Is Switch Online Shared With Family? A Deep Dive into Nintendo’s Family Plan
Yes, Nintendo Switch Online can absolutely be shared with family members through the Family Membership plan. This allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts to access the benefits of Nintendo Switch Online under a single subscription, making it a cost-effective option for households with multiple Switch users. Let’s unpack exactly how this works and address some common questions.
Understanding the Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership
The Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) Family Membership is designed to provide online services to multiple users within a single household or even among friends, provided they are part of the same family group. This contrasts with the individual membership, which only covers one Nintendo Account.
How It Works
The key to sharing NSO with family is the concept of a “family group.” One person acts as the administrator of the group and purchases the Family Membership. They can then invite up to seven additional Nintendo Accounts to join the group. Once a member is added to the family group, they automatically gain access to all the benefits of NSO, regardless of which Switch console they are using.
Benefits of the Family Membership
The benefits of a Family Membership mirror those of an individual membership, but extend to everyone in the group:
- Online Play: Allows users to play compatible games online with friends and other players around the world.
- Classic Games Library: Provides access to a growing library of classic NES, Super NES, and Game Boy titles, all playable online.
- Save Data Cloud Backup: Backs up game save data to the cloud for compatible games, protecting progress in case of console damage or loss.
- Nintendo Switch Online App: Enhances online play with voice chat and game-specific features.
- Special Offers: Grants access to exclusive deals and promotions.
Family Membership vs. Individual Membership
The primary difference lies in the number of users covered. An individual membership is designed for a single Nintendo Account, while a family membership covers up to eight. The family membership is typically more cost-effective for households with two or more Switch users who want online access.
The Expansion Pack Option
Nintendo also offers the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which can also be purchased as a family membership. In addition to the standard NSO benefits, this tier includes access to Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, as well as downloadable content (DLC) for select games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Setting Up a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership
Creating and managing a family group is straightforward:
- Purchase the Family Membership: The administrator purchases the Family Membership through the Nintendo eShop or the Nintendo website.
- Create a Family Group: In your Nintendo Account settings, navigate to the “Family Group” section.
- Add Members: Select “Add Member” and invite other Nintendo Account holders to join your family group. You’ll need their email address associated with their Nintendo Account.
- Accept the Invitation: Invited members will receive an email and must accept the invitation to join the family group.
Important Considerations
- Regional Restrictions: All members of the family group must reside in a country that supports the Nintendo Switch Online service.
- Administrator Role: The administrator has the power to add and remove members from the family group.
- Primary Console: While NSO is shared, digital games are still tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them. Designating a primary console for each user can help streamline game sharing.
- Simultaneous Play: While you can’t “share” digital games in the sense that multiple accounts can play the same game simultaneously on different consoles without restrictions, everyone in the family group benefits from the online features and classic game libraries.
Is a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership Worth It?
For families with multiple Switch users who enjoy playing online games or accessing the classic games library, the Family Membership is almost certainly worth the investment. The cost per person is significantly lower than purchasing individual memberships for each user.
Before diving into the online world, consider resources like the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, for insights on the educational and social aspects of gaming. Understanding the broader context of gaming can enrich your family’s experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nintendo Switch Online and Family Sharing
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify how Nintendo Switch Online sharing works:
1. Can multiple users on the same console be covered by one family membership?
No, a family membership covers individual Nintendo Accounts, not multiple users on the same console. Each person needs their own Nintendo Account to benefit from the family plan.
2. Do family members have to use the same Nintendo Switch system to access online services?
No, family members can access Nintendo Switch Online services on different Nintendo Switch systems. The membership is tied to their Nintendo Account, not a specific console.
3. Can I share my digital games with other members of my family group?
While you can’t directly “share” games, digital games purchased with a Nintendo Account can be played by everyone on that account’s primary console. Therefore, setting up primary consoles strategically can facilitate some level of game sharing.
4. What happens if a family member leaves the family group?
When a member leaves the family group, they lose access to the Nintendo Switch Online benefits associated with the family membership. They would need to purchase their own individual membership to continue using the service.
5. Can I add friends to my family group?
Yes, technically you can add anyone to your family group, as long as they have a Nintendo Account. However, it is designed for family members or close friends who you trust, as the administrator has control over the group.
6. How many Nintendo Accounts can be linked to a single Nintendo Switch console?
Up to eight Nintendo Accounts can be linked to a single Nintendo Switch console.
7. Can my child have their own Nintendo Account?
Yes, parents and guardians can create and manage Nintendo Accounts for children ages 12 and younger. This allows them to have their own profiles and earn My Nintendo points.
8. Are downloaded Switch games linked to the console or the account?
Downloaded software is linked to the Nintendo Account that purchased it. This is why it can be played on the primary console for that account, and under certain conditions, on other consoles where the account is linked.
9. What is the difference between a user and a Nintendo Account on the Switch?
A user is a profile on the Nintendo Switch used to manage save data and personal settings. A Nintendo Account is an online account linked to the user, providing access to online services, the eShop, and other features.
10. Do I need Nintendo Online to play games locally with friends?
No, Nintendo Online is only needed for multiplayer over the internet. You can still play games locally with friends using the Switch’s Local Wireless Play feature without a subscription.
11. Is there a free trial of Nintendo Switch Online?
Yes, Nintendo sometimes offers free trials of Nintendo Switch Online, typically for a limited period. This allows you to experience the benefits before committing to a subscription.
12. Is it better to buy Switch games online or as physical copies?
This depends on your personal preference. Digital purchases offer convenience and eliminate the need for physical storage, while physical copies allow you to trade or resell games and provide a tangible collection.
13. What is the purpose of the Nintendo Switch Online app?
The Nintendo Switch Online app enhances your online gameplay experience by providing access to game-specific services, allowing you to view your online friends, and enabling voice chat during online play.
14. Can I transfer my save data from one Switch to another?
Yes, using Nintendo Switch Online’s save data cloud backup, you can transfer save data for compatible games between consoles. For games without cloud backup, you can use the system transfer feature.
15. What are the benefits of linking a Nintendo Account to a user on the Switch?
Linking a Nintendo Account to a user account grants access to online game modes, the eShop, and other online features. It also allows you to earn and redeem My Nintendo points.
Understanding these nuances can ensure that your family gets the most out of their Nintendo Switch Online experience. Enjoy gaming together!