Nintendo Account vs. Nintendo Switch Online: Unraveling the Confusion

No, a Nintendo Account and a Nintendo Switch Online account are not the same thing, although they are closely related. A Nintendo Account is a free user account needed to access various Nintendo services, including the Nintendo eShop. Nintendo Switch Online is a paid subscription service that unlocks online multiplayer functionality, cloud saves, and access to a library of classic games. Think of it this way: the Nintendo Account is the key to the Nintendo kingdom, while Nintendo Switch Online is a special pass granting access to certain exclusive areas within that kingdom.

Understanding the Nintendo Ecosystem

Nintendo’s online services can be a bit confusing at first glance. The transition from the Nintendo Network IDs used on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS to the Nintendo Account system on the Nintendo Switch marked a significant shift. Understanding the distinctions between user accounts on the console, Nintendo Accounts, and the Nintendo Switch Online service is crucial for getting the most out of your Nintendo experience.

User Accounts on Nintendo Switch

Each Nintendo Switch console allows for the creation of up to eight user accounts. These accounts primarily serve to manage individual player profiles, save data, and personal settings. Each user account can be linked to a Nintendo Account, unlocking a broader range of features and services. Without a linked Nintendo Account, the user account is limited to local gameplay and system settings.

The Role of the Nintendo Account

The Nintendo Account is your central hub for all things Nintendo online. Creating a Nintendo Account is free, and it’s required to access essential services such as the Nintendo eShop for purchasing digital games, the My Nintendo loyalty program, and Nintendo Switch Online features. Linking your user account on your Nintendo Switch to your Nintendo Account unlocks these functionalities.

Decoding Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo Switch Online is a paid subscription service that provides access to several key features, including:

• Online Multiplayer: This is the most significant benefit for many users. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to play most Nintendo Switch games online with friends or other players worldwide. Popular titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate require a subscription for online play.

• Classic Game Library: Subscribers gain access to a growing library of classic NES and Super NES games, complete with online multiplayer functionality.

• Save Data Cloud Backup: This feature automatically backs up your game save data to the cloud, protecting your progress in case of system damage or loss.

• Nintendo Switch Online App: The dedicated app for smartphones and tablets offers voice chat and game-specific features for select titles.

• Exclusive Offers: Members often receive exclusive deals and discounts on games and accessories.

Furthermore, there’s the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, a higher-tier subscription that includes all the benefits of the base Nintendo Switch Online membership, plus access to a library of Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis games, as well as downloadable content for select Nintendo Switch titles, such as the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass and Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise.

Is Nintendo Switch Online Worth It?

Whether Nintendo Switch Online is “worth it” depends on your gaming habits. If you primarily play single-player games or local multiplayer, the benefits may not justify the cost. However, if you enjoy online multiplayer, classic games, and cloud saves, the subscription provides significant value. The Expansion Pack tier is particularly appealing to those who want to revisit classic Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis titles or access exclusive DLC.

The Games Learning Society fosters a community where gamers and educators connect, and having seamless access to online multiplayer enhances collaboration and competition within educational gaming environments. You can learn more about them at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Nintendo Account and Nintendo Switch Online: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the differences and nuances of Nintendo Accounts and Nintendo Switch Online:

1. Do I need a Nintendo Account to play online?

For Nintendo Switch, a Nintendo Account is required to access any online features. However, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required to participate in online multiplayer for most games.

2. Can I play Nintendo Switch games online without becoming a member of the service?

No, you can not. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to participate in co-op and competitive online features for many first- and third-party Nintendo Switch games.

3. What is the difference between a user account and a Nintendo Account?

User accounts are used to manage each player’s save data and personal settings on a Nintendo Switch console. A Nintendo Account is required for using certain online services from Nintendo, such as the Nintendo Switch Online service and the Nintendo eShop.

4. Is Nintendo Switch Online tied to the Switch console or the account?

Nintendo Switch Online is tied to the Nintendo Account, not the Nintendo Switch console. This means you can use your subscription on any Nintendo Switch console where you’re logged in with your Nintendo Account.

5. Do all user accounts on a Nintendo Switch get online access if one account has Nintendo Switch Online?

With a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership, the subscription will automatically apply to everyone in the family group, including people added later. However, this requires setting up a Nintendo Account family group. With an individual membership, only the account holder gets online access.

6. Do I need separate Nintendo Accounts for each user on my Nintendo Switch?

While not strictly required, it’s recommended that each player have their own Nintendo Account to maintain individual save data, purchase history, and online access. Otherwise, digital purchases may not be accessible on a non-primary console.

7. Is it free to have a Nintendo Account?

Yes, creating a Nintendo Account is free.

8. Is a Nintendo Account a subscription service?

No, a Nintendo Account is not a subscription. Nintendo Switch Online is the subscription service.

9. Do I automatically have a Nintendo Account if I have a Nintendo Switch?

No, you need to create a Nintendo Account and link it to a user account on your Nintendo Switch console.

10. How do I know if I have a Nintendo Account?

From the HOME Menu, select System Settings, scroll down and select Users, select your User, then select Check Your Account Information. Your Nintendo Account nickname will be displayed.

11. What happens if I don’t have Nintendo Switch Online?

Without Nintendo Switch Online, you won’t be able to play most games online, and your save data will not be backed up to the cloud.

12. Do I get free games with Nintendo Switch Online?

The Tetris® 99 game is exclusively available to active Nintendo Switch Online members at no extra cost. You also get access to a library of classic NES and Super NES games. The Expansion Pack also comes with access to Nintendo 64 and SEGA Genesis games.

13. Do I need a Nintendo Account to download games from the Nintendo eShop?

Yes, an internet connection and a Nintendo Account are required to access the Nintendo Switch eShop.

14. Can two Nintendo Switch consoles use the same Nintendo Account?

Yes, you can link your Nintendo Account to multiple Nintendo Switch consoles. However, only one console can be designated as the primary console. Other consoles will require an active internet connection to play digital games purchased with that account.

15. Can two Nintendo Accounts on the same Switch share an online subscription?

Only with a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership. Individual memberships only cover the account holder.