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Setting Up a Nintendo Switch for Two Kids: A Parent’s Guide

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So, you’re about to embark on the wonderful journey of sharing a Nintendo Switch with two kids? Congratulations! The Switch is a fantastic family console, but setting it up for multiple users requires a bit of planning. Here’s a comprehensive guide to get you started:

The core process involves creating individual Nintendo Accounts for each child (or sharing yours, with limitations), managing the console’s user profiles, and understanding Nintendo Switch Online options. A key question to determine whether to purchase one or two Nintendo Switch systems is if the children like to play games together on the big screen or independently in handheld mode. Let’s break down the steps:

Create Nintendo Accounts: If your children are under 13, you’ll need to create child accounts linked to your own Nintendo Account. This allows you to manage their activity and set parental controls. If they are older, they can create their own accounts.
Set Up User Profiles on the Switch: Each child will need their own user profile on the Nintendo Switch. This profile is linked to their Nintendo Account and stores their game progress, save data, and personalized settings.
Nintendo Switch Online (NSO): Consider subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online if you want your kids to play online multiplayer games. A Family Membership is the most cost-effective option for multiple users.
Parental Controls: Utilize the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your smartphone to manage playtime, restrict content, and monitor activity. This is crucial for ensuring a safe and age-appropriate gaming experience.
Game Selection: Choose games that are suitable for both children’s ages and interests. Look for titles with local multiplayer options if they enjoy playing together.
Consider a Second Controller: To avoid conflict over controller ownership when playing together, purchasing an extra Joy-Con controller or a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller can be beneficial.

By following these steps, you can create a fun and equitable gaming environment for your kids on the Nintendo Switch.

Diving Deeper: Accounts, Systems, and Online Play

Let’s get into more detail about the different aspects of setting up your Nintendo Switch for two children. It’s more complex than plugging it in and turning it on.

Nintendo Accounts: The Foundation of the Nintendo Switch Experience

A Nintendo Account is required to access online services like the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo Switch Online, and to sync save data to the cloud. Each user on your Nintendo Switch console should have an individual user profile that is linked to a Nintendo Account. As we mentioned above, if your children are under the age of 13, you’ll need to create child accounts which are linked to your parent Nintendo Account. This allows you to take advantage of some parental controls.

Choosing the Right Nintendo Switch System

There are three versions of the Nintendo Switch available: the original Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch OLED, and the Nintendo Switch Lite.

The Nintendo Switch is the most versatile console because you can play it in both handheld and docked mode. If your children like to play multiplayer games together on the big screen, it is your best bet. The Nintendo Switch OLED is a premium model which has an upgraded OLED screen, enhanced audio, a wider adjustable stand, 64 GB of internal storage, and a dock with a wired LAN port. This is a very similar system to the base Switch, but will provide an upgraded viewing experience. The Nintendo Switch Lite is a smaller, handheld-only console. This is a more affordable option and is great for single-player gaming on the go. If each of your children would like to play independently on the go, two Switch Lites may be the best option.

Understanding Primary and Non-Primary Consoles

If you own two Nintendo Switch consoles, you can designate one as your “primary” console. All users on the primary console can play digital games purchased with your Nintendo Account. On a non-primary console, only the Nintendo Account that purchased the game can play it, and an internet connection is required to verify the license.

Maximizing Family Fun with Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) is a subscription service that provides access to online multiplayer gaming, a library of classic NES and SNES games, cloud saves (for most games), and exclusive deals. There are two tiers to consider: the base Nintendo Switch Online plan and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The Expansion Pack adds access to Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis games, as well as downloadable content for certain games, such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

The Family Membership is the most cost-effective option for families with multiple users. It covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts, allowing everyone in your family group to enjoy the benefits of Nintendo Switch Online.

Parental Controls: Safety First

Nintendo Switch Parental Controls are essential for managing your children’s gaming experience. You can set limits on playtime, restrict access to certain games based on their ESRB rating, disable online communication features, and monitor their activity using the smartphone app. Remember to have a discussion with your kids and explain the rules and expectations surrounding their Nintendo Switch usage.

Beyond Gaming: Educational Opportunities

Gaming isn’t just about entertainment. Many games promote problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. For more information on the educational aspects of video games, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify setting up a Nintendo Switch for two kids:

Do I need two Nintendo Switches for 2 kids? It depends. If they prefer playing together, one standard Switch is sufficient. If they want to play different games simultaneously or on the go, two Switches might be better.
Do I need separate Nintendo Accounts for each child? Yes, especially if they are over 13. For children under 13, you’ll create child accounts linked to your Nintendo Account.
Can you have 2 Nintendo Switches on one account? Yes, but only one can be the “primary” console. Digital games can be played by anyone on the primary console, but only by the purchasing account on the non-primary console.
Can 2 accounts share Nintendo Switch Online? Yes, with a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership, up to 8 Nintendo Accounts within a family group can share the service.
Can two Nintendo accounts share games? Digital games are tied to the purchasing Nintendo Account. They can be shared on the primary console, but not simultaneously on two different consoles.
Does each kid need a Nintendo Switch? Not necessarily. One Switch can be shared, but they’ll need to take turns and may not be able to play together simultaneously unless the game supports local multiplayer.
How many child accounts can you have on Nintendo Switch? You can manage up to seven child accounts through a parent or guardian’s Nintendo Account.
Do I link my Nintendo account to my kids Switch? Yes, you’ll create child accounts under your main Nintendo Account and link them to the user profiles on the Switch.
Do you need 2 Switch controllers for Mario Kart? Yes, if you want to play split-screen multiplayer on one console. Each player needs a Joy-Con or Pro Controller.
Can you play games you bought on one Switch on another? Yes, by linking your Nintendo Account to both consoles. However, simultaneous play is restricted unless one is the primary console and the other is being used by the purchasing account.
How do you set a primary and secondary Switch? The first Switch you use to access the eShop with your Nintendo Account becomes the primary console. To change it, you need to deregister the current primary console.
How does Nintendo family plan work? The Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership provides online access to everyone in your Nintendo Account family group (up to 8 users).
How much is the Switch family plan? The yearly cost for the Family Plan is $34.99 and $79.99 for the Family Plan + Expansion Pack.
Should I get my 7 year old a Nintendo Switch? The Nintendo Switch offers a variety of games for everyone of all ages to enjoy. We recommend that you make sure a game is appropriate for your child prior to playing.
Do I have to buy Switch games twice? Yes, if you want to play the same game simultaneously on two different consoles with separate accounts, you’ll need to purchase it twice, either physically or digitally.

Conclusion

Setting up a Nintendo Switch for two kids requires a bit of planning and understanding of Nintendo Accounts, user profiles, Nintendo Switch Online, and parental controls. By following the steps and considering the FAQs outlined above, you can create a fun, safe, and equitable gaming experience for your children. Remember to choose age-appropriate games, establish clear rules, and leverage parental controls to ensure a positive and enriching gaming experience. And don’t forget to explore the educational potential of video games through resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.