How do I have one account on two switches?

To have one account on two Nintendo Switch consoles, you can link your Nintendo Account to multiple consoles, allowing you to play digital games you’ve purchased on any Nintendo Switch console that has been linked to your account, with the option to register one primary console per Nintendo Account. By following the on-screen instructions to add a user and importing user data from another console, you can easily switch between consoles while maintaining access to your digital games and Nintendo Switch Online services.

Understanding Nintendo Account Linking

Having one account on two Nintendo Switch consoles offers a range of benefits, including access to digital games, Nintendo Switch Online services, and the ability to play with friends and family across different consoles. To take full advantage of these features, it’s essential to understand how to link your Nintendo Account to multiple consoles and manage your account settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. How do I add multiple Nintendo switches to one account? On the HOME Menu, select “System Settings” → “Users” → “Add User” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
2. Can you have two Animal Crossing Islands on one account? No, you can only create one island per Nintendo Switch system, even if you use multiple games.
3. Can two Nintendo switches play together? Yes, Nintendo Switch supports multiplayer gaming options, including online and local wireless play.
4. Can two switches share Nintendo online? Yes, players using a family membership can access Nintendo Switch Online via the same Nintendo Switch system or multiple systems.
5. How much is the Switch family plan? The Family Plan costs $34.99 per year, with the option to add an expansion pack for a total of $79.99 per year.

Account Management

6. How do I link multiple switches to my family account? Log in to the admin Nintendo Account, click “Nintendo Account” in the upper-left corner, select “Family group”, and follow the on-screen instructions.
7. What does linking a Nintendo Account do? Linking a Nintendo Account provides access to online features, including online game modes, global rankings, and DLC.
8. How do I make my secondary Switch primary? Use your Nintendo Account to access the Nintendo eShop on the console you want to be the primary console, and the system will automatically be set as the primary console.

Game Sharing and Purchases

9. Can 2 switches share games? No, you can’t play the same game at the same time on both consoles with the same account, due to Nintendo‘s DRM policies.
10. Do I need two copies of Animal Crossing to play with two switches? No, you can play with one digital copy of the game on both systems, as long as one console is set as the primary console.
11. Can you use the same Animal Crossing game card on different switches? Yes, the island saves to the Switch rather than the cartridge, so you can have an island for each Switch.

Technical Questions

12. What happens if I play Animal Crossing on a different Switch? Your island data will be transferred to the new console, and you won’t be able to play on the island on the source console.
13. Can I get a digital copy of a game I already own on Switch? Yes, you can purchase and download a digital copy of a physical game you own, but the physical game does not give you rights to a free digital copy.
14. Do I need two copies of Switch games? Yes, you need one copy for each console, but you can game share between two Switch systems with digital copies of the game.

Family and Multiplayer

15. How many Nintendo switches can you link together? You can link up to eight Nintendo Switch family systems via local wireless in compatible games, allowing for multiplayer gaming options with friends and family.