How Many Switches Can One Nintendo Account Have? The Ultimate Guide
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The simple answer: A single Nintendo Account can be linked to multiple Nintendo Switch consoles. However, there’s a crucial distinction to understand: while you can link your account to many consoles, you can only designate one as your primary console. This designation has significant implications for how you and others can access your digital games. Let’s dive into the nuances.
Understanding Primary vs. Non-Primary Consoles
The key to grasping the Nintendo Switch’s multi-console system lies in understanding the difference between a primary and a non-primary console designation. This distinction dictates who can play your digital games and under what conditions.
Your Primary Console: The Home Base
Your primary console is like your home base for all your digitally purchased games. Anyone who uses that console can access and play your downloaded games, even without you being logged in. Think of it as the family console where everyone can share the digital library. Importantly, this access works both online and offline.
Non-Primary Consoles: For the Account Holder
A non-primary console, on the other hand, is primarily for your use. You, the account holder, can download and play your digital games on any Switch console linked to your account, but with one major caveat: you must be connected to the internet. The system needs to verify your account and game ownership before allowing you to play. Furthermore, no one else can access your digital games on a non-primary console unless they are logged in as you, and connected to the internet. Only the original account that purchased the game can play it on the non-primary console.
Setting a Primary Console: A Step-by-Step Guide
Setting a primary console is a straightforward process, but understanding the implications is key. Here’s how you do it:
- Make sure the console you want to designate as primary is connected to the internet.
- Log in to the Nintendo Account you want to use on that console.
- If this is the first time using the account on that console, it will automatically be set as the primary console.
- If you already have a primary console designated, you’ll need to deregister it first. You can do this through the eShop settings on the current primary console, or remotely through the Nintendo Account website if you no longer have access to the original console.
Sharing Games with Family and Friends
The primary/non-primary console system is Nintendo’s way of allowing some degree of game sharing while also protecting their digital sales. Here’s how it works in practice:
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Family Sharing: The easiest way to share games within a family is to designate the main family console as the primary console for the account that owns the digital games. This allows everyone in the household to access those games on that console.
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Individual Use: If you have multiple Switches (perhaps one for home and one for travel), you can use your Nintendo Account on both. The console you use most often at home should be your primary, allowing offline play for anyone using that console. The secondary console can then be used for personal play when you’re on the go, as long as you have an internet connection to verify your account.
Nintendo Switch Online and Family Memberships
A Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership is essential for online play and other perks. There are two types of memberships: Individual and Family. A Family Membership is significantly more cost-effective if you have multiple Switch users in your household, as it allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts within a family group to access NSO services. Players using a family membership can access the Nintendo Switch Online service via the same Nintendo Switch system or multiple systems – everyone does not have to use the same system. If the parent account purchases an Individual Membership, then only the parent account can use Nintendo Switch Online, and not the Child Accounts.
Game Sharing with Game Cards
It’s crucial to remember that the primary/non-primary console system only applies to digital games. If you own a physical game cartridge, you can freely share it between any number of Switch consoles. Each console will maintain its own separate save data, as save data is stored on the console itself, not the game card.
Important Considerations
- Changing Primary Console: You can change your primary console, but there’s a limit to how frequently you can do so. Nintendo imposes restrictions to prevent abuse of the system. If you frequently switch your primary console, you might encounter temporary restrictions. If you do not have access to the original console, you can still transfer your Nintendo Account and digital games to a different Nintendo Switch console and make that console your account’s primary console.
- Internet Connectivity: Remember that playing your digital games on a non-primary console requires a stable internet connection. If you plan to play on the go, ensure you have access to Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot.
- Account Security: Protect your Nintendo Account credentials. Sharing your login information can compromise your account and potentially violate Nintendo’s terms of service.
- Save Data Transfer: The Nintendo Switch offers tools to transfer save data between consoles, which can be useful when switching to a new primary console.
- Multiple Users: Up to eight user accounts can be created on a single Nintendo Switch. Each user account can then be linked to a Nintendo Account.
FAQs: Your Nintendo Account and Multiple Switches
How many Nintendo Switches can I link together for local wireless play?
You can link up to eight Nintendo Switch systems together via local wireless for compatible games, perfect for couch co-op with friends and family.
Can I play the same digital game on two Switches simultaneously?
No. You cannot use the same Nintendo Account to access the same digital game on two consoles at the same time. The system will detect this and prevent simultaneous play. This limitation applies even if one console is your primary and the other is not.
Does each family member need their own Nintendo Account?
While not strictly necessary, it’s highly recommended. Each player on a Nintendo Switch should have their own Nintendo Account to manage their save data, personal settings, and access online features. If you have a family membership, the parent account purchases a Family Membership, any Child Accounts that are added to the Family Group can then use the services.
Can I use a Nintendo Switch Online family membership on multiple Switches?
Yes! That’s the whole point of a family membership. Players using a family membership can access the Nintendo Switch Online service via the same Nintendo Switch system or multiple systems – everyone does not have to use the same system.
How often can I change my primary Switch console?
Nintendo doesn’t publicly disclose the exact frequency limitations, but it’s generally advisable to avoid changing your primary console too often. Frequent changes might trigger security measures or temporary restrictions.
Can I transfer my Nintendo Switch games to another Switch?
Yes. You can transfer your Nintendo Account and digital games to a different Nintendo Switch console, making that console your new primary console.
Do I need to buy two copies of a game if I have two Switches?
If you want to play simultaneously on two different consoles, yes, you will generally need two copies of the game. However, there are exceptions. If the consoles aren’t Switch Lites you can simply Dock the one console with the game and play on the TV with the JoyCons. In addition any digitally purchased game can be “shared” to other switches.
Can two Switches share a game card?
Yes. You can freely swap physical game cards between any number of Switch consoles. Each console will maintain its own separate save data. Save data for games on the Switch is saved to the console itself, not the game Cartridge.
Can I connect two Switches without Wi-Fi for local multiplayer?
It’s impossible to play Switch games together on multiple systems without wi-fi. That’s not true. You can play local multiplayer if both users have the game.
Do I need two copies of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to play locally?
Yes. Each Nintendo Switch console that will be used for local wireless play requires a copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (physical or download).
How many people can play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the same Switch?
Up to 4 players can use one Nintendo Switch console to race on a variety of different courses.
How do I link my Nintendo Account to multiple Switches?
To add your existing Nintendo account to an additional Switch, simply create a new local account on your Switch with your preferred name, then complete the process by linking that account to your Nintendo account by using your login and password. You have to be online to make this work.
What’s the difference between users and accounts on the Nintendo Switch?
User accounts are used to manage each player’s save data and personal settings. Nintendo Accounts are linked to these user accounts and provide access to online features, digital game purchases, and Nintendo Switch Online.
What’s the point of a Nintendo family group?
A Nintendo Account family group allows up to 8 Nintendo Account users to connect together into one group. Family groups can include: One admin account to manage the group.
How many consoles can you game share with?
You can only share with one console. You can share with 50 people if they all use the same console.
Conclusion: Mastering the Multi-Switch Setup
Navigating the world of multiple Nintendo Switch consoles and Nintendo Accounts might seem complex at first, but by understanding the concepts of primary and non-primary consoles, Nintendo Switch Online memberships, and game sharing options, you can create a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience for yourself and your family.
Remember to keep your account secure, manage your primary console settings wisely, and take advantage of the features offered by Nintendo to make the most of your gaming experience.
For further exploration of gaming and learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.