You would likely need to contact Nintendo Support for assistance, although there is no guarantee they will be able to help.
9. How do I redownload DLC that I’ve already purchased on my Nintendo Switch?
Open the Nintendo eShop, select your profile icon, and then select Redownload. This will display a list of all previously purchased content that you can redownload.
10. What is the difference between buying the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC separately versus accessing it through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?
If you purchase the DLC separately, it is permanently tied to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase. If you access it through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, you only have access to it as long as your membership is active.
11. Can I share DLC between a Nintendo Switch and another console, like a PlayStation or Xbox?
No, DLC licenses do not transfer between different platforms. You need to purchase the DLC separately for each platform you want to play it on. This is largely due to licensing agreements and platform-specific stores.
12. My DLC isn’t working on my Nintendo Switch. What should I do?
First, restart your Nintendo Switch console. Then, redownload the DLC from the Nintendo eShop. Ensure the console is set as the primary console for the account that purchased the DLC.
13. If I have a physical game, can I share the DLC with other accounts on my Nintendo Switch?
Yes, if the console is set as the primary console for the account that purchased the DLC. The presence of a physical game does not affect the DLC sharing rules.
14. What happens to my DLC if I cancel my Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership?
You will lose access to the DLC that is included with the membership, such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise. If you want to continue playing the DLC, you will need to purchase it separately.
15. Does family sharing work for DLC on the Nintendo Switch?
Family sharing, in the context of Nintendo, refers to a family membership for Nintendo Switch Online. It doesn’t directly affect DLC sharing beyond the primary console rule. If a family has a Nintendo Switch Online family membership with the expansion pack, everyone on the primary console of the purchasing account can access DLC like Happy Home Paradise.
Conclusion
Understanding the intricacies of primary and non-primary consoles is essential for navigating DLC sharing on the Nintendo Switch. While the system allows for convenient sharing within a household, the limitations on non-primary consoles mean that careful planning is required, especially when dealing with multiple consoles and accounts. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that everyone in your household can enjoy the DLC content they desire without unnecessary purchases.
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