Can you play Pokemon on two profiles?

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Yes, multiple profiles can be created on a Nintendo Switch, allowing different users to play Pokémon games, including Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon Scarlet, and Pokémon Violet, with each profile having its own save file. However, only one save file can exist on a single Nintendo Switch profile, and switching user profiles may cause profile or plan information to become corrupted.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. Can two people play Pokémon on the same Switch?: Two players can play co-operatively on one player’s save file – each using their own Poké Ball Plus or the Joy-Con controller.
2. Can you have multiple saves on Pokémon?: Pokémon Sword and Shield save files will work the same way as the rest of the Switch games, with each user having their own game save.
3. Can you link two profiles to Pokémon HOME?: No, Pokémon HOME can only be linked to one Nintendo Account at a time, but the same Nintendo Account can be linked to both the Nintendo Switch and mobile versions of Pokémon HOME.

Profile and Save Management

4. Do different Switch profiles have different Pokémon saves?: Yes, the save data for every game on the Switch is linked to the particular user profile the game is opened under.
5. How to Transfer Shinies between Switch users with Pokemon Home: Pokémon HOME allows for the transfer of Pokémon between different user profiles, but it requires a Nintendo Account linked to both profiles.
6. Can you use the same Nintendo Account on two Switch profiles?: Yes, you can link your Nintendo Account to multiple consoles, and play digital games you’ve purchased on any Nintendo Switch console that has been linked to your Nintendo Account.

Multiplayer and Co-op

7. Can two Nintendo accounts share games on the same Switch?: Yes, digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them, and all users on a system will be able to play games purchased by any Nintendo Account that has registered the system as their primary console.
8. Can you have multiple profiles on Pokémon Sword?: Sword and Shield only allow for one save per user, but you can create multiple users to have multiple saves.
9. Can Pokémon DLC be shared between profiles on Switch?: Yes, downloaded content isn’t limited to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase, and anyone that uses the purchaser’s primary console has access to the digital games or DLC.

Pokémon Game Specifics

10. Can you have 2 save files on Pokémon Violet?: No, only one save file can exist on a single Nintendo Switch profile, and to start a new adventure, you’ll need to delete the existing save data.
11. Can two people play Pokémon Violet on the same Switch?: No, there’s no way for two people to play Pokémon Scarlet and Violet on the same Switch console, but you can play with a friend who has their own Switch and copy of the game.
12. Can you share a Pokémon game?: Yes, two players can play the same digital copy of Pokémon simultaneously on different Switches, and can even battle and trade.

Technical and Troubleshooting

13. How do I share games between two Nintendo accounts?: You’ll just need to log into a friend’s Switch and set their console as the primary console, then you’ll be able to redownload games from the eShop.
14. Can you merge two Nintendo users?: No, it is not possible to combine multiple Nintendo Accounts together, or to add additional members to a Nintendo Account.
15. Do you need a separate Nintendo Account for each user?: Yes, create user accounts for each person who will play on Nintendo Switch, and each user can have their own Nintendo Account linked to their profile.