How does primary and secondary switch work?
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The primary and secondary Switch setup allows you to play games on multiple Nintendo Switch consoles using the same Nintendo Account, with the primary Switch being the console where you initially purchased and downloaded your games, and the secondary Switch being any additional consoles that you want to play your games on. By setting up a primary Switch and linking your Nintendo Account to a secondary Switch, you can access and play your digital games on both consoles, but with some limitations, such as only being able to play games on one console at a time, and requiring an active internet connection to play on the secondary Switch.
Understanding Primary and Secondary Switch
To understand how primary and secondary Switch work, it’s essential to know that when you purchase a game on the Nintendo eShop using your Nintendo Account, it is tied to that account, and you can play it on any Nintendo Switch console that is linked to your account. However, you can only set one console as your primary Switch, which is the console where you initially purchased and downloaded your games.
Key Differences Between Primary and Secondary Switch
The key differences between primary and secondary Switch lie in how you can access and play your games on each console. On your primary Switch, you can play your games without any restrictions, and any users on that console can play the games that you’ve purchased. On the other hand, on your secondary Switch, you can only play games that you’ve purchased with your Nintendo Account, and only if you are signed in with that account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can a primary and secondary Switch play at the same time?
No, you cannot play the same downloaded game at the same time on your primary and secondary Switch. If someone is playing a downloaded game on a secondary Switch and you log into the primary Switch and start a game, the game being played on the secondary Switch will be suspended.
Q2: How do I set a primary and secondary Switch?
To set a primary and secondary Switch, you need to link your Nintendo Account to a new or existing user account on the secondary Switch, and then access the Nintendo eShop on that console. The console will automatically be set as the primary Switch for your Nintendo Account.
Q3: Can I have 2 Nintendo switches with the same account?
Yes, you can link your Nintendo Account to multiple Nintendo Switch consoles, but you can only register one primary Switch per Nintendo Account.
Q4: How do I tell which Switch is primary?
To verify whether a console is the primary Switch for your Nintendo Account, check the “primary console” section in your Nintendo eShop Account Information.
Q5: How many times can I change primary Switch?
You can change your primary Switch as many times as you want, but each Nintendo Account can only have one primary Switch at a time.
Q6: Do I have to rebuy games for a second Switch?
No, you don’t have to rebuy games for a second Switch. Purchases made on a Nintendo Account can be redownloaded and played on any Nintendo Switch system that is linked to your account.
Q7: Can Nintendo Switch family members share games?
Yes, digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them, and all users on a system can play games purchased by any Nintendo Account that has registered the system as their primary Switch.
Q8: Why can’t other accounts on my Switch play my games?
If you haven’t set the console as the primary Switch for your Nintendo Account, other accounts on that console won’t be able to play your games.
Q9: How do I get two primary Nintendo switches?
You can’t have two primary Switch consoles for the same Nintendo Account. Each Nintendo Account can only have one primary Switch at a time.
Q10: Can a secondary Switch play physical games?
Yes, you can play physical games on your secondary Switch without any restrictions.
Q11: What happens if I deregister my Switch as primary?
Deregistering your Switch as primary will allow you to select a different console as the primary Switch for your Nintendo Account.
Q12: How many years should a Switch last?
The lifespan of your Nintendo Switch is 6-10 years if you take good care of it.
Q13: Why can’t I play Switch games offline?
If the software does not require an internet connection, you are most likely not using the primary Switch for the Nintendo Account that purchased the software.
Q14: Can I play games on my secondary Switch offline?
Yes, you can play games on your secondary Switch offline, but you’ll need to ensure that you’re not playing the same game on your primary Switch at the same time.
Q15: What happens if you have a physical and digital copy of a Switch game?
For most Switch games, a digital copy will be able to use the game save data created by your physical copy, allowing you to continue playing with the digital copy and sell or give away the physical copy.