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How To Play Games With Other Nintendo Switch Players: A Comprehensive Guide

Playing games with friends and family is a cornerstone of the Nintendo Switch experience. Whether you’re aiming for intense online battles or cozy couch co-op sessions, the Switch offers a variety of ways to connect and play with others. The specific method you’ll use depends on factors like the type of game, your proximity to other players, and whether you’re using one or multiple consoles. In short, you can play with others on the Nintendo Switch either locally, on the same console, by using local wireless between multiple consoles, or by connecting online. These are the primary ways to play together.

Understanding Your Options

Let’s break down the main ways to play games with others on the Nintendo Switch:

Single Console Multiplayer

This is your classic couch co-op experience. Multiple players can join the same game on a single Nintendo Switch console. The way this works depends on the game:

Splitscreen: Many games divide the screen, allowing two or more players to each see their own portion of the game world.
Shared Screen: Some games have all players sharing the same screen view, often with zoomed-out perspectives.
Pass and Play: Certain titles might have you take turns, making it easy to involve a group of friends even without extra controllers.

To engage in single console multiplayer, you’ll typically need additional controllers such as Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers. Some games, like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, even allow play with a single Joy-Con held horizontally. You’ll want to check the specific game’s requirements.

Local Wireless Multiplayer

This option enables you to play with others in close proximity, even on separate consoles. All players need to be in the same physical location and on the same network. Here’s how it works:

Multiple Nintendo Switch consoles are required.
Each console will need its own copy of the same game, unless you are game sharing (see more below).
You’ll connect wirelessly to other players nearby.
Players can enjoy competitive or cooperative gameplay without an internet connection.

Local wireless is fantastic for get-togethers and travel, as it allows for exciting multiplayer sessions without reliance on internet access.

Online Multiplayer

When you can’t be in the same place, the Nintendo Switch still keeps you connected via its online multiplayer features. Here’s a summary of online play:

You’ll need a stable internet connection and in most cases, a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
You can play with friends you have added to your Nintendo Account.
Some games support global matchmaking, allowing you to play with other players worldwide.
Some games support voice chat via the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app.

Online multiplayer expands your gaming horizons, letting you connect with friends and gamers from across the world.

Game Sharing

One unique feature of the Nintendo Switch involves how digital game purchases are handled through a Nintendo Account. Here’s how game sharing works and when it will not work:

You can designate one console as the primary console for your Nintendo Account.
On your primary console, all user accounts can play your digital games.
On secondary consoles, only the Nintendo Account that purchased the game can play it.
To share games, set another person’s Switch as the primary console for the account.
When you do this, your Switch will become a secondary console.
If you’re using the game share method, you will not be able to play the game at the same time. Only the person using the primary account will be able to play the game.
This allows for sharing games within a household, but there are some restrictions in playing concurrently.

Game sharing can be a cost-effective way to play with multiple users, but it does require careful management of primary and secondary console settings.

Nintendo Account Requirements

Each person using a Nintendo Switch will need a user account. This is different from a Nintendo Account. You’ll need to link a Nintendo Account to a user account to unlock online features. This linking also allows your purchases to be usable across multiple consoles and gives the user access to online play and other benefits.

Multiple User Accounts: You can create up to eight user accounts on a single Nintendo Switch console.
Linked Nintendo Accounts: Connecting a user account to a Nintendo Account grants access to online multiplayer, cloud saves, and eShop purchases.
Personalized Experience: User accounts manage personal settings and save data separately.

Identifying Multiplayer Games

You can check if a game supports multiplayer by:

Looking for the 2P (or more) logo on the game case or in the digital game description.
Checking the game details on the Nintendo eShop.
Consulting the game’s manual or official website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about playing games with others on the Nintendo Switch:

1. Do Both Players Need a Copy of a Game for Local Wireless Multiplayer?

Yes, for local wireless multiplayer, each player will generally need their own copy of the game, downloaded or on a cartridge, on their own console. Some rare games might have exceptions, but this is the general rule. However, using the gamesharing method, you can play the game on your primary console.

2. Can You Play Online Multiplayer Without a Nintendo Switch Online Membership?

In most cases, no. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to access online multiplayer features in most games. However, there are some free-to-play titles that do not require a membership.

3. Can Two People Play the Same Digital Game on Two Switches Simultaneously?

It depends on the primary and secondary console settings. With game sharing, only one person can play at a time using the primary account. But if each has their own account and their own copy of the game, they can play simultaneously.

4. Can You Use a Physical Game Cartridge on Multiple Switches?

Yes, you can freely swap a game cartridge between different consoles. However, save data is stored on the console, not the cartridge, so each Switch will have its own save data.

5. Do You Need Two Sets of Joy-Cons for Two-Player Games?

Not always. Many games allow you to play with one Joy-Con per player. Some games require two Joy-Cons or other controller options. Check the game’s controller requirements.

6. How Do You Play Local Wireless Multiplayer?

Start the game, choose the multiplayer option, and typically select local wireless. The consoles will then connect through a local network. Make sure they are in close proximity.

7. How Do You Play Online Multiplayer?

Start the game, choose the multiplayer option, select online play, and follow any on-screen instructions. You may need to invite friends or use matchmaking.

8. How Do You Set Up a Primary Console?

On the Nintendo Switch, go to the eShop, click on your profile, and then settings. There, you will find the option to register the console as your primary console.

9. How Does Game Sharing Work on the Nintendo Switch?

You can set one Nintendo Switch as the primary console for your Nintendo Account. This allows all user accounts on that console to play your digital games. On other consoles, only the account that purchased the game can play it. This allows you to share games with a friend or family member and for them to play the game on your account.

10. Can You Use the Same Account on Multiple Switches?

Yes, you can use the same Nintendo Account on multiple Switches. However, only one console can be designated as the primary console.

11. Can You Play Mario Kart with Two Switches?

Yes, you can play Mario Kart on two Switches via local wireless, as long as both have a copy of the game. You can also play online with an internet connection and a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

12. Can You Play With Friends on Other Consoles?

Yes, if the game supports online multiplayer, you can play with friends who own other Nintendo Switch consoles.

13. Can I Play Games Without WiFi?

Yes, you can play single-player games and local multiplayer games without WiFi. However, you need WiFi for online multiplayer and to download games from the eShop.

14. What is the Difference Between a User Account and a Nintendo Account?

A user account is specific to a Nintendo Switch console, managing settings and game save data. A Nintendo Account is a broader online account that enables online play, purchases, and other features. You link a Nintendo Account to a user account for full access to the Switch’s capabilities.

15. Can you play “It Takes Two” on a Nintendo Switch with another person?

Yes, “It Takes Two” is designed for co-op play, and it’s available on Nintendo Switch. You can play local co-op with two Joy-Cons or two pro controllers. You will need two sets of controllers to play the game.

By following these guidelines and understanding the different methods of play, you can fully enjoy the Nintendo Switch’s multiplayer experiences with friends and family. Enjoy your gaming sessions!

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