How Many Nintendo Switches Can Play the Same Game? The Definitive Guide
The question of how many Nintendo Switch consoles can play the same game simultaneously is surprisingly nuanced. The short answer: it depends on the type of game (digital or physical), whether you want to play simultaneously, and your tolerance for potentially buying multiple copies. The long answer, however, requires a deeper dive into Nintendo’s account system and the limitations they impose. Let’s break it down.
Digital Games: A Balancing Act
Digital games purchased through the Nintendo eShop are tied to your Nintendo Account, not just the console itself. This allows you to download and play the same game on multiple consoles linked to that account. However, here’s the catch: only one Nintendo Switch can be designated as your “primary console” at a time.
On your primary console, you can play your downloaded games online or offline without any restrictions. Anyone using that console with any account can access and play the games you’ve purchased.
On any non-primary consoles, you can also access your digital games. But you can only play them while connected to the internet. Additionally, only the Nintendo Account that purchased the game can play it on a non-primary console. Further complicating matters, you cannot play the same digital game simultaneously on the primary and non-primary consoles. If you launch the game on the non-primary Switch while it’s already running on the primary one, the game will be suspended on one of the consoles. This is Nintendo’s way of preventing widespread game sharing.
Physical Games: The Simpler Solution
With physical game cartridges, the situation is much simpler. Since the game is on a physical medium, it’s not tied to any specific account or console. You can insert the same game cartridge into multiple Nintendo Switch consoles and play them simultaneously. However, you’ll need one physical copy of the game for each console that will be playing it at the same time. This can get expensive quickly if you have a multi-Switch household.
Save data is also stored on the Switch console, not the game card. You can swap the same physical game between any number of consoles and each console will have different save data.
Playing Together: Local and Online Multiplayer
Regardless of whether you’re using digital or physical games, the key to playing together on multiple consoles is to leverage the Nintendo Switch’s local and online multiplayer capabilities. Many games support local wireless play, allowing you to connect multiple consoles in the same room. Other games offer online multiplayer through Nintendo Switch Online, requiring a subscription for each account that wants to participate.
The Bottom Line: Multiple Copies May Be Necessary
Ultimately, if you want multiple Nintendo Switches to play the same game simultaneously without any restrictions or internet requirements, you’ll likely need to purchase multiple copies of the game, especially for digital titles. While Nintendo’s system allows for some degree of game sharing, it’s primarily designed to ensure that each player has a legitimate copy of the software.
Understanding Nintendo’s Ecosystem
Navigating Nintendo’s digital ecosystem is essential for understanding the interplay between accounts, consoles, and game access. This knowledge allows you to optimize your gaming experience and avoid unnecessary purchases. For further exploration on how games impact learning and society, resources like the Games Learning Society found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, offers valuable insights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 common questions about playing the same game on multiple Nintendo Switch consoles:
1. Can 3 Switches Play the Same Game at the Same Time with One Digital Purchase?
No. You would need 3 copies of the game. The primary Switch account can play a digital game offline, while the secondary switch needs an internet connection. It is not possible to play the same account on both switches at the same time.
2. Do I Need to Buy Two Copies of a Game if I Have Two Switches?
Possibly. If you want to play a digital game simultaneously on both consoles, using two separate accounts, then yes. If you’re okay with one person playing at a time, or if you’re using physical copies, then no.
3. Can I Share a Digital Game on Two Switches?
Yes, but with limitations. You can download the same digital game on both your primary and a non-primary Switch linked to the same Nintendo Account. However, you can only play on the non-primary Switch when connected to the internet and you cannot play the same game simultaneously on both consoles.
4. How Do I Set a Nintendo Switch as My Primary Console?
In the Nintendo eShop on the console you want to designate as primary, go to your account information and select “Deregister.” This will make the current console a non-primary console. Then, on the console you want as your new primary, log into the eShop, and it will automatically become your primary console.
5. Can I Transfer My Digital Games to Another Switch?
Yes. There are two ways: console-to-console transfer (ideal if you have both consoles) or through Nintendo Support if you no longer have the original console. The latter involves contacting Nintendo to deregister your old console.
6. What Happens If I Try to Play the Same Digital Game on Two Switches Simultaneously?
One of the Switches will display an error message, and the game will be suspended.
7. Can Multiple Users Play on the Same Switch with One Digital Game?
Yes, on your primary console, anyone using any account can access and play your downloaded games.
8. Does Nintendo Switch Online Allow Me to Share Games?
No, Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that provides access to online multiplayer, a library of classic NES and SNES games, cloud saves, and other features. It does not allow for game sharing in the same way as family sharing on other platforms.
9. What’s the Difference Between Local and Online Multiplayer on the Switch?
Local multiplayer allows you to connect multiple consoles wirelessly in the same physical location. Online multiplayer requires an internet connection and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play with others remotely.
10. Are All Nintendo Switch Games Compatible with Local Multiplayer?
No. Check the game’s packaging or eShop description to see if it supports local multiplayer and how many players it accommodates.
11. How Many Controllers Can I Connect to One Nintendo Switch?
You can connect up to eight controllers to a single Nintendo Switch console.
12. Can I Use a Mix of Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers for Multiplayer?
Yes. The Nintendo Switch supports a mix of Joy-Cons (used separately or together) and Pro Controllers.
13. Is Save Data Tied to My Nintendo Account or the Console?
Save data is tied to the console itself, not the Nintendo Account.
14. Can I Sell My Digital Nintendo Switch Games?
No. Nintendo does not allow you to sell or transfer your digital games to another user.
15. What’s the Best Way to Manage Digital Games on Multiple Switches in a Family?
The best approach is to designate one console as the primary console for the account that owns the games. Family members can then play those games on that console without any restrictions. Other family members can then play those games on secondary switches, as long as they are connected to the internet.