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When You Buy DLC on One Account Switch: A Comprehensive Guide

When you buy a DLC (Downloadable Content) on one Nintendo Switch account, whether or not other users on the same console can access it depends on a crucial factor: whether the console is set as the Primary Console for the account that made the purchase. If it is, then all users on that console can enjoy the DLC. If not, only the account that purchased the DLC will have access to it. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of how DLC sharing works on the Nintendo Switch.

Understanding the Nintendo Switch Account System

The Nintendo Switch’s account system is designed to balance individual ownership with the convenience of sharing within a household. Each user can have their own Nintendo Account, linked to a profile on the Switch. Digital purchases, including games and DLC, are tied to the Nintendo Account used to make the purchase.

However, Nintendo recognizes that families often share a single console. To accommodate this, they introduced the concept of a Primary Console. This designation allows other users on the same console to access digital content purchased by the account set as primary.

The Primary Console: Your Key to DLC Sharing

The Primary Console designation is the key factor determining whether DLC can be shared. When a Nintendo Account is linked to a Switch console and designated as its primary console, all other users on that console automatically gain access to the digital games and DLC purchased by that account. This means that if you buy DLC on your account, and your Switch is set as your Primary Console, your family members using different profiles on the same Switch can also play that DLC.

If a Nintendo Account is used on a non-primary console, only the account holder will have access to the digital content they purchased. This allows you to play your digital games and DLC on multiple Switches, but only on your own account unless the other Switch is set as your primary console.

How to Check and Change Your Primary Console

To check which console is set as your Primary Console:

Open the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch.
Select your user icon in the top-right corner to access your account information.
Scroll down to the Primary Console section. This will indicate whether the console you’re using is currently set as your Primary Console.

To change your Primary Console:

De-register the current Primary Console. This can be done remotely from the Nintendo website or directly on the console through the eShop settings. Note that remotely de-registering has a cooldown period.
On the Switch you want to designate as your Primary Console, open the Nintendo eShop and sign in with the Nintendo Account that made the purchases. This will automatically set that console as your Primary Console.

DLC Specifics and Exceptions

While the Primary Console rule generally applies to all DLC, there are some specific game scenarios to be aware of.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise

For Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise, if purchased separately, other users on the same island can access the DLC if the console is the Primary Console of the purchasing account. If you have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, you also get access to Happy Home Paradise, and this access is tied to your Nintendo Account.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild DLC

The Breath of the Wild DLC follows the standard Primary Console rule. Once purchased and downloaded on a Switch set as the Primary Console, all users on that Switch can play it.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC

The Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC is game-specific. The Scarlet DLC only works with the Scarlet game, and the Violet DLC only works with the Violet game. If you want the DLC for both games, you need to purchase it twice.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass

For Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, if you purchase the Booster Course Pass separately, every account on the Primary Console can play it. However, access through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is tied to the account with the active membership.

Redownloading DLC on a New Switch

If you get a new Switch and want to access your purchased DLC, simply log in with your Nintendo Account on the new Switch and set it as your Primary Console. You can then redownload your purchased DLC from the eShop. To do this:

Open the Nintendo eShop.
Select your profile icon.
Scroll down to Redownload.
Find the DLC you want to download and select the download icon.

DLC, Cross-Saves, and Platform Limitations

It’s crucial to understand that DLC licenses typically don’t transfer across different platforms through cross-saves. For example, if you purchase DLC for a game on the Nintendo Switch and the same game is available on another platform (like PC or PlayStation) with cross-save functionality, you’ll likely need to purchase the DLC separately on the other platform to access it there.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Switch DLC Sharing

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify how DLC sharing works on the Nintendo Switch:

Does DLC apply to all accounts on a Switch?
- Only if the console is set as the Primary Console for the account that purchased the DLC.
Does the Animal Crossing DLC only work on one account?
- No, if the console is the Primary Console, other users on the same island can also play the Happy Home Paradise DLC.
Does buying the BotW DLC work for multiple accounts?
- Yes, on the Primary Console, all users can access the BotW DLC.
Is DLC tied to Switch or account?
- DLC is tied to the Nintendo Account, but the Primary Console setting allows sharing.
Is DLC shared between Switch accounts?
- Yes, on the Primary Console.
Does BotW DLC apply to all accounts on a Switch?
- Yes, as long as the console is the Primary Console of the purchasing account.
Can you download DLC to multiple Switches?
- Yes, but only one Switch can be the Primary Console at a time. You can access your DLC on other Switches using your account, provided you have an internet connection.
How do I transfer my Zelda DLC to a new Switch?
- Log in with your Nintendo Account on your new Switch, set it as the Primary Console, and redownload the DLC from the eShop.
How does the Animal Crossing DLC work with multiple accounts?
- If the console is the Primary Console, all accounts on the same island can access the DLC.
Do I have to buy the Animal Crossing DLC on each Switch?
- No, not if you have the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack or if the console is set as the Primary Console.
Can you use Animal Crossing DLC on two Switches?
- Yes, the account that owns the DLC can use it on any Switch they log into. If a console is set as the “home” or Primary Console, it may give the entire console access.
Do you have to buy DLC for both Scarlet and Violet?
- Yes, the DLC is game-specific.
Does the Mario Kart DLC work on all accounts?
- If you bought the DLC separately, every account on the Primary Console can play it.
How do I access DLC on a new Switch?
- Go to the Nintendo eShop, select your profile, and find the redownload section.
Can two accounts on the same switch share games?
- Yes, if the console is set as the Primary Console for the account that purchased the games.

Conclusion

Understanding the Nintendo Switch’s account system and the concept of a Primary Console is crucial for managing and sharing DLC. By properly setting up your consoles and accounts, you can ensure that everyone in your household can enjoy the games and content you purchase. The flexible system balances individual ownership with family sharing, making the Nintendo Switch a great choice for both solo players and families. To learn more about the intersection of games and learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

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