How To Play Downloaded Games on Two Nintendo Switches

Playing your downloaded Nintendo Switch games across multiple consoles is possible, but it involves understanding Nintendo’s account system and how it manages digital game access. It’s not as simple as logging in on two devices simultaneously and playing the same game. Instead, it relies on a primary and secondary console setup linked to your Nintendo Account. Here’s the core process:

First, you’ll need a Nintendo Account, which is essential for purchasing and downloading digital games from the eShop. The first Nintendo Switch you use to access the eShop with your account becomes the primary console. Any user on this primary console can play your digital games, whether they’re connected to the internet or not.

To play your downloaded games on a second Switch console, you will need to link your same Nintendo Account to a user profile on that console. This second console becomes a secondary console. Once linked, you can redownload your games from the eShop. However, there’s an important restriction: on a secondary console, only the user who purchased the games can play them, and that console requires a stable internet connection to verify your ownership. Furthermore, if the game is played on the primary console while you are trying to play it on the secondary console, the game will be kicked from the secondary console.

Crucially, you cannot play the same downloaded game simultaneously on both consoles under the same Nintendo Account. Nintendo’s digital rights management (DRM) prevents this. Only one instance of a digitally owned game can be active at a time. So, you can’t start a game on your primary console and then jump onto your secondary console and continue it.

Understanding Primary and Secondary Consoles

Primary Console:

• First Switch: The first console you use to access the Nintendo eShop with your account becomes your primary console.
• Offline Play: Digital games can be played by any user on the primary console, even without an internet connection.
• Full Access: All games purchased with your account can be played on the primary console.
• Sharing: Family members or friends on the same primary Switch can access the entire game library without the limitations imposed on a secondary system.

Secondary Console:

• Additional Switches: Any other Switch console you link your Nintendo Account to becomes a secondary console.
• Internet Required: Internet connection is mandatory to start and play any digital games on the secondary console.
• Ownership Check: Only the specific user who owns the games can play them on the secondary console.
• Priority to Primary: If a game is launched on the primary console, the game will immediately cease on the secondary console.

Redownloading Games on Secondary Consoles

After linking your Nintendo Account to the secondary console, you’ll need to redownload your games onto that system. This doesn’t mean purchasing the games again; your digital games are linked to your account, not just one console. Here’s how:

1. Access the Nintendo eShop: From the HOME Menu of the secondary console, open the Nintendo eShop.
2. Log In: Log in to the eShop using the same Nintendo Account you used to purchase the games.
3. Navigate to Redownload: Click on your account profile and select the “Redownload” option.
4. Select and Download: You’ll see a list of all your purchased games. Select the ones you want to play and begin the download.
5. Play: Once the games are downloaded, you can begin playing on the secondary console.

Switching Your Primary Console

If you want to switch which Switch is your primary console, you can do so.

1. Deactivate the current primary console: On the current primary console, go into the eShop, then click on your account settings, then select deregister from that console.
2. Make the new Switch the Primary Console: On the new Switch, go into the eShop and log in with your account. This Switch will become your new primary console.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I play the same downloaded game simultaneously on two Switches with the same account?

No, you cannot play the same downloaded game simultaneously on two Switch consoles using the same Nintendo Account. Nintendo’s DRM prevents this to manage digital ownership.

2. Can I transfer downloaded Switch games to another Switch?

Yes. You can **transfer your Nintendo Account and digital games to a different Nintendo Switch console and make that console your account's primary console.** This would require you to make a secondary console into a primary console.

3. Can I share my digital Switch games with family?

Yes, you can share digital games with family. On a **primary Switch**, any user can access all the downloaded games. On a **secondary Switch**, only the account owner can play, and only when the console is connected to the internet.

4. Can you use the same game cartridge on two Switches simultaneously?

Yes, you can use the same game cartridge on two switches.  However, **save data is stored on the console itself**, so the game progress won't be shared between the consoles. Each console will keep individual save data. 

5. How do I use two Nintendo Switches with one account?

 To use the same Nintendo Account on two Switch consoles, you simply link your existing account to a user profile on the second Switch through the eShop. One switch will be your primary console and the second will be a secondary console.

6. How do I share digital games on two Switches?

By **linking your Nintendo Account to multiple consoles**. You then need to make sure you are logging into the secondary Switch with the same account that purchased the game. This allows you to access your games library on both consoles, with the limitations based on whether the console is primary or secondary.

7. Can you transfer downloaded Switch games to an SD card?

You cannot move games directly. You have to delete the game from the system and then re-download it with the microSD card inserted, then the downloaded game will be on the SD card.

8. What happens if I put my game cartridge in another Switch?

 You can put a game cartridge in any Switch. The **save data will be unique to each console**.

9. Will I lose my game progress if I get a new Switch?

  No, you can **transfer your user and save data to the new console** without losing your game progress. Nintendo has a data transfer feature to make this process smooth.

10. Why can’t other users play my games on a secondary Switch?

On a secondary Switch, only the owner of the Nintendo Account that purchased the games can play them. This is to **ensure game ownership is verified** and prevent unauthorized access.

11. Can I play my Switch games without the cartridge?

  You **must have the cartridge inserted to play a physical game**. Digital games can be played without a cartridge but must be downloaded through the eShop.

12. Why can’t I move games to my SD card?

Nintendo’s system doesn’t allow direct data transfers. Instead, you have to **delete the game and re-download it** after inserting the SD card to store it on the SD card.

13. Can I be the primary account on 2 Switches?

No, **you can have only one primary console linked to your Nintendo Account at a time**. You can always change your primary console but only one at a time.

14. Can two Switches share an online account?

Yes, if you have a **family membership to the Nintendo Switch Online service**, multiple Switches can share access to online features under the same account.

15. Why can’t I play my downloaded Switch games offline on a secondary console?

If you are on a secondary console, then the game requires an active internet connection to verify that you have purchased the game and are the owner of the game. If you are on your primary console, you can play without an internet connection.