How Animal Crossing: New Horizons DLC Works with Multiple Accounts: A Comprehensive Guide

The question of how downloadable content (DLC) for Animal Crossing: New Horizons functions across multiple Nintendo Accounts is a common one, and understanding its nuances can save you time, money, and potential frustration. Here’s the straight scoop: If you purchase the Happy Home Paradise DLC as a separate, permanent purchase (rather than accessing it through a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership), all users on the same Nintendo Switch console can enjoy the DLC, provided that the console is set as the Primary Console for the Nintendo Account that made the purchase.

In essence, the DLC is tied to the console, not just the individual account. This means anyone using that primary console benefits from the DLC. However, if you’re playing on a secondary console (i.e., not the primary one for the purchasing account), only the account that bought the DLC can access it. It is important to note that with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, your DLC access is only valid for the duration of your paid subscription.

Understanding Primary and Secondary Consoles

The key to comprehending DLC sharing lies in the concept of Primary and Secondary Consoles. A Nintendo Account can designate one Switch as its Primary Console. This allows other users on that console to play digital games and DLC purchased by that account. If you’re using a different Switch, it becomes a Secondary Console, and only the purchasing account can access their digital content.

The Happy Home Paradise Exception

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has a slightly different wrinkle compared to other games. The Happy Home Paradise DLC can be accessed in two ways:

• Separate Purchase: A one-time purchase of the DLC itself.
• Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Gaining access to the DLC as part of the subscription service.

The crucial difference is that if you obtain Happy Home Paradise via the Expansion Pack, only those profiles with the specific subscription are able to play. If you purchase the DLC outright, then your island residents will be able to play the game.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Considerations

If you’re subscribing to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, keep in mind that access to Happy Home Paradise is contingent on maintaining an active subscription. If your subscription lapses, you’ll lose access to the DLC until you renew it. The DLC can be played during the duration of the membership, and allows you to play so long as the subscription is active.

Managing Multiple Islands and Consoles

It’s important to also consider how Animal Crossing handles multiple islands. Each Switch console can only host one island. If multiple people in your household want their own islands, they’ll each need their own Switch. Island data can be transferred to a new Switch, but the original island will be deleted from the source console.

FAQs: Demystifying Animal Crossing DLC and Multiple Accounts

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify how Animal Crossing: New Horizons DLC works with multiple accounts:

Can all residents use Happy Home Paradise?

• If you purchased Happy Home Paradise separately, then yes, all residents on the island residing on the primary console of the purchasing account can access the DLC. If you are subscribed to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, then only users with the subscription can play the DLC.

Can only the island representative play Happy Home Paradise?

• No, everyone can access the DLC as long as they meet the above requirement of the purchasing account’s console being set as primary, or using the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

Can two users have different islands in Animal Crossing?

• No. Multiple people who play Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the same Switch MUST play on the same island. If you want your own island, you need your own Switch and copy of the game.

Why can’t I play Animal Crossing on a different account?

• If you own a digital copy of the game purchased on one Switch with your account, and you have your account on another console, only you can play the digital games that you purchased while logged in to the secondary console. In other words, you can only play it with your account logged in on a secondary console.

Is the Animal Crossing DLC shared between accounts?

• Yes, if the DLC is purchased separately and the console is set as the Primary Console for the purchasing account.

Can villagers be removed from Happy Home Paradise?

• Yes, but you’ll need to invite a new villager to replace them before initiating the removal process.

Why can’t I access Happy Home Paradise?

• Ensure you’ve met the following conditions: the building for Resident Services must be built, you must have your own house, and you must have finished the DIY workshop. Also, verify that you have downloaded the newest version of the game.

Can you share DLC between accounts (general)?

• This depends on the platform. On PlayStation, sharing is possible if the console is set as the Primary Console. The concept is the same with the Nintendo Switch.

Does DLC transfer with family sharing?

• This also varies by platform. Some services, like Steam Family Sharing, may not allow DLC sharing if both players own the base game. It might be an “all or nothing” deal, including the base game and the DLC. This functionality does not apply to the Nintendo Switch, but it can be helpful to understand the concept.

Will I lose my Animal Crossing island if I get a new Switch?

• No, you can transfer your island data to a new Switch. However, the island will be deleted from the source console after the transfer.

What are the benefits of sharing an island in Animal Crossing?

• Shared islands offer multiple opportunities to collect Bells, resources, and interact with villagers.

Can you become a resident on someone else’s island?

• No, the only way to “live” on someone else’s island is to create a user account on their Switch and play the game from that account.

What happens if I play Animal Crossing on a different Switch?

• You can live on one shared island with up to seven other users on your Nintendo Switch. You can transfer island or resident data to a new console.

Do I need two copies of Animal Crossing?

• No, up to 8 users can share a single island on one Nintendo Switch with one copy of the game.

Is Happy Home Paradise a one-time purchase?

• It can be. If you have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, you have access to the Happy Home Paradise DLC, but it requires a continued subscription. If you don’t, you can also purchase it separately for a one-time fee.

The Importance of Understanding Digital Rights

Understanding how digital rights and account management work on the Nintendo Switch is crucial for maximizing your enjoyment of Animal Crossing: New Horizons and its DLC, especially within a household with multiple users. Properly configuring primary consoles and understanding the implications of subscription services ensures everyone can access the content they’re entitled to, preventing potential conflicts and maximizing value for your money.

As the intersection of gaming and learning continues to grow, platforms like Animal Crossing offer unique opportunities for social interaction, creativity, and problem-solving. To learn more about the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.