Does Each Nintendo Switch Need a Game? A Comprehensive Guide to Nintendo’s Game Sharing System
The short answer is: it depends. For local multiplayer on separate consoles, yes, each Nintendo Switch generally needs its own copy of the game. However, Nintendo offers a degree of flexibility with digital game sharing that can allow multiple Switches to access the same digital title, albeit with some limitations. Let’s dive into the nuances of how game ownership and sharing works within the Nintendo Switch ecosystem.
Understanding Nintendo’s Game Sharing System
Nintendo’s approach to game sharing is designed to balance user convenience with protecting their intellectual property. They allow you to associate your Nintendo Account with multiple Nintendo Switch systems, but how each system accesses your digital games depends on whether it’s designated as your primary console or a non-primary console.
Your primary console grants access to your digital games to any user account on that Switch. This means if you have a family of four, and your account owns Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, everyone on your primary Switch can play it.
Non-primary consoles, on the other hand, require the Nintendo Account that purchased the game to be actively logged in to play those digital titles. Furthermore, the non-primary console needs an active internet connection to verify the game license each time the game is launched.
Physical vs. Digital: The Key Distinction
The sharing rules differ significantly between physical game cartridges and digital games. Physical cartridges are straightforward: you can insert them into any Switch and play the game. Save data is stored on the console itself, not the cartridge, allowing you to easily swap cartridges between multiple systems without affecting game progress (provided the same user profile is used).
Digital games, however, are tied to your Nintendo Account. This is where the primary/non-primary console distinction becomes crucial.
Setting Up Your Switches for Optimal Game Sharing
To effectively share digital games, you’ll need to understand how to manage your primary console setting. The first Switch you use to access the Nintendo eShop automatically becomes your primary console. To change your primary console, you must deregister it through the Nintendo eShop on your current primary Switch. Alternatively, if you no longer have access to the original primary console, you can deregister it remotely through the Nintendo website.
Once you’ve set your desired primary console, you can then log in to the Nintendo eShop on your other Switch with the same Nintendo Account. That Switch will then be considered a non-primary console.
Practical Scenarios: How Game Sharing Works in Real Life
Let’s illustrate with a few examples:
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Scenario 1: Family with two Switches. The parent’s account buys Animal Crossing: New Horizons digitally. The primary Switch is kept at home, and the kids play it using their own user profiles. The parent also wants to play on a Switch Lite while commuting. They log into the eShop on the Switch Lite (making it the non-primary console). The parent can play Animal Crossing on the Switch Lite as long as it has an internet connection, but only while logged in with their account. The kids can play Animal Crossing on the primary Switch at home without an internet connection and using their own profiles.
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Scenario 2: Friends Sharing Games. Two friends want to share their digital libraries. Friend A sets their Switch as Friend B’s primary console, and Friend B sets their Switch as Friend A’s primary console. This way, each friend can play the other’s digital games on their primary Switch. However, this arrangement requires a high degree of trust, as each friend has access to the other’s account on their primary console.
Limitations and Considerations
While Nintendo’s game sharing system offers some flexibility, it’s essential to be aware of its limitations:
- Internet Connection Required for Non-Primary Consoles: Non-primary consoles must have an active internet connection to play digital games. This can be a significant drawback for portable play in areas with limited Wi-Fi access.
- Only One Primary Console Per Account: You can only designate one Switch as your primary console per Nintendo Account. This can limit the flexibility of sharing digital games across multiple systems.
- Account Security: Sharing account access with others can pose security risks. It’s crucial to choose strong passwords and be cautious about who you share your account information with.
- No Simultaneous Play on Non-Primary Consoles: If you try to play the same digital game on two non-primary consoles simultaneously using the same Nintendo Account, one of the consoles will be disconnected.
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FAQs: Your Game Sharing Questions Answered
1. Can I play the same digital game on two Switches at the same time?
Yes, but only under specific circumstances. One Switch must be designated as the primary console, and any user on that console can play the game. The other Switch (the non-primary console) can also play the same game, but only the account that purchased the game can play, and it requires an active internet connection.
2. Do both people need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play online together if we’re sharing a game?
Yes. Regardless of how you’re sharing the game, each player needs their own Nintendo Switch Online subscription to participate in online multiplayer.
3. Can I transfer my digital games from one account to another?
No, digital games are tied to the specific Nintendo Account that purchased them and cannot be transferred to another account.
4. What happens if I lose my primary Switch?
You can deregister your lost primary Switch through the Nintendo website or by contacting Nintendo Support. This will allow you to designate a new Switch as your primary console.
5. How do I know which Switch is my primary console?
You can check your primary console setting in the Nintendo eShop on each of your Switches.
6. Can I play downloaded games offline on my primary Switch?
Yes, any user on your primary Switch can play your downloaded games offline.
7. How do I set up family sharing on Nintendo Switch?
While Nintendo doesn’t have a traditional “family sharing” plan like some other platforms, you can use the primary/non-primary console system to allow family members to access your digital games. Create individual user profiles for each family member on your primary Switch.
8. Can I share physical games with friends?
Yes, physical games can be shared freely by simply swapping the game cartridge.
9. Do I need two copies of a game to play local wireless multiplayer?
Yes, for most games, each Switch needs its own copy of the game to play local wireless multiplayer.
10. Can I play a digital game on my Switch while someone else plays it on their primary console?
Yes, as long as you are using the account that purchased the game on a non-primary console and have an active internet connection.
11. Will I lose my save data if I switch between primary and non-primary consoles?
No, your save data is stored on the console itself and is linked to your user profile. However, you’ll need to transfer your save data to the other console if you want to continue your progress there. Nintendo Switch Online cloud saves can help with this!
12. What happens if I change my Nintendo Account region?
Changing your Nintendo Account region can affect your access to digital games and DLC. It’s generally recommended to keep your region consistent.
13. Can I play a game I purchased in a different region on my Switch?
It depends. Some games are region-locked, while others are not. It’s best to check the game’s details before purchasing.
14. What are the benefits of buying digital games over physical games?
Digital games offer convenience, as you don’t need to swap cartridges. They also take up no physical space and can be accessed instantly.
15. Are there any discounts on digital games for Nintendo Switch?
Yes, Nintendo eShop regularly offers sales and discounts on digital games. Keep an eye out for deals!
Conclusion
Navigating the intricacies of Nintendo’s game sharing system can seem daunting initially, but understanding the concepts of primary and non-primary consoles, and the differences between physical and digital games, is key. With a bit of planning, you can effectively share your games with family and friends while staying within Nintendo’s guidelines. Always prioritize account security and be mindful of the limitations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. Be sure to check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information on how games can benefit education.