How to Deregister a Primary Nintendo Switch: A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’re looking to deregister your primary Nintendo Switch? Whether you’re upgrading to a new model, lending your old one to a friend, or simply trying to manage your digital game access, understanding the process is crucial. Deregistering your primary console essentially disconnects your Nintendo Account’s entitlement to share digital games on that specific device. Let’s break down exactly how to do it.
To deregister your primary Nintendo Switch, navigate to the Nintendo eShop on the console itself. From there, access your Account Information by selecting your profile icon in the upper-right corner. Scroll down to the “Primary Console” section and select “Deregister” twice to confirm your decision. You may need to enter your Nintendo Account password to finalize the process, especially if you have password requirements enabled. That’s the quick and dirty! Now, let’s delve into more detail and address some frequently asked questions.
Understanding the Primary Console System
Nintendo’s primary console system is designed to allow anyone using your designated primary Switch to play the digital games you’ve purchased with your Nintendo Account. This is incredibly convenient for families or households where multiple people share a console. However, it also means that if you want to play your digital games on a different Switch while also allowing others to play them on the original Switch, that original Switch must be your primary console.
If you are playing on a non-primary console, you’ll need an active internet connection to verify your account and game ownership each time you launch a digital title. This system is in place to prevent widespread game sharing outside of your household.
Deregistering with Console Access
The easiest way to deregister your primary Switch is directly on the console itself. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Power on your Nintendo Switch: Ensure the console is connected to the internet.
- Open the Nintendo eShop: Select the orange shopping bag icon from the HOME Menu.
- Select Your Account: Click on your profile icon in the upper-right corner of the eShop. This will take you to your Account Information screen.
- Scroll to Primary Console: Look for the “Primary Console” section. It will either say “This Console is Registered as Primary Console” or “This Console is NOT Registered as Primary Console“.
- Select Deregister: If the console is your primary, you’ll see the “Deregister” option. Select it.
- Confirm Deregistration: You’ll be prompted to confirm your choice. Select “Deregister” again.
- Enter Password (If Required): If your account has password requirements, you’ll need to enter your Nintendo Account password to complete the process.
Once completed, your Switch will no longer be registered as the primary console for your Nintendo Account.
Deregistering Without Console Access (Remotely)
What if you no longer have access to the original Switch? Maybe it was lost, stolen, or simply sold without being deregistered. Don’t worry; Nintendo provides a remote deregistration option, but there’s a catch.
You can only remotely deregister a console once per year. This is a measure to prevent abuse and ensure account security.
Here’s how to deregister remotely:
- Access the Nintendo Account Website: Open a web browser on your computer or mobile device and go to the official Nintendo Account website.
- Sign In: Log in to the Nintendo Account associated with the Switch you want to deregister.
- Navigate to Shop Menu: Once logged in, find the “Shop Menu” option.
- Select Deregister Primary Console: Within the Shop Menu, you should see an option labeled “Deregister Primary Console“.
- Confirm Deregistration: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your decision.
If the “Deregister Primary Console” option is not available, it means you’ve already used your remote deregistration for the year. In this case, you’ll need to wait until the yearly cooldown expires.
Setting a New Primary Console
After deregistering your old Switch, setting a new primary console is incredibly simple. The next Nintendo Switch console you use to access the Nintendo eShop will automatically become your new primary console. Just log in to the eShop on the desired console, and it will be registered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about deregistering a primary Nintendo Switch:
1. How many times can I change my primary Switch?
You can change your primary Switch as many times as you want as long as you have access to the previous primary console. If you need to deregister remotely, you are limited to one remote deregistration per year.
2. What happens if I deregister my primary Switch?
Deregistering your primary Switch means that any other users on that console will no longer be able to play your digital games unless you are actively logged in and connected to the internet. You can still play your games on the deregistered console if you are connected to the internet to verify your ownership.
3. Can someone else use my games if my Switch is their primary console?
Yes, if your Nintendo Account’s primary console is set to their Switch, anyone using that Switch can play your digital games. This is why it’s important to only set a console as primary if you trust the other users on that console.
4. Will I lose my games if I deregister my Switch?
No, you will not lose your games. Your digital games are tied to your Nintendo Account, not the console itself. You can redownload them on any Switch where you are logged in.
5. What if I forget my Nintendo Account password?
If you forget your Nintendo Account password, you can reset it through the Nintendo Account website. You’ll need access to the email address associated with your account.
6. Can I share games with multiple people at the same time?
You can share games with multiple people, but only one person can play a digital game at a time unless they are all using the same primary console. If someone is playing a game on a non-primary console, they must be online, and no one else can play that same digital game with your account simultaneously.
7. How do I know which Switch is my primary console?
To check which Switch is your primary console, go to the Nintendo eShop on any Switch. Select your profile icon to access your Account Information. The “Primary Console” section will indicate whether that console is your primary.
8. What happens to my save data when I deregister a Switch?
Deregistering a Switch does not automatically delete your save data. Save data is stored on the console’s internal memory or on an SD card. However, if you delete your user account from the Switch, your save data will be deleted, so be careful. You can utilize Nintendo Switch Online’s cloud save feature (where available) to back up your save data before deregistering, or before deleting a user account.
9. Can I transfer my save data to a new Switch?
Yes, you can transfer your save data to a new Switch. There are two main methods:
- Save Data Cloud (Nintendo Switch Online): If you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can back up your save data to the cloud and download it on your new Switch.
- Local Transfer: You can transfer save data directly between two Switch consoles that are near each other.
10. Is it better to have a primary or non-primary Switch?
Whether it’s better to have a primary or non-primary Switch depends on your usage. If you have multiple people in your household sharing your games, setting one console as primary is the most convenient option. If you primarily play on one console and only occasionally use another, the primary/non-primary setup works well.
11. Can I sell my digital games after I’m done with them?
No, you cannot sell your digital games. Digital games are tied to your Nintendo Account and cannot be transferred or resold. GamesLearningSociety.org studies the trends and challenges of gaming and education.
12. What’s the difference between deleting a user and deregistering a Switch?
Deleting a user removes the user account and associated save data from the Switch. Deregistering a Switch disconnects your Nintendo Account’s entitlement to share digital games on that specific device, and it doesn’t inherently affect the user profiles themselves.
13. Will I get a refund if I deregister a Switch?
No, you will not get a refund for deregistering a Switch. Deregistration is simply a process to manage your digital game access.
14. What happens if I have multiple Nintendo Accounts on one Switch?
Each Nintendo Account can have its own primary console. This means that one Switch can be the primary console for multiple accounts. However, each account can only designate one Switch as its primary.
15. Can I deregister a Switch that’s been banned?
If a Switch has been banned from online services, you may not be able to deregister it through the console itself. In this case, you might need to contact Nintendo Support for assistance.
Conclusion
Deregistering your primary Nintendo Switch is a straightforward process, but it’s important to understand the implications. Whether you’re upgrading, sharing, or simply managing your digital game library, following these steps and understanding the FAQs will ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Remember to think carefully before deregistering, especially if you’re relying on remote deregistration, as it’s limited to once per year. Now, go forth and manage your Switch with confidence!