Does DLC Transfer to a New Switch? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is yes, DLC (Downloadable Content) does transfer to a new Nintendo Switch. However, the process and the specifics of how it works depend on a couple of key factors, primarily whether the new Switch is set as your primary console and which account made the original purchase. Let’s dive into the details to ensure a smooth transition for your digital goodies.

Understanding the Nintendo Account Ecosystem

The foundation for understanding DLC transfer lies in how Nintendo ties digital purchases to your Nintendo Account, not the console itself. This account-based system is similar to how PlayStation and Xbox handle digital ownership, offering flexibility and peace of mind when upgrading or replacing your hardware. When you buy a digital game or DLC from the Nintendo eShop, it’s linked to your Nintendo Account. This allows you to redownload and play that content on any Switch console logged into that account.

The key distinction is between a primary console and a non-primary console. Let’s break down what that means:

• Primary Console: This is the console you’ve designated as the main system for your Nintendo Account. On your primary console, anyone who uses the console can play the digital games and DLC purchased with your account.
• Non-Primary Console: This is any other Switch console where you’ve logged into your Nintendo Account. On a non-primary console, only your account can access and play the digital games and DLC purchased with that account. Other users on that console won’t be able to access your content.

The Transfer Process: Step-by-Step

There are two primary scenarios for transferring your DLC and games:

1. You Still Have Access to Your Old Switch: In this case, the recommended method is a user data transfer. This process migrates your user profile, save data, and associated game licenses directly from the old console to the new one. Here’s how to do it:

   • On both consoles, go to System Settings > Users > Transfer Your User Data.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions, selecting “Source Console” on the old Switch and “Target Console” on the new Switch.
   • You’ll need to sign in to your Nintendo Account on the new Switch.
   • The process will guide you through the transfer, which requires both consoles to be near each other and connected to the internet.
   • Once the transfer is complete, your user profile and associated data will be moved to the new Switch, which will automatically become your primary console.

2. You No Longer Have Access to Your Old Switch: If your old Switch is lost, stolen, or broken, you’ll need to deregister it as your primary console through your Nintendo Account settings online. This can be done on Nintendo’s website or through customer support. Once deregistered, you can designate your new Switch as the primary console. After that, you can redownload all your previously purchased content from the eShop. To redownload your content, you can follow these steps:

   • Access the Nintendo eShop with the Nintendo Account that purchased the content.
   • Search for the game title that the content is associated with.
   • Select the game and scroll down to view all available Downloadable Content, below the game details.
   • Select the previously purchased Downloadable Content.

Important Considerations

• Save Data: While digital game licenses transfer, save data requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for cloud saves or a manual transfer between consoles if you have access to both. Make sure you back up your save data to avoid losing your progress.
• Physical Games: DLC purchased for physical games still transfers through your Nintendo Account, as the DLC is linked to the account and not the game cartridge.
• Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: A Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership gives you access to select DLC for free, such as the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass. This access is tied to your subscription and will continue on your new Switch as long as your subscription remains active. You can download and begin to enjoy these perks by simply accessing the Nintendo eShop from the Nintendo Switch Online menu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will I lose my DLC if I get a new Switch?

No, you won’t lose your DLC. As long as you log in to your new Switch with the same Nintendo Account you used to purchase the DLC, you can redownload and access it.

2. How do I redownload DLC on my new Switch?

Access the Nintendo eShop with the account that purchased the DLC, search for the game, and locate the DLC section. Any previously purchased DLC will be available for redownload.

3. What if I don’t have access to my old Switch anymore?

You can deregister your old Switch as your primary console through your Nintendo Account settings online. Then, designate your new Switch as the primary console and redownload your content.

4. Does DLC transfer if I’m using a physical game cartridge?

Yes, the DLC is tied to your Nintendo Account, not the game cartridge. As long as you’re logged in with the account that purchased the DLC, you can access it.

5. Can multiple users on my new Switch access my DLC?

If your new Switch is set as your primary console, all users on that console can access your DLC. If it’s a non-primary console, only the account that purchased the DLC can access it.

6. What happens to my save data when I transfer to a new Switch?

Save data doesn’t automatically transfer. You need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for cloud saves or perform a manual transfer between consoles if you have access to both.

7. Can I transfer my DLC to a friend’s Switch?

No, DLC is tied to your Nintendo Account and cannot be directly transferred to another person’s account or console. You can only access it on consoles where your account is logged in.

8. Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to transfer DLC?

No, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required to transfer DLC licenses. It is however, required for backing up and recovering save data.

9. What if my DLC isn’t working after the transfer?

Restart your Switch, ensure you’re logged in with the correct account, and redownload the DLC. If issues persist, contact Nintendo Support.

10. Is there a limit to how many times I can redownload my DLC?

No, there is no limit. You can redownload your DLC as many times as needed, as long as it’s on a console logged into the account that made the purchase.

11. How do I set my new Switch as my primary console?

Once you log into your Nintendo Account on your new Switch and download a digital game or DLC, it will automatically prompt you to set it as your primary console if you don’t already have one designated. If you are switching from another Switch, logging out on that old Switch is the best practice.

12. Can I play my digital games on both my old and new Switch simultaneously?

No, you can only play digital games simultaneously on two consoles if your account is logged in to both consoles.

13. What happens to my Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack DLC access on a new Switch?

Your access to DLC included with your Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership will continue on your new Switch as long as your subscription is active.

14. Does the region of my Nintendo Account affect DLC transfer?

Yes, DLC must be compatible with the region of your game. If your account is set to a different region than the game, the DLC might not work.

15. How do I find out more about game-based learning?

For those interested in the intersection of games and education, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for research, resources, and community engagement in game-based learning. The Games Learning Society explores innovative methods for integrating games into educational settings.

Conclusion

Transferring your DLC to a new Nintendo Switch is a straightforward process, thanks to Nintendo’s account-based system. By understanding the roles of primary and non-primary consoles and following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a seamless transition for your digital content and continue enjoying your favorite games on your new device.