Do I have to buy games twice if I have two switches?

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To directly answer the question, yes, you do need to buy games twice if you have two Nintendo Switch consoles and you want to play the same game on both consoles at the same time. However, digital purchases can be shared across multiple Switch consoles linked to the same Nintendo Account, but only one console can be the primary console and play the games without needing to be online.

Understanding Nintendo Switch Game Sharing

The Nintendo Switch offers a convenient game sharing feature that allows you to play your digitally purchased games on multiple consoles, but there are some limitations and requirements to be aware of.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. Can I use the same game on two switches? You can’t play the same game at the same time on both consoles with the same account on both Switch, due to Nintendo DRM restrictions.
2. Do I need to buy multiple copies of Switch games? Yes, you do need one copy for each console if you want to play the same game on multiple Switch consoles simultaneously.
3. How does having multiple switches work? Multiple switches can be linked to the same Nintendo Account, and you can share digital games across these consoles, but only one can be the primary console.

Game-Specific Questions

4. Do I need 2 copies of Mario Kart Switch? Yes, each Nintendo Switch console that will be used for local wireless play requires a copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, either physical or downloaded.
5. Can I have two Animal Crossing Islands on two switches? You can only create one island per Nintendo Switch system, even if you use multiple games, and a different system is required to create a different island.

Technical and Connectivity Questions

6. Can two switches share a game card? Yes, you can swap the same physical game between any number of consoles, and each console will have different save data.
7. How many Nintendo switches can you link together? You can link together up to eight Nintendo Switch family systems via local wireless for compatible games.

Family and Membership Questions

8. Can I use Nintendo family membership on multiple switches? Yes, players using a family membership can access the Nintendo Switch Online service via the same Nintendo Switch system or multiple systems.
9. What does Nintendo family membership include? A Nintendo Switch Online membership includes playing games online with friends, enjoying over 100 classic games, taking advantage of special offers, and more.

Game Sharing and Online Play

10. Can I share my digital Switch games with family? Yes, you can gameshare on your Nintendo Switch with a friend or family member across different Switch consoles, including the original Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite.
11. Do both Nintendo switches need the same game to play together? For local wireless play, each console needs its own copy of the game, but for online play, you can share a digital game with another Switch console.

Purchasing and Rebuying Games

12. Do I need to rebuy games on a new Switch? No, Switch games are tied to your Nintendo account, so you don’t have to rebuy them if you get a new Switch console.
13. Can you play Mario Kart 8 on 2 switches with one game? There is no share play for Mario Kart 8, but you can both use one Switch and play split-screen or buy a second copy of Mario Kart and play wirelessly with two Switches.

Pricing and Plans

14. How much is the Switch family plan? The Family Plan costs $34.99 per year and allows the entire family access to Nintendo Switch Online, with the option to add an expansion pack for $79.99 per year.
15. Does everyone need a copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe? Yes, each Nintendo Switch console that will be used for local wireless play requires a copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, either physical or downloaded.