Do Both Players Need Nintendo Online? A Comprehensive Guide
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The question of whether both players need a Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) subscription to play together is a common one, and the answer is a bit nuanced. Directly put: No, both players do not always need individual Nintendo Switch Online memberships to play together online on the same console. However, the situation varies depending on whether you’re playing on the same console or different ones. Let’s break it down.
If you are playing on a single Nintendo Switch console with local multiplayer, you do not need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play together. However, to participate in online multiplayer, only one Nintendo Account on the console needs an active NSO membership. If you are using more than one system, and playing online, each console needs to have at least one user with an NSO subscription.
This doesn’t mean other players on the same console get online access; instead, it’s the primary account with the membership that facilitates the online connection. The user with the NSO membership will have the most control over the online settings and play, as other players are essentially using their subscription for the online gameplay. The other user accounts on the console can join in on the fun and benefit from the subscription being tied to a console.
Understanding Nintendo Switch Online Memberships
Before diving deeper, it’s essential to understand the types of NSO memberships available:
Individual Membership
This membership is tied to one Nintendo Account and provides access to online play, cloud saves, a library of classic NES and Super NES games, and a smart device app.
Family Membership
This membership covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts within a family group, providing all the same benefits as an individual membership for each account in the group. The family group is controlled by the account that purchased the membership.
Playing on the Same Console vs. Different Consoles
The key difference in whether both players need Nintendo Switch Online lies in whether you’re playing on the same console or using separate ones:
Same Console
As mentioned, only one Nintendo Account needs an active NSO membership for online play on the same console. This means a couple or a family can share the membership on a single Nintendo Switch system.
- Local Multiplayer: If playing local multiplayer on a single console (e.g., split-screen), you do not need any NSO membership for either user.
- Online Multiplayer: When playing online, the account with the membership enables online functionality for both users playing on that console.
Different Consoles
When playing on different consoles, each console will require at least one Nintendo Account with an active NSO membership to engage in online multiplayer. There’s a way to share access through the Family Membership, which can provide access across multiple consoles if the users are in the same family group.
Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack
There is also the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack which gives players the same benefits as the standard NSO membership, plus access to a growing library of Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy Advance games, and access to various downloadable content (DLC) for some of Nintendo’s biggest titles. All of the same rules apply; with each console needing at least one user to have this expanded membership when playing online. If players are a part of a family group, then the same membership can be shared.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To clarify further, here are some frequently asked questions about Nintendo Switch Online and multiplayer:
1. Can two people play online on the same Switch with one NSO membership?
Yes, two players on the same Nintendo Switch console can play online with just one active NSO membership. The primary account with the membership provides the online connection, and others can join in on the same console.
2. Do I need a separate Nintendo Account for each user on my Switch?
Yes, it’s recommended to create separate user accounts for each person who plays on your Nintendo Switch. This helps in storing individual game saves and allows for personalized settings, separate from the online play settings.
3. Can multiple users on the same console use a family membership?
Yes, multiple users on the same console benefit from a family membership, provided at least one user on the console is part of the family group. Each family member that needs to play online will need their own Nintendo Account, but they don’t need to be all on the same console to use their access to Nintendo Online.
4. Can I share my Nintendo Online subscription with friends who are not in my family?
No, a family membership is intended for family members within a family group and cannot be shared with friends who aren’t part of that defined group.
5. How can I add a user to my Nintendo Switch console?
To add a user, go to System Settings > Users > Add User on your Nintendo Switch console. Then, follow the prompts to create a new user profile.
6. Can I play Mario Kart online with friends if I do not have a Nintendo Online membership?
No, an NSO membership is required to play Mario Kart online with friends. However, you can play locally (on the same console or via local wireless play) without needing a membership.
7. What are the benefits of Nintendo Switch Online?
The main benefits include:
- Access to online multiplayer in compatible games.
- Access to a library of classic NES and Super NES games.
- Cloud saves for most games.
- Use of the Nintendo Switch Online app.
- Exclusive offers for members.
8. Can you friend people on Switch without Nintendo Online?
You can add friends using the friend code system on the Nintendo Switch without having a Nintendo Online membership. You can also send friend requests to users you’ve played with in local multiplayer, but online interactions will require a membership.
9. How much does Nintendo Switch Online cost?
Pricing varies depending on the type of membership and duration:
- Individual Membership: Monthly, 3-month, and annual options are available.
- Family Membership: Available as an annual subscription only.
10. How do I set up controllers for 2 players on the Nintendo Switch?
To set up controllers, select the controller icon on the HOME Menu. Here, you can choose how to use the joy-cons for one or two players.
11. Can I play local multiplayer without a Nintendo Switch Online subscription?
Yes, you do not need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to play local multiplayer, whether it’s split-screen on one console or via local wireless play on multiple consoles.
12. What’s the difference between Nintendo Switch Online and the Expansion Pack?
The Expansion Pack includes all the benefits of the standard NSO membership plus a library of N64, Sega Genesis, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance games and access to DLC for select games.
13. Can I share digital games with my family on the Switch?
Digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them. All users on a primary console can play games purchased by any account registered as their primary console.
14. Can you play the Nintendo Switch offline?
Yes, you can play many Nintendo Switch games offline, as many games are designed to be enjoyed without an internet connection. An internet connection is needed when you want to access online play.
15. Why am I having trouble playing 2 players on my Nintendo Switch?
Not all games support two players using half joy-cons. Ensure the controllers are properly paired and the game supports 2-player mode using the controller setup you are using.
Conclusion
While both players don’t always need a NSO membership, understanding the specific conditions is crucial. For those playing on the same console, sharing a single NSO membership is possible. However, for playing online across multiple consoles, each user will need to have access to Nintendo Online through an individual membership, or part of a family membership. Knowing these nuances will help you maximize your gaming experience without overspending on unnecessary subscriptions.