Sharing the Nintendo Switch Online Family Plan with Friends: A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
You absolutely can share a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership with friends. The Family Membership allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts to enjoy the benefits of Nintendo Switch Online, regardless of whether those accounts belong to actual family members or friends. This is a great way to save money, as the Family Membership is significantly cheaper than eight individual memberships. This article will explore the details of how this works, its benefits, and some considerations to keep in mind.
Understanding the Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership
The Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) service is a subscription-based service that unlocks several key features on the Nintendo Switch. These include:
- Online Play: Essential for playing many Switch games with others online.
- Classic Games: Access to a library of NES, SNES, and (with the Expansion Pack) Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance and Sega Genesis games.
- Cloud Saves: Back up your game save data to the cloud, protecting your progress.
- Smartphone App: Enhanced features for certain games, including voice chat.
- Exclusive Offers: Special deals and discounts only available to NSO members.
The Family Membership extends these benefits to up to eight Nintendo Accounts within a single “family group.” Critically, Nintendo does not verify familial relationships. This means you can invite friends, roommates, or anyone else to join your family group and share the benefits.
Setting Up a Family Group
The person who purchases the Family Membership becomes the administrator of the family group. Here’s how to set it up:
- Access your Nintendo Account: Log in to your Nintendo Account on the Nintendo website.
- Navigate to Family Group: Select “Family Group” from your account settings.
- Add Members: Choose “Add Member” and follow the instructions to invite people to your group. You’ll need their email address associated with their Nintendo Account.
Benefits of Sharing with Friends
- Cost Savings: The primary benefit is the reduced cost compared to individual memberships. Splitting the cost of a Family Membership amongst eight friends can lead to significant savings for everyone involved.
- Access to Online Play: Friends can enjoy online multiplayer together without needing separate individual subscriptions.
- Shared Library of Classic Games: Everyone in the family group can access and play the library of classic NES, SNES, and other retro games offered through NSO.
- Flexibility: Even if your friends are located in different countries, they can still be part of your family group.
Important Considerations
- Trust and Responsibility: Sharing a Family Membership requires a level of trust, as the administrator has some control over the group.
- Account Security: Ensure everyone in the group practices good account security, such as using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. Compromised accounts can affect the entire group.
- Expansion Pack Costs: If you choose the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack option, remember that it’s significantly more expensive. Agree on how to split the cost upfront.
- Game Sharing is Limited: While the NSO benefits are shared, individual game purchases are tied to specific Nintendo Accounts. You cannot directly share purchased digital games between accounts unless using the primary console setup described later.
Game Sharing on the Switch: A Closer Look
The article you provided also touched upon the topic of game sharing. To clarify, NSO Family Membership and game sharing are distinct concepts:
- NSO Family Membership: Shares the benefits of the Nintendo Switch Online service (online play, classic games, cloud saves).
- Game Sharing: Allows multiple consoles to access digital games purchased by a single Nintendo Account.
Game Sharing works through the “primary console” system:
- Primary Console: One Switch console can be designated as the “primary console” for a Nintendo Account.
- Sharing on Primary Console: Anyone using the primary console can play the digital games purchased by that account.
- Non-Primary Console: On a non-primary console, only the Nintendo Account that purchased the game can play it.
Example:
- You purchase a digital game on your Nintendo Account.
- You set your friend’s Switch as the primary console for your account.
- Your friend and anyone else using their Switch can play the game.
- On your own Switch (which is not the primary console for your account), only you can play the game.
This method allows for limited game sharing, but it requires careful management of the primary console setting and understanding of the limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can friends share a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership even if they live in different countries?
Yes, friends residing in different countries can absolutely share a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership. The membership is tied to Nintendo Accounts, not geographical locations.
2. How many people can share a Nintendo Switch Online Family plan?
A Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts to be included in the family group.
3. Can you share digital games with other members of the Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership?
Not directly through the Family Membership. Game sharing requires setting one Switch console as the “primary console” for the account that purchased the game. Anyone using that primary console can play the game, regardless of their own account.
4. Can I stack Nintendo Switch Online Family Memberships to extend the subscription?
Only the administrator of the Family Membership can extend it by purchasing another membership. If another member purchases a Family Membership while one is already active, the memberships will not stack.
5. Can I link two Nintendo Switch accounts to a family account?
A Nintendo Account family group allows up to 8 Nintendo Account users to connect together into one group.
6. Can multiple accounts play the same game on a Switch?
Yes, on the primary console for a given Nintendo Account, anyone using the console can play games purchased by that account. On a non-primary console, only the account that purchased the game can play it.
7. How do I share games between two Nintendo accounts?
You can share games between two Nintendo accounts on different consoles by deregistering the primary console on the first Switch, creating a new user account on the second Switch and linking your Nintendo account, opening the eShop with the new user account, confirming the Switch is set as the primary console, and going to “Redownload” to select the games you want.
8. Why can’t I play a game on my Switch on a different account?
This usually means you’re trying to play the game on a non-primary console with an account that didn’t purchase the game. On a non-primary console, only the account that purchased the game can play it.
9. How do I share games between accounts on the same Switch?
Ensure the console is set as the primary console for the Nintendo Account that owns the game. Then, anyone using that Switch can play the game, regardless of their own account.
10. Do Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions stack?
Yes, Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions can stack up to a maximum of 36 months (3 years).
11. What if a member of my family group already has a Nintendo Switch Online membership?
They will need to wait until their current membership expires or leave their current family group to join yours.
12. Can me and a family member play the same game on one Nintendo Account with two Switches?
Yes, but one Switch needs to be the primary console for the account that owns the game. The other Switch can only play the game when the account that purchased it is actively being used.
13. What is the best way to share Nintendo Switch games with family?
Determine which Switch will be the primary console for each Nintendo Account. If one Switch is shared, make it the primary console for all accounts with purchased content.
14. Can 2 kids share a Nintendo Switch?
Yes, Nintendo Switch allows for up to eight user accounts on a single console. Each child can have their own account with their own save data and settings.
15. Do I need a Nintendo Account for each kid?
It’s recommended, especially if you want to manage their online activity and purchases. Parents and guardians can create and manage individual Nintendo Accounts for children ages 12 and younger.
Conclusion
Sharing a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership with friends is a practical and economical way to enjoy the benefits of the service. By understanding how the Family Membership works and the limitations of game sharing, you can create a shared gaming experience that benefits everyone involved. Remember to prioritize communication and trust within your group to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
The Games Learning Society is a fantastic resource for exploring the educational aspects of video games. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how games can foster learning and development.