How to Share Games on Your Nintendo Switch: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re looking to share the joy of your Nintendo Switch games with friends and family? Excellent! While Nintendo doesn’t offer a straightforward “gifting” option, there are clever workarounds to share digital games. The core principle involves utilizing the primary and secondary console system associated with your Nintendo Account. By strategically managing these console assignments, you can grant others access to your digital library. Let’s dive into the details.

The most common method, discussed frequently on Reddit and other gaming communities, involves logging into another Switch console with your Nintendo Account and designating it as the primary console for that account. This enables anyone using that Switch to access and play your purchased digital games. However, there’s a crucial trade-off: on your own Switch (now the secondary console), you can only play your digital games using your Nintendo Account, and you’ll need an active internet connection to verify your right to play them.

Understanding the Primary and Secondary Console System

The key to sharing games on the Switch lies in understanding how Nintendo manages digital game access through the primary and secondary console system. Here’s a breakdown:

• Primary Console: This is the Switch you designate as the main device associated with your Nintendo Account. Anyone using this console can play digital games purchased by your account, regardless of their own user profile. No internet connection is required for them to access those games.

• Secondary Console: This is any Switch other than the one designated as your primary. On a secondary console, only the account that purchased the digital game can play it. Crucially, that account must be connected to the internet to verify the game license each time it launches. This requirement is a key limitation to be aware of.

Step-by-Step Game Sharing Instructions

Here’s how to share your games:

1. Identify the Target Switch: Decide which Switch you want to share your games with (e.g., a family member’s console). This will become your primary console.

2. Log In to the Target Switch: On the target Switch, sign in with the Nintendo Account that owns the digital games you want to share.

3. Access the eShop: Open the Nintendo eShop on the target Switch using the logged-in account. Simply opening the eShop will automatically make that console your primary console.

4. Verify Primary Console Status (Optional): To double-check that the target Switch is now your primary console, navigate to your account information within the eShop (click your profile icon in the top-right corner). The settings should confirm that it is your primary console.

5. Download the Games: On the target Switch, go to the eShop and redownload any digital games you want to share. Since it’s now the primary console, any user on that Switch can access these games.

6. Consider the Trade-Off: Remember, your original Switch is now a secondary console. You’ll need an active internet connection to play your digital games on it.

Important Considerations and Risks

• Internet Dependency: As mentioned, playing your digital games on the secondary console requires a constant internet connection. If you frequently play on the go or in areas with spotty internet, this can be a significant inconvenience.

• Account Security: Sharing your Nintendo Account credentials with someone else carries inherent security risks. Be sure you trust the person you’re sharing with. Consider enabling two-factor authentication for added protection.

• Game Updates: Keep in mind that game updates will need to be downloaded on both the primary and secondary consoles.

• Simultaneous Play Restrictions: While both consoles can technically access the same game library, some games may have restrictions that prevent simultaneous play using the same Nintendo Account.

• Deregistering a Primary Console: You can deregister your primary console via the Nintendo eShop on a different Switch or through the Nintendo website. However, there are limits to how frequently you can do this.

Alternative Sharing Methods

While not direct game sharing, consider these alternatives:

• Physical Game Cartridges: The most straightforward way to share games without the primary/secondary console limitations is to purchase physical game cartridges. You can simply lend the cartridge to a friend or family member.

• Nintendo eShop Cards: If you want to gift a game, purchase a Nintendo eShop card for the desired amount and let the recipient choose the game they want.

• Download Codes: Many retailers offer download codes for Nintendo Switch games. These codes can be gifted to others for redemption in the eShop.

Why is Nintendo’s System Like This?

Nintendo’s digital game sharing system aims to balance user convenience with piracy prevention. By requiring an internet connection for secondary consoles, Nintendo makes it more difficult for users to widely distribute their digital games. While this can be frustrating for legitimate users, it’s a necessary measure to protect the interests of game developers and publishers. The Games Learning Society addresses these issues, and you can learn more about them at GamesLearningSociety.org.

FAQs: Your Nintendo Switch Game Sharing Questions Answered

1. Can I have more than one primary Nintendo Switch?

No. Each Nintendo Account can only have one primary console at a time.

2. What happens if I lose access to my primary console?

You can deregister your primary console through the Nintendo website, but there’s a limit to how often you can do this per year. If you can’t access the console, contact Nintendo Support for assistance.

3. Can I share my Nintendo Switch Online membership with someone else?

Yes, a Nintendo Switch Online family membership can be shared with up to eight Nintendo Accounts within a family group.

4. Can I transfer a digital game from one Nintendo Account to another?

No. Digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them and cannot be transferred.

5. Can multiple users play the same digital game simultaneously on different consoles?

This depends on the game. Some games allow it, while others may restrict simultaneous play using the same Nintendo Account.

6. What if I want to stop sharing games with someone?

Simply deregister the Switch that’s currently set as your primary console. Your own Switch will then become the primary.

7. Will game saves transfer when I switch primary consoles?

Game saves are stored on the console or SD card and are generally tied to the user profile, not the Nintendo Account. You can’t directly transfer saves through the primary/secondary console system.

8. Can I play online multiplayer games on both the primary and secondary consoles?

Yes, provided that each console has an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.

9. Does this sharing method work with all digital games?

Yes, this method generally works with all digital games purchased from the Nintendo eShop.

10. Is it legal to share my games this way?

Yes, this method is within the terms of service for Nintendo. However, keep in mind the restrictions and security considerations.

11. How do I change my primary console?

Sign in to the Nintendo eShop on the Switch you want to be your primary console. It will automatically become the primary.

12. What happens if I’m playing a game on my secondary console and my internet connection drops?

The game will likely close, as it needs constant verification of the game license.

13. Can I move digital games from the internal storage to an SD card?

Yes, you can move game data to an SD card via the System Settings. Note: you may have to delete the game, and redownload it on the SD card.

14. Can I use this method to share games with someone in a different country?

Yes, but keep in mind that the Nintendo eShop region may affect the games available for download.

15. Are there any risks of getting my account banned for game sharing?

As long as you’re following Nintendo’s terms of service and not engaging in piracy, there’s generally no risk of getting your account banned. However, be cautious about sharing your account credentials with untrusted individuals.

In conclusion, while Nintendo’s game sharing system isn’t as straightforward as some might like, it offers a functional way to share the fun with friends and family. By understanding the primary and secondary console system and its limitations, you can make the most of your digital game library and spread the joy of gaming.