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How Often Can You Switch Primary Consoles on Nintendo Switch?

The straightforward answer is this: You can change your primary console as many times as needed using the Nintendo eShop on the console you want to designate as primary. However, if you no longer have access to the previously designated primary console, you’re limited to deactivating that console remotely once per year. This is a crucial distinction for anyone juggling multiple Nintendo Switch systems or needing to recover their account after a console is lost or broken. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how this system works, and how to navigate it effectively to get the most out of your Nintendo Switch experience.

Understanding the Primary Console System

The Nintendo Switch’s primary console system is designed to balance user flexibility with copyright protection. It’s a core feature that governs how you access and share your digital games across multiple devices linked to your Nintendo Account. Here’s a breakdown of what it entails:

Digital Game Sharing: When a console is designated as your primary console, anyone who uses that console can access and play the digital games purchased with your Nintendo Account, even if they have their own separate user profiles. This is perfect for families who share a single Switch and want everyone to enjoy the same library of games.
Non-Primary Console Restrictions: On any Nintendo Switch not designated as your primary console, you can still access your digital games, but with a significant caveat: only the Nintendo Account that purchased the games can play them. Furthermore, you must have an active internet connection to verify your purchase before playing.
Offline Play: On your primary console, you can play your digitally downloaded games offline, but the non-primary console must always be connected to internet.

This system creates a natural hierarchy where the primary console offers greater accessibility while the non-primary console safeguards against widespread game sharing outside of your immediate household.

Making a Switch Your Primary Console

The process of designating a console as primary is generally straightforward, provided you have access to the intended device:

Access the Nintendo eShop: On the Nintendo Switch you wish to make primary, open the Nintendo eShop.
Login with your Nintendo Account: Ensure you’re logged in with the Nintendo Account that owns the digital games you want to share.
Automatic Designation: If the console isn’t already your primary, simply accessing the eShop will often automatically designate it as such.
Verification: To confirm, go to your Account Information within the eShop. The setting for “Primary Console” will indicate whether the console is currently designated as primary.

Deactivating a Primary Console

If you want to switch your primary console, you first need to deactivate the current one. Here’s how:

Access the Nintendo eShop: On your current primary console, open the Nintendo eShop.
Go to Account Information: Navigate to your Account Information within the eShop.
Deregister Primary Console: You should find an option to Deregister or Deactivate Primary Console. Select this option and follow the prompts.
Remote Deactivation (Once Per Year): If you don’t have access to the original console (it’s lost, broken, or sold), you can deactivate it remotely once per year by logging into your Nintendo Account on the Nintendo website or through Nintendo customer service.

Limitations and Considerations

While the ability to switch primary consoles provides flexibility, it’s important to be aware of the limitations:

One Primary Console Per Account: A single Nintendo Account can only have one primary Nintendo Switch console at any given time.
Internet Connection Requirement (Non-Primary): Playing digital games on a non-primary console requires an active internet connection.
Annual Remote Deactivation Limit: You can only remotely deactivate a primary console once per year through the Nintendo website or customer support. This is in case you no longer have the console.
Game Sharing Boundaries: The primary console system is designed for a single household. It’s not intended for sharing games with friends or family outside your immediate home.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to address them:

“This software cannot be played.” This message often appears on a non-primary console if you’re not logged in with the Nintendo Account that purchased the game, or if your internet connection is unstable.
Cannot Deregister Console: This might occur if there are issues with your Nintendo Account or the console itself. Contact Nintendo Support for assistance.
Accidental Deactivation: If you accidentally deregister your primary console, simply access the eShop on the desired console to re-register it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Nintendo Switch primary consoles:

Can I have two primary consoles for one Nintendo Account? No, a Nintendo Account can only have one primary console at any given time.
What happens if I lose my primary console? You can deactivate the lost console remotely once per year through the Nintendo website or by contacting Nintendo Support. Then, you can designate a new console as your primary.
Can my family members play my digital games on their own Switches? Yes, but only if you make their Switch your primary console. Otherwise, they’ll need to use your Nintendo Account to play your digital games on their non-primary consoles, and it requires a constant internet connection.
Do I need to buy a game twice if I have two Switches? If you want to play the same game simultaneously on both Switches, yes, you’ll need two copies. However, using the primary console system, you can share a digital copy, but not play at the same time.
Can I play games offline on my non-primary console? No, you need an active internet connection to play digital games on a non-primary console.
How do I know which console is my primary console? Check your Account Information within the Nintendo eShop on each console. It will indicate whether that console is designated as primary.
What happens to my save data when I switch primary consoles? Your save data is stored on the individual console. You’ll need to transfer your save data separately using the system’s data transfer tools or cloud saves (if you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership).
Can I share my Nintendo Switch Online subscription with my family on multiple consoles? Yes, if you have a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership. Everyone in your Nintendo Account family group can use the online services, regardless of which console is primary.
What happens if I sell my primary console without deregistering it? The buyer will be able to play your downloaded games, but they will be locked to your account. Deregistering one console will allow you to select a different console as the primary console for your Nintendo Account.
Can I play the same game on my primary and non-primary console at the same time? No. You will not be able to use the same Nintendo Account to access games on multiple systems simultaneously.
If I purchase a physical game, do I get a free digital copy? No. Nintendo does not offer free digital copies of games you own physically.
Can multiple accounts play the same game on switch? Yes. Anyone that uses your primary Nintendo Switch console will be able to play games you’ve purchased with your Nintendo Account.
Why can’t my family play my Switch games? When using a non-primary console, you are the only player that can access digital games that you’ve purchased. Other players will not be able to access your digital games on a non-primary console.
Can I change my primary Switch without an old Switch? Use your Nintendo Account to access the Nintendo eShop on the console that you want to be the primary console.
Are Switch games locked to account? Downloadable software that you purchase is tied to your Nintendo Account and can be played on your primary Nintendo Switch console and, under certain conditions, other Nintendo Switch consoles where you link your Nintendo Account.

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch primary console system offers a degree of flexibility in managing your digital game library across multiple devices. Understanding how it works, its limitations, and the remote deactivation policy is key to making the most of your Nintendo Switch experience. Whether you’re sharing games with family, upgrading your console, or simply want to play your games on the go, mastering this system will ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.

Furthermore, consider how gaming, even navigating account systems like this, can be a valuable learning experience, promoting problem-solving and digital literacy. The Games Learning Society ( GamesLearningSociety.org) explores the educational potential of gaming and its impact on learning and development.

How often can you Switch primary consoles on Switch?