Is Nintendo Switch Online Only For One Account? The Definitive Guide

The short answer is: no, Nintendo Switch Online is not only for one account. While you can get a membership for a single account (the Individual Membership), Nintendo offers a Family Membership specifically designed to cover up to eight Nintendo Accounts. This means multiple people can enjoy online play and other NSO benefits under a single subscription, making it a cost-effective option for households with multiple gamers.

Now, let’s dive into the details, covering everything you need to know about Nintendo Switch Online memberships and how they apply to multiple accounts.

Understanding Nintendo Switch Online Memberships

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) is a subscription service that unlocks a range of features on your Nintendo Switch console, including:

• Online Play: Access online multiplayer modes in compatible games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 3, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
• NES & SNES Games: Play a library of classic Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System titles.
• Cloud Saves: Back up your save data to the cloud, protecting your progress in case of console damage or loss.
• Smartphone App: Use the Nintendo Switch Online app for voice chat and game-specific features.
• Exclusive Offers: Get access to exclusive deals and content.

Nintendo offers two main types of NSO memberships:

• Individual Membership: This is designed for a single user and covers one Nintendo Account.
• Family Membership: This option covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts within a Nintendo Account family group. Anyone aged 18+ can purchase a family membership and invite other accounts to join their group.

The “Family Membership” is the key to unlocking online access for multiple accounts. Let’s explore how it works.

How the Family Membership Works

The Family Membership isn’t tied to a specific console; it’s tied to a Nintendo Account family group. This means that even if your family members are using their accounts on different Nintendo Switch consoles, if you have a Family Membership and create a Family Group, then each account can use the Nintendo Switch Online services.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Purchase a Family Membership: The purchaser must be 18 years or older.
2. Create a Nintendo Account Family Group: This is done through the Nintendo Account website.
3. Invite Members: The purchaser invites other Nintendo Accounts to join the family group. Each member must accept the invitation.
4. Enjoy NSO Benefits: Once a member is part of the family group, they automatically gain access to all the benefits of Nintendo Switch Online, regardless of which console they’re using.

This system is incredibly flexible. For example, you could have two Nintendo Switch consoles at home, each used by two different people, and all four people could enjoy online play with a single Family Membership. The same goes for the Nintendo Switch Lite; you can play with the same Family Membership.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

There’s also a third membership tier: Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. This tier includes all the benefits of the standard NSO membership, plus:

• Nintendo 64 Games: Access a library of classic Nintendo 64 titles.
• SEGA Genesis Games: Play a selection of SEGA Genesis games.
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC: Gain access to this paid DLC expansion for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass DLC: Gain access to this paid DLC expansion for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Like the standard NSO membership, the Expansion Pack is available in both Individual and Family options. The Family Membership for the Expansion Pack works the same way as the standard Family Membership, covering up to eight Nintendo Accounts in a family group.

The Games Learning Society acknowledges the value of these kinds of multiplayer interactions and the possibilities that come along with them. Find out more about the GamesLearningSociety.org and its impact.

Setting Up Multiple Accounts on a Single Switch

You can have up to eight user accounts on a single Nintendo Switch console. To add a new user account:

1. From the HOME Menu, select “System Settings”.
2. Select “Users”.
3. Select “Add User”.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Each user account can be linked to a separate Nintendo Account, or some accounts can remain unlinked. This is useful for younger children who don’t need their own Nintendo Account. However, to access online features, each user account that wants to play online will need to be part of an NSO Family Membership or have their own Individual Membership.

Important Considerations

• Primary Console: The first Nintendo Switch console you use to connect to the Nintendo eShop becomes your primary console. On your primary console, any user account can play digital games you’ve purchased. On non-primary consoles, only your Nintendo Account can access your digital games.
• Game Sharing: You cannot use the same Nintendo Account to access games on multiple consoles simultaneously. If you want to play a digital game on two consoles at the same time, you’ll need two copies of the game.
• Local Multiplayer: You can play local multiplayer games on the Nintendo Switch without an internet connection. However, each player will need their own copy of the game (either physical or digital) on their respective console.
• Child Accounts: You can create child accounts for users under the age of 18. These accounts have parental controls that can be managed through a parent’s Nintendo Account.
• Unlinking Accounts: Once a Nintendo Account is linked to a user account, this link cannot be undone without deleting the user account.

FAQs: Nintendo Switch Online and Multiple Accounts

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify how Nintendo Switch Online works with multiple accounts:

1. Can multiple accounts use Switch Online?

Yes. Even if family members use their accounts on different Nintendo Switch consoles, they can all access Nintendo Switch Online with a Family Membership.

2. Is Nintendo Switch Online only for one user?

The Individual Membership is for one user. The Family Membership covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts.

3. Do you have to buy Switch Online for each account?

No. A Family Membership covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts. If you choose the individual membership, you would need a separate one for each account.

4. Can I have 2 accounts on my Switch?

Yes, up to 8 user accounts can be created on one console.

5. Do I need a new Nintendo Account for a second Switch?

You don’t need to, but it’s recommended if different people will be using the consoles. You can use the same account, but you’ll need to designate one console as the primary console.

6. Is Nintendo Online per account?

Yes, each account needs its own Individual Membership or needs to be part of a Family Membership.

7. Do I need a separate Nintendo Account for each user?

Not necessarily, but it’s recommended for individual save data and online features.

8. What is the difference between a Nintendo Account and a Nintendo online account?

A Nintendo Account is a broader account used for various Nintendo services, including the eShop. Nintendo Switch Online is a specific subscription service tied to a Nintendo Account.

9. Can I share my Switch games with my family?

Digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them. All users on a primary console can play games purchased by any Nintendo Account that has registered the system as their primary console.

10. Can 2 people use the same Nintendo Account?

While technically possible, it’s not recommended for playing games simultaneously. It’s better to use separate accounts with a Family Membership.

11. Can I play the same game on 2 Switches?

Yes, but not simultaneously with the same Nintendo Account. You’ll need two copies of the game.

12. Can 2 Switches play together?

Yes, you can play together online (with NSO) or locally using one or multiple systems. Specific features depend on the game.

13. Do you need Nintendo online to play with friends?

Yes, for most online multiplayer features. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for co-op and competitive online play in many games.

14. Can you play locally on Switch without WiFi?

Yes, you can play local multiplayer without WiFi. Each player needs their own copy of the game on their respective console.

15. Can you unlink a Nintendo Account?

Once linked, a Nintendo Account cannot be unlinked from a user account without deleting the user account.

Conclusion

Nintendo Switch Online offers a flexible system for accessing online features on your Nintendo Switch. While an Individual Membership is suitable for single users, the Family Membership provides excellent value for households with multiple gamers. Understanding how the Family Membership works and how to manage Nintendo Accounts on your console is key to maximizing your Nintendo Switch experience.