Do I Need Two Nintendo Online Accounts?
The short answer is no, you don’t necessarily need two separate Nintendo Online accounts. However, the ideal setup depends heavily on your specific circumstances, especially the number of people playing and the number of Nintendo Switch consoles involved. Let’s dive into the details to help you figure out the best and most cost-effective solution for your gaming needs.
Understanding Nintendo Switch Online Memberships
Nintendo offers two primary membership options: Individual Memberships and Family Memberships. Understanding the features and limitations of each is crucial for making the right decision.
Individual Membership
An Individual Membership covers only one Nintendo Account. This means that only the person whose account is linked to the membership can access the online features, classic games, and other benefits associated with Nintendo Switch Online. If you’re the only one in your household who uses a Nintendo Switch, this is likely the most straightforward and economical option.
Family Membership
A Family Membership allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts to enjoy the benefits of Nintendo Switch Online. This is a fantastic option for households with multiple Switch users, as it significantly reduces the cost per person compared to purchasing individual memberships for everyone. The family membership is linked to a family group, which is managed by one adult account holder.
Scenarios: Do You Need Multiple Accounts?
Let’s break down some common scenarios to illustrate when you might need to consider more than one account, and when a single account or a family membership would suffice.
Scenario 1: One Person, One Switch
If you’re the only one using the Nintendo Switch, an Individual Membership is all you need. Link your Nintendo Account to the console, and you’re good to go.
Scenario 2: Multiple People, One Switch
Even if multiple people use the same Nintendo Switch, you still only need one Nintendo Switch Online membership (Individual or Family) as long as everyone playing is part of the same Nintendo Account family group.
Each player should have their own user profile on the Switch. This allows them to maintain their own save data and personalized settings. The Nintendo Online membership will be tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased it, and all profiles on the Switch can benefit if the Nintendo Account is part of an active family group.
Scenario 3: Multiple People, Multiple Switches
This is where a Family Membership really shines. With a Family Membership, each person can use their own Nintendo Account on their own Nintendo Switch and still access Nintendo Switch Online benefits. This eliminates the need for separate Individual Memberships for each user.
Scenario 4: Expansion Pack Benefits
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier includes everything from the standard membership, plus access to classic Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Genesis games, as well as downloadable content for select Switch games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. These benefits are tied to the membership, so if you want everyone in your family to enjoy these enhanced features, make sure the Family Membership you choose includes the Expansion Pack.
Important Considerations
- Save Data: Games store save data by user account. This means that each player on the Switch should have their own user profile to keep their game progress separate.
- Primary Console: Each Nintendo Account can designate one Nintendo Switch as its “primary console.” This determines which console can play downloaded games without requiring an internet connection.
- Sharing Games: Digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them. All users on a system registered as the primary console for that account will be able to play those games.
- Online Play: Nintendo Online is only needed for online multiplayer. You do not need it for local wireless play between multiple Switches, or single-player gameplay.
- Family Groups: A family group can contain up to 8 people.
- Free Trial: If you are on the fence, you can try the service for free before you commit.
FAQs: Nintendo Online Accounts
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Nintendo Switch Online accounts and memberships:
1. Can I use one Nintendo Online account for two profiles on the same Switch?
Yes. If you have a Nintendo Online membership (either Individual or Family), all profiles on the Switch associated with accounts in the family group can use the online services. The key is to have each user create their own Nintendo Account and ensure it’s linked to a profile on the Switch, and is also registered as part of your Nintendo Account family group.
2. Do I need a separate Nintendo Account for each user on my Switch?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Creating separate user accounts for each person playing on the Switch ensures that each player has their own save data, customized settings, and access to online features.
3. Is Nintendo Online per device or per account?
Nintendo Online is ultimately per account, but it’s designed to be flexible. With an Individual Membership, the benefits apply only to that specific account. A Family Membership extends those benefits to up to eight accounts within a family group, regardless of which Switch console they’re using.
4. Do both players need Nintendo Online to play together?
Not necessarily. If you’re playing locally via wireless play between two Switch consoles, you don’t need Nintendo Online. However, for online multiplayer with players in different locations, Nintendo Online is required for all participants (unless local play is possible and all players are on the same network).
5. Can Nintendo Switch family members share games?
Yes, but it depends on how the games are purchased. Digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them. If that account has designated a particular Switch as its “primary console,” all users on that console can play those games.
6. Do I have to buy Switch Online for each account?
No. This is the main advantage of the Family Membership. You only need to purchase one membership to cover up to eight Nintendo Accounts.
7. How much does Nintendo Online cost for one person?
An Individual Membership for Nintendo Switch Online costs $3.99 per month (30 days), $7.99 for three months (90 days) or $19.99 per year (365 days).
8. How much is the Nintendo Online Family Plan?
The Family Plan costs $34.99 per year, covering up to eight Nintendo Accounts. The Family Plan with the Expansion Pack costs $79.99 per year.
9. Can you have two Nintendo Accounts on one email?
No. Only one Nintendo Account can be linked to a single email address. Each individual user needs a unique email address to create their own Nintendo Account.
10. What is the difference between a Nintendo Account and Nintendo Online?
A Nintendo Account is the overall account used to access Nintendo services, including the eShop, My Nintendo rewards, and more. Nintendo Online is a paid subscription service that provides access to online multiplayer, classic games, cloud saves, and other benefits.
11. What happens if you link two Nintendo Accounts to one Switch?
You can link up to eight Nintendo Accounts to a single Nintendo Switch console. Each account remains separate, with its own save data, settings, and potentially its own Nintendo Online membership (if not covered by a Family Membership).
12. How many profiles can use Nintendo Switch Online?
Up to eight profiles can use Nintendo Switch Online, but this is limited by the number of accounts covered by the membership. If you have a Family Membership, up to eight accounts within your family group can access the service.
13. What does linking a Nintendo Account do?
Linking a Nintendo Account to a user profile on your Switch grants access to online game modes, digital game purchases, cloud save backups (for compatible games), and other online services.
14. Can I share my Nintendo Online subscription?
Yes, if you have a Family Membership. You can add up to seven additional members to your Nintendo Account family group, allowing them all to share the benefits of the subscription.
15. Why can’t other users play my games on Switch?
This typically happens if the Switch is not set as the “primary console” for the Nintendo Account that purchased the games. Make sure the console is designated as the primary console in the Nintendo eShop settings.
Choosing the Right Option
Ultimately, the best Nintendo Online setup depends on your individual needs and gaming habits. If you’re the only one playing, an Individual Membership is the most economical choice. If you have multiple family members who enjoy online gaming on the Switch, a Family Membership is the way to go. By carefully considering your options, you can ensure that everyone in your household enjoys the benefits of Nintendo Switch Online without overspending.
Engaging in gaming and understanding how the games industry works is a great way to combine leisure with learning. For resources on innovative approaches to learning through games and simulations, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.