How to Play Your Downloaded Switch Games on Another Switch
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Playing your favorite digital Nintendo Switch games across multiple consoles is easier than you might think, though it does require understanding how Nintendo’s account system works. In short, to play your downloaded Switch games on another Switch, you must first link the Nintendo Account that purchased the games to the non-primary Switch system. Then, you will need to redownload the games or content you wish to access on that console. Once downloaded, you can select and play the game from the HOME Menu of that secondary system, just as you would on your primary console. The primary console is where you usually play, and this system gets priority when accessing games with your account. If you are not using the primary console, you may need an internet connection to start the games.
Understanding the Nintendo Account and Console System
Primary vs. Non-Primary Consoles
The key to understanding how to share games lies in the distinction between the primary and non-primary Nintendo Switch consoles. Your primary console is the first one you log in to with your Nintendo Account or the one you actively play most of your games on. It’s generally the one you consider to be your “home” system. A non-primary console is any other Switch you log into with the same account.
How Digital Game Ownership Works
It’s important to remember that digital games are tied to your Nintendo Account, not directly to any specific console. This means that as long as you are logged in to the correct account, your digital game purchases are accessible. When you buy a digital game, you’re essentially purchasing a license to play it. The license is tied to your account so you can access them on different systems but this is where the primary and non-primary system restrictions come in. This is a critical concept for understanding how you access games across multiple consoles.
Steps to Play Downloaded Games on a Non-Primary Switch
- Link Your Nintendo Account: On the second, or non-primary, Nintendo Switch, navigate to System Settings. Then, under the “User” section, choose “Link Nintendo Account”. Follow the on-screen prompts to log in with the Nintendo Account that was used to purchase the games.
- Redownload Your Games: Once your account is linked to the second Switch, you will need to download any games or content you want to play on that system. Navigate to the eShop using the same account and find your purchased games in your “Redownload” section.
- Start Playing: Once downloaded, the games will appear on the HOME Menu of the secondary console. You can launch the games just as you would on your primary console. However, bear in mind that the non-primary console must have an active internet connection to check the game’s license.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Simultaneous Play: You cannot play the same digital game on two different Switch consoles simultaneously using the same Nintendo account. If you attempt this, you may encounter an error message saying the game is already in use. One must stop playing before the other can start.
- Internet Connection: Non-primary consoles must have an active internet connection to verify your game license each time you start a digital game. The primary console doesn’t require this verification and it can be played offline.
- Game Updates: Ensure all of your Switch consoles are up to date with the latest firmware and that your game files are updated as well to prevent conflicts.
- Save Data: Game save data is stored on each console’s system memory and is not automatically shared between systems. Save files don’t get moved when you do the download method described above. You’ll need to transfer user data to get the save files in tandem.
- Primary Console Restrictions: Your primary Nintendo Switch can play the digital game without an internet connection and any user on the primary can play your downloaded games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify some common concerns about playing downloaded Switch games on multiple consoles:
1. Can I transfer a digital game to a different Nintendo Account?
No, digital game purchases and code redemptions are final and cannot be transferred to a different Nintendo Account. Make sure you are logged into the correct account when purchasing or redeeming a game.
2. Can I use the same game cartridge on two Switches and play at the same time?
Yes, but not at the same time. You can swap the same physical game between any number of consoles and each console will have different save data. The problem is that you can’t use the game on more than one system at once.
3. Do I need to buy two copies of a game if I have two Switches and want to play the same game at the same time?
If you want to play local multiplayer on two separate consoles, each using its own screen, then yes, you will need two copies of the game. This applies to physical and digital copies of a game. However, any digitally purchased game can be “shared” to other switches, which is to say that you can download it to a secondary system so long as you are not trying to play the game at the same time.
4. Can I transfer downloaded Switch games to an SD card?
While you can’t directly transfer game data to an SD card from a console’s internal storage, you can move data between system memory and the microSD card. To do this, go to “System Settings” → “Data Management” → “Move Data Between System/microSD Card.” However, remember to log back into your account so that you can re-download and install your games on the microSD card.
5. Will I lose my game progress if I get a new Switch?
No, you will not lose your game progress if you get a new Switch. You can transfer your user and save data to the new console. You can also transfer your game saves if you make sure your user profile moves to the new system.
6. What happens to my downloaded games if I get a new Switch?
Digital games are tied to your Nintendo account. Once you get a new Switch and log in, you’re able to redownload all those games and start playing them again. Just make sure that you can access your account.
7. Will I lose my Animal Crossing Island if I get a new Switch?
No, if you have enabled island backup, you will be able to restore the last saved version of your island and all residents on a new Nintendo Switch console.
8. Can I lose downloaded Switch games?
As long as the onboard memory or SD card you’ve saved the game to doesn’t become corrupted, digital downloads will remain as long as you take care of your Switch.
9. Can I play my Switch games without the cartridge?
Yes, but only if you purchased the digital edition of the game from the Nintendo eShop. All physical games require a cartridge to be inserted.
10. How do I transfer data from one Switch to another?
From the HOME Menu, go to System Settings, then Users, and then Transfer Your User Data. You then select the appropriate option based on which is the source system and which is the target.
11. Why can’t I move games to my SD card on Switch?
You can’t move a game from internal storage to the micro SD card directly. You can delete the game from internal storage and then re-download it, which will install it on the micro SD card.
12. Are SD cards locked to Switch?
No, SD cards are not locked to a Switch, but there is a physical lock switch on the card itself. Make sure the lock switch is unlocked, or else the Switch cannot add, change, or remove any content from it.
13. Where are Switch save files stored?
On Nintendo Switch, game save data is stored on the console’s System Memory, not the microSD card or cartridge. Save data is kept with your profile.
14. Do downloaded games stay on my Nintendo Account?
Digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that was used to purchase them. As long as you keep your account you will not lose access to your games. However, if you close your account, you will lose all access.
15. Is it better to buy physical games or digital?
The primary consideration is that physical games tend to decrease in price after their release much faster than digital copies do. Thus, if you usually buy games a few months after release, physical copies are the better choice. Digital games are convenient because they are always on your system, while physical copies have the benefit of being resellable.
By understanding how your Nintendo Account works, and following these steps, you can seamlessly enjoy your downloaded Switch games on multiple consoles.