Do You Keep DLC if You Cancel Nintendo Online? The Definitive Guide

The burning question on every Nintendo Switch gamer’s mind: Do you keep your DLC if you cancel your Nintendo Switch Online subscription? The short answer is: it depends on how you obtained the DLC in the first place. If you purchased the DLC outright from the Nintendo eShop, then yes, you retain access to it even after your Nintendo Switch Online subscription expires. However, if your access to the DLC is solely through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, then you will lose access to that DLC when your subscription lapses. Let’s delve deeper into the nuances of this situation.

Understanding Nintendo’s DLC Ecosystem

Nintendo’s approach to DLC (Downloadable Content) is multifaceted, offering gamers various ways to expand their gaming experiences. Understanding these different avenues is crucial for grasping what happens to your DLC when your Nintendo Switch Online subscription status changes. There are two primary ways to get DLC:

1. Purchasing DLC Directly: This involves buying the DLC as a standalone product from the Nintendo eShop. Once purchased, the DLC is tied to your Nintendo Account and the primary console associated with that account.

2. Accessing DLC Through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: The premium tier of Nintendo’s online service, the Expansion Pack, grants access to a library of classic Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, as well as DLC for select Nintendo Switch titles, most notably the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass, Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise, and Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion.

The Key Distinction: Purchase vs. Subscription

The crucial element is whether you own the DLC or are leasing it through your subscription.

• Owned DLC: If you purchased the DLC from the eShop, it’s yours to keep. It’s similar to buying a physical game – you own it regardless of your online subscription status. You can redownload it, play it offline, and access it on your primary console.

• Subscription-Based DLC: DLC accessed solely through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack acts like a rental. When your subscription ends, your access to the DLC ends too. You can think of this as a temporary unlock; the content is available as long as you’re paying for the service. Once the subscription expires, the game will still function normally, just without the expansion.

The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass: A Case Study

The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is a perfect example. You can either:

• Purchase it outright: If you buy the Booster Course Pass, you own it forever, regardless of your Nintendo Switch Online status.
• Access it through the Expansion Pack: If you only have access to the Booster Course Pass because you have the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, you’ll lose access to the new tracks when your subscription expires.

Primary Console vs. Secondary Consoles

Another important factor is the primary console associated with your Nintendo Account. Downloaded content isn’t limited to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase. Anyone that uses the purchaser’s primary console has access to the digital games or DLC that have been purchased by that Nintendo Account. On secondary consoles, only the purchasing account can access the content.

Managing Your DLC

It’s essential to keep track of how you acquired your DLC to avoid any surprises when your Nintendo Switch Online subscription expires. You can manage your DLC through the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch:

1. Open the Nintendo eShop.
2. Select your profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Choose “Redownload.”
4. This will display a list of all software and DLC associated with your Nintendo Account that is available to download.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of DLC and Nintendo Switch Online:

1. Can I get DLC without Nintendo Online?

Yes, you can get DLC without a Nintendo Switch Online subscription by purchasing it directly from the Nintendo eShop. However, an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership is required to download membership-exclusive DLC.

2. Do I keep DLC after my Expansion Pack expires?

No, you do not keep DLC accessed solely through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack after your subscription expires. It’s essentially a lease for the duration of your membership.

3. Is DLC tied to my Switch or my Nintendo Account?

DLC is primarily tied to your Nintendo Account. It can be accessed on the primary console associated with that account by any user. On secondary consoles, only the purchasing account can access it.

4. Does Mario Kart DLC expire?

The Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass does not expire if you purchase it outright. However, access to it will expire if it’s only accessed through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack and your subscription lapses.

5. Can I redownload DLC on my Nintendo Switch?

Yes, you can redownload DLC on your Nintendo Switch. Simply go to the Nintendo eShop, select your profile, and choose “Redownload.” This will list all available software and DLC associated with your account.

6. Can I transfer DLC from one Nintendo Account to another?

No, digital game purchases and DLC redemptions are final and cannot be transferred to a different Nintendo Account. Always ensure you are logged into the correct account when purchasing or redeeming content.

7. What happens if my Nintendo Online subscription expires?

If your Nintendo Switch Online subscription expires, you will lose access to online play, cloud saves (unless you resubscribe within 180 days), and any DLC accessed solely through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

8. Can I still download DLC after the eShop closes?

While the ability to purchase games and DLC has ended for Wii U and 3DS, it is currently still possible to redownload games and DLC, receive software updates, and enjoy online play on Nintendo Switch. Nintendo has stated that they will provide advance notice before ending this capability.

9. Can I buy DLC for a game I don’t own?

Yes, you can purchase DLC for a game you don’t own. However, the DLC will not be downloadable or accessible until you install the base game.

10. Why can’t I use DLC offline?

In most cases, you should be able to use purchased DLC offline. The primary console setup ensures that DLC can be accessed by all users on that console, even without an internet connection. Problems can arise if the console isn’t set as the primary console for the account that purchased the DLC.

11. How do I manage DLC on my Switch?

You can manage your DLC on your Nintendo Switch by going to System Settings > Data Management > Software. Select the game, and you will see the installed DLC. You can also view all owned DLC in the Nintendo eShop under your account information.

12. Can I download DLC on two Switches?

Yes, you can download DLC on two or more Nintendo Switches, but only one can be designated as the primary console for your Nintendo Account. On the primary console, anyone can play the DLC. On secondary consoles, only the account that purchased the DLC can play it.

13. How do I buy Nintendo DLC for someone else?

You cannot directly gift DLC in the Nintendo eShop. Instead, consider gifting a prepaid Nintendo eShop card or a download code, which the recipient can then use to purchase the desired DLC.

14. Where is DLC stored on my Switch?

If a microSDXC card is used, data that can be redownloaded, such as digital games, game updates, and DLC, is stored on the microSDXC card. Game save data is stored in internal NAND memory.

15. Is the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass worth it?

Yes, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is generally considered worth it by players. For a one-time purchase, you receive a significant amount of new tracks, effectively doubling the game’s content. The other method of getting this expansion pass is through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

Staying Informed

The world of gaming is constantly evolving, so it’s crucial to stay informed about changes to services and policies. Regularly check the official Nintendo website and news outlets for the latest updates regarding Nintendo Switch Online and DLC. Engaging with communities such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org can help with understanding the effect of gaming platforms on education. This also helps to stay up to date on best practices in game usage.

Conclusion

In summary, whether you keep your DLC after canceling Nintendo Online depends on how you obtained it. Purchased DLC remains yours, while DLC accessed solely through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is contingent upon maintaining an active subscription. By understanding this key distinction and managing your account accordingly, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience on your Nintendo Switch.