How do I download purchased games on my second Switch

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Downloading Purchased Games on Your Second Nintendo Switch: A Comprehensive Guide

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So, you’ve expanded your Nintendo empire and added a second Switch to your arsenal? Excellent! Now, the burning question: How do I download those sweet, sweet digital games I already own onto this new console? Don’t worry, migrating your digital library is a breeze, though it does require a little understanding of Nintendo’s account system. Here’s the breakdown:

First, you need to understand the concept of your Primary Console and Non-Primary Console. Nintendo ties digital purchases to your Nintendo Account, but only one console can be designated as the primary console for that account.

Primary Console: On your primary console, anyone who uses the console can play your downloaded games, even if your Nintendo Account isn’t active on the console at the time.
Non-Primary Console: On your non-primary console (i.e., your second Switch), only the Nintendo Account that purchased the game can play it, and you must be connected to the internet to verify your purchase each time you launch a game.

Here’s how to download your purchased games onto your second (non-primary) Switch:

Link your Nintendo Account: On your second Switch, go to System Settings > Users > Add User. Follow the prompts to link your existing Nintendo Account (the one you used to purchase the games).
Visit the Nintendo eShop: Once your account is linked, open the Nintendo eShop on your second Switch. Make sure you are logged in with the same Nintendo Account that owns the games.
Access your Download History: Click on your profile icon in the top right corner of the eShop screen. This will take you to your Account Information.
Find “Redownload” or “Your Downloads”: Look for an option like “Redownload” or “Your Downloads” within your Account Information. This section lists all the digital games associated with your Nintendo Account.
Download your Games: Scroll through the list and find the games you want to download. Click on the game tile, and then select the “Download” button. The game will begin downloading to your second Switch.
Remember the Internet Connection Requirement: As mentioned before, because your second Switch is a non-primary console, you’ll need an active internet connection to launch and play these downloaded games. The console needs to verify your purchase each time.

That’s it! Following these steps will allow you to enjoy your digital library on both your primary and secondary Nintendo Switch consoles. Remember to manage your primary console designation if needed (more on that below!).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Downloading Games on Multiple Switches

Here are some common questions and answers to help you navigate the complexities of Nintendo’s digital game ecosystem.

Account & Primary Console Management

Q1: How do I change my primary console?

To change your primary console, you first need access to your current primary console. On that console, open the Nintendo eShop, click on your profile icon, and scroll down to “Deregister“. Select this option to remove the primary console designation. Then, on the console you want to be primary, open the eShop while logged into your account. The console will automatically be registered as your primary. Important: You can only deregister your primary console from the console itself. If you no longer have access to the original console (e.g., it’s broken or lost), you’ll need to contact Nintendo Support to deregister it.
Q2: Can I play the same game simultaneously on both Switches if they are both logged into the same account?

No. While you can download games on both consoles, only one console can be actively playing a game linked to that account at a time. If you try to launch the same game on both consoles simultaneously, one will give you an error message, and it will force you to close the game.
Q3: What happens if I lose my primary console?

Contact Nintendo Support. They can assist you in deregistering the lost console as your primary. Be prepared to provide information about your account to verify your ownership.

Downloading & Storage

Q4: What if I don’t have enough storage space on my second Switch?

The Nintendo Switch has limited internal storage. You can expand it by using a microSD card. Ensure the microSD card is compatible with the Switch (UHS-I compatible, recommended speed class of 10 or higher). Insert the card into the microSD card slot on the back of the console. The Switch will then use the microSD card as the default storage location for downloaded games.
Q5: Can I transfer save data between my two Switches?

Yes, you can transfer save data, but it varies depending on your Nintendo Switch Online membership.
- Nintendo Switch Online Member: You can use the Cloud Save Data Backup feature to back up your save data to the cloud and then download it to your second Switch. You must manually upload and download your save data for each game.
- All users: You can use the Transfer Your Save Data option under system settings. With this option, you can transfer save data for a single game at a time to another Nintendo Switch that is near by.
Q6: How do I delete games I no longer play from my Switch?

Go to System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software. Select the game you want to delete and choose “Delete Software“. This will remove the game from your console, but it will still be available for redownload from the eShop if you purchased it digitally.

Family & Sharing

Q7: Can multiple Nintendo Accounts on the same Switch access downloaded games?

Yes, if that Switch is designated as the primary console for the account that purchased the game. On the primary console, any user profile on that Switch can play the games downloaded by any account linked to the console. On non-primary consoles, only the account that purchased the game can play it, and they must be connected to the internet.
Q8: How does the Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership affect game sharing?

A Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts to share the online benefits. However, it does not change the primary/non-primary console restrictions. Each account still needs to manage its own primary console designation.
Q9: Can I lend my physical game cartridges to a friend who also has a Switch?

Yes! This is one of the advantages of physical game cartridges. You can freely lend them to friends, trade them, or resell them.

Troubleshooting

Q10: I’m getting an error message when trying to download a game. What should I do?

First, check your internet connection. Ensure you have a stable and active connection. If the connection is fine, restart your Switch and try again. If the problem persists, check the Nintendo Support website for specific error codes and troubleshooting steps.
Q11: My game is downloading very slowly. What can I do to speed it up?

Try these tips:
- Move closer to your Wi-Fi router.
- Minimize other devices using your internet connection.
- Restart your router.
- Use a wired internet connection with a USB-to-Ethernet adapter.
- Download during off-peak hours when internet traffic is lower.
Q12: I accidentally deleted a game I purchased digitally. Can I get it back?

Yes! As long as you used the same Nintendo Account to make the original purchase, you can redownload the game from the eShop for free. Just follow the steps outlined above to access your “Redownload” or “Your Downloads” section.

Region Locking

Q13: Are Nintendo Switch games region-locked?

The Nintendo Switch is not region-locked, meaning you can play games purchased from any region on any Nintendo Switch console. However, downloadable content (DLC) is region-specific. Make sure the DLC region matches the region of your game.
Q14: Can I use a different Nintendo Account for each Switch?

Yes, you can. Each Switch can be linked to a different Nintendo Account. However, remember that the games purchased on one account will only be accessible on the consoles linked to that account (subject to the primary/non-primary console restrictions).
Q15: Where can I learn more about video game education?

Interested in the educational potential of video games? Check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for research, resources, and insights into the world of game-based learning. They explore how games can transform education and engagement.

Hopefully, this comprehensive guide and FAQ have cleared up any confusion about downloading your purchased games onto your second Nintendo Switch. Happy gaming!