Sharing the Fun: Playing Your Nintendo eShop Games on Multiple Switches
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Absolutely! You can play games you’ve purchased on the Nintendo eShop on another Nintendo Switch, but it’s crucial to understand the nuances of Nintendo’s account system and the concept of primary and non-primary consoles. It all hinges on how you manage your Nintendo Account and which console is designated as your primary console. Let’s dive into how it works and answer all your burning questions about game sharing on the Nintendo Switch.
Understanding the Nintendo Account System
The Nintendo Account is the key to accessing and managing your digital game library. When you purchase a game from the eShop, it’s linked to your account, not a specific console. This is fantastic news because it allows you to move your games around. However, Nintendo has implemented a system to prevent widespread, unrestricted game sharing, which is where the primary console designation comes in.
Primary Console: Your Home Base
You can designate one Nintendo Switch as your primary console for your Nintendo Account. This console acts as your home base for your digital games. Anyone who uses your primary console can play the digital games you’ve purchased, even if they’re using a separate user profile on that same console. They don’t even need to be connected to the internet to play.
Non-Primary Console: The Guest Pass
If you log in to another Nintendo Switch with your Nintendo Account (making it a non-primary console), you can still access and play your digital games. However, there are a few restrictions:
- Internet Connection Required: You must be connected to the internet to launch and play your digital games on the non-primary console. The system needs to verify that you own the game.
- Only You Can Play: Only the user signed in with the Nintendo Account that owns the games can play them on the non-primary console. Other user profiles on that non-primary console will not be able to access your digital games.
Transferring Your Primary Console
What if you get a new Nintendo Switch and want to make it your primary console? Or what if your original Nintendo Switch is broken or lost? No problem! You can transfer your primary console designation. There are two ways to do this:
Transferring with Access to the Original Console
If you still have access to your original Nintendo Switch, the process is straightforward:
- On your new Nintendo Switch, log in to the Nintendo eShop with your Nintendo Account.
- The system will recognize that your account is already associated with a primary console.
- You’ll be prompted to deactivate your current primary console and set the new Nintendo Switch as your primary console. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Transferring Without Access to the Original Console
If you no longer have access to your original Nintendo Switch, you can still deregister it as your primary console remotely:
- Go to Nintendo’s website and log in to your Nintendo Account.
- Navigate to your account settings, usually under “Shop Menu” or a similar option.
- Look for an option to deregister your primary console. Nintendo typically allows you to do this once per year.
- Once deregistered, you can log in to the Nintendo eShop on your new Nintendo Switch and designate it as your primary console.
Sharing Physical Games
The rules are different for physical game cartridges. Because the save data is stored on the Nintendo Switch console itself, it can be swapped between multiple consoles. Each console will have a unique copy of the save data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about playing your Nintendo eShop games on multiple Nintendo Switch consoles:
1. Can I play the same digital game on two Switches simultaneously?
No, you can’t play the same digital game simultaneously on both a primary and non-primary console. If you’re playing a game on the primary console, and someone tries to launch the same game on the non-primary console with your account, the game on the primary console will be suspended.
2. What happens if I lose my internet connection while playing on a non-primary console?
If you lose your internet connection while playing a digital game on a non-primary console, the game will suspend after a short period. You’ll need to reconnect to the internet to continue playing.
3. Can I share my Nintendo Switch Online subscription with family members on different consoles?
Yes, with a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership, up to eight Nintendo Accounts can access the Nintendo Switch Online service, even if they’re on different consoles.
4. Is it possible to merge two Nintendo Accounts?
Unfortunately, Nintendo does not allow the merging of two Nintendo Accounts. If you have purchases spread across multiple accounts, you’ll need to manage them separately.
5. Can I transfer save data between consoles for all games?
Not all games support save data transfer. Some games use cloud saves via Nintendo Switch Online, allowing you to easily download your save data to another console. Others require a manual save data transfer, and some games (like Animal Crossing: New Horizons) have their own unique save data management systems. Some save data cannot be transferred. For more insights into the educational aspects of gaming, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
6. How do I transfer my save data to another Switch?
You can transfer save data through cloud saves if you are a Nintendo Switch Online subscriber, or by doing a user transfer. You will need to have both Nintendo Switch consoles near one another for the user transfer.
7. What is Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendo Switch Online is a paid subscription service that offers online play, access to a library of classic NES and Super NES games, cloud saves for compatible games, and other benefits.
8. Can I redownload games I’ve purchased if I delete them?
Yes, you can redownload any digital game you’ve purchased from the eShop as long as you have sufficient storage space on your console. Just go to the eShop, find the game in your purchase history, and select “Redownload.”
9. Does game sharing violate Nintendo’s terms of service?
Nintendo’s system is designed to allow game sharing within a household and between consoles owned by the same user. However, sharing your Nintendo Account login information with people outside your immediate family or household may violate their terms of service.
10. What happens if my Switch is stolen?
If your Nintendo Switch is stolen, contact Nintendo Support as soon as possible. They may be able to help you deregister the stolen console and prevent unauthorized access to your account.
11. Can I use the same SD card on two different Switches?
Yes, but you can only use the SD card on one Switch at a time. When moving the SD card, Nintendo recommends turning both devices completely off before switching cards.
12. Are there any games that cannot be shared digitally?
All digital games from the Nintendo eShop can be shared. Be aware that there is a limit to the number of active systems an account can have.
13. Can I play a physical and digital copy of the same game at the same time on separate switches?
No, you cannot use both at the same time on separate consoles. Only the primary switch will be able to play offline.
14. Does playing on two consoles affect game performance?
No, it doesn’t affect performance. The console the game is played on is the only factor in game performance.
15. How many Nintendo accounts can a Switch have?
A single Nintendo Switch console can have up to eight different user accounts, each potentially linked to a separate Nintendo Account.
Conclusion
Playing your Nintendo eShop games on multiple Switches is entirely possible, but understanding Nintendo’s primary and non-primary console system is key. By carefully managing your Nintendo Account and following the guidelines, you can enjoy your digital games across multiple devices and share the fun with your family. Now get out there and game on!