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How Many Times Can You Change Your Main Switch?

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Good news for serial Switch swappers and multi-console households! The answer is: as many times as you need. There is no limit to the number of times you can change your primary Nintendo Switch console for a given Nintendo Account. However, there are a few important considerations and nuances to understand to ensure you can always access your digital games and online services seamlessly. Let’s dive into the details of how the primary console system works, how to switch consoles, and what to keep in mind.

Understanding the Primary Console System

The primary console system is Nintendo’s method of managing digital game licenses across multiple Nintendo Switch consoles linked to a single Nintendo Account. Here’s the key takeaway:

One Account, Multiple Consoles: You can link your Nintendo Account to multiple Nintendo Switch consoles.
One Primary Console at a Time: Only one of those consoles can be designated as the primary console for your Nintendo Account at any given time.
Primary Perks: The primary console allows any user profile on that console to play your digitally purchased games, even without your Nintendo Account being logged in. Think of it as the “family sharing” console.
Non-Primary Limitations: On a non-primary console, you can only play your digital games if you are logged in with your Nintendo Account, and an internet connection is required to verify the license.

How to Change Your Primary Console

The process for changing your primary console is straightforward, but there are two methods, depending on whether you have access to your current primary console or not.

Method 1: Deregistering from the Primary Console

This is the preferred method, as it’s the easiest and most reliable.

Connect to the Internet: Ensure the Nintendo Switch console currently designated as your primary console is connected to the internet.
Log In: Log in to the eShop using the Nintendo Account you want to deregister.
Access Account Information: Select your profile icon in the upper-right corner of the eShop to access your Account Information.
Deregister: Scroll down to the Primary Console status. Select Deregister twice to confirm. You may need to enter your Nintendo Account password.
Set a New Primary: The next time you open the Nintendo eShop from a different Nintendo Switch console using the same Nintendo Account, that console will automatically be set as the new primary console.

Method 2: Deregistering Remotely (If You Don’t Have Access)

This method is used when you no longer have access to your previous primary console, such as if it was lost, stolen, or broken.

Access Nintendo Account Website: Using a web browser on a computer or mobile device, visit accounts.nintendo.com.
Sign In: Sign in to the Nintendo Account you wish to deregister the primary console for.
Shop Menu: Select Shop Menu in the left-hand navigation.
Deregister Primary Console: Select Deregister Primary Console.
Confirmation: Follow the prompts to confirm the deregistration.

Important Note: You can only deregister a primary console remotely once per year. If you need to do it more often, you must use Method 1 (deregistering from the console itself).

Situations Where Changing Primary Console is Useful

Here are some common scenarios where you might want to change your primary console:

Upgrading to a New Switch: You bought a new Nintendo Switch (OLED, for example) and want to make it your primary console.
Switching Between Consoles: You have a Nintendo Switch at home and a Nintendo Switch Lite for travel and want to easily switch which one has the privileges of playing games for all accounts.
Console Replacement: Your old Switch broke down, and you need to designate your new one as the primary console to access your digital library.
Family Sharing: You want to share your digital games with family members on a specific console.

Best Practices and Tips

Plan Ahead: If you know you’ll be switching between consoles frequently, consider which console you’ll be using most often for family or shared play.
Internet Connection is Key: Remember that you’ll need an internet connection to play your digital games on a non-primary console.
Remote Deregistration Limit: Be mindful of the once-per-year limit for remote deregistration.
Multiple Accounts: If multiple members of your household have their own digital game libraries, each should have their own Nintendo Account and designate their own primary console.

Why Nintendo Uses the Primary Console System

The primary console system is a compromise between allowing users to access their digital purchases on multiple consoles and preventing widespread game sharing. This helps to protect the revenue of game developers and publishers while still providing flexibility for consumers. As such, the system encourages both purchasing and fair use.

GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource for educators and parents looking to use video games for learning and educational purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I have two primary switches at the same time?

No, you can only have one primary console per Nintendo Account.

2. What happens if I change my primary console Switch?

Changing your primary console changes where your digital games can be played by anyone on the console. On the new primary console, anyone can play your digital games. On a non-primary console, only you can play them, and you need an internet connection.

3. How do I reset my primary console Switch?

You deregister the primary console through the eShop settings or the Nintendo Account website (accounts.nintendo.com). The steps are outlined above in the “How to Change Your Primary Console” section.

4. Can I change my primary console Switch without the old console?

Yes, you can deregister remotely through the Nintendo Account website, but you can only do this once per year.

5. How do I activate a new primary switch?

Simply open the eShop on the console you want to be your new primary console using your Nintendo Account. It will automatically be set as your primary console.

6. Can I play the same game on two switches simultaneously?

No. While you can download the game on multiple consoles, you cannot play it simultaneously on two Switches using the same Nintendo Account.

7. Do I need to buy two of every game if I buy two switch consoles?

If you want to play simultaneously on both consoles, you’ll need to purchase two copies of the game. However, if you don’t mind switching which console is primary, you can share digital games.

8. Why can’t I change my primary console Switch?

Make sure you’re logged in to the eShop with the correct Nintendo Account. The option to deregister is found within your Account Information in the eShop, not in the system settings.

9. Can you have 2 Nintendo Accounts on 1 Switch?

Yes, you can link up to 8 Nintendo Accounts to a single Nintendo Switch console. This allows each user in a household to have their own save data, eShop purchases, and online subscriptions.

10. How long does a Nintendo Switch last?

With good care, a Nintendo Switch can last 6-10 years.

11. How long until the Switch gets replaced?

Rumors suggest a Switch successor is slated for release in the second half of 2024. However, Nintendo has stated the Switch lifecycle could be as long as 10 years.

12. Can 2 Nintendo Switch share games?

Yes, using the primary console system, you can share digital games between two or more Nintendo Switch consoles.

13. Why can’t I play Switch games offline?

If you can’t play a digitally downloaded game offline, it’s likely because you’re playing on a non-primary console. You need an internet connection to verify the license on non-primary consoles. Designating the console you’re using as the primary console will fix this issue.

14. Can you connect 2 Nintendo switches together?

Yes, up to eight Nintendo Switch consoles can connect via local wireless for compatible multiplayer games.

15. How many controllers can you hook up to a switch?

You can connect up to eight controllers to a Nintendo Switch console.

Conclusion

The ability to change your primary console on the Nintendo Switch is a valuable feature that provides flexibility for users with multiple consoles or families sharing games. Understanding how the system works and the limitations involved allows you to effectively manage your digital game library and ensure everyone can enjoy their favorite titles. The fact that you can change it as many times as you like is great and should give you peace of mind. The Games Learning Society is also a good place to go to learn more about the power of gaming.