Why Can’t I Play Switch Games on Other Users? Unlocking the Nintendo Switch Sharing System

The core reason you’re encountering difficulty playing your Nintendo Switch games on other users’ profiles boils down to Nintendo’s system for managing digital game ownership and primary consoles. Essentially, digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them. While you can download and play these games on multiple Switch consoles, only one console can be designated as the “primary console” for a given Nintendo Account. On this primary console, anyone can play the games purchased by that account. However, on any “non-primary console,” only the account that purchased the game can play it.

This system is in place to allow you to play your games on your own personal Switch while also allowing your family or friends to play those games on a shared console. It’s a form of digital rights management (DRM) that balances sharing with preventing widespread piracy. Understanding this system is crucial for navigating the sometimes-confusing world of Nintendo Switch game sharing.

Understanding the Primary Console System

Think of the primary console as the “home base” for your digital games. When a Switch is set as your primary console, it grants all users on that console the ability to access and play any digital games purchased with your Nintendo Account. This includes playing online and offline.

When you download a game to a secondary, or non-primary, console, only the Nintendo Account that purchased the game can play it. Other users on that console will see the game icon but will be prompted to purchase it if they try to launch it. Furthermore, on a non-primary console, you must have an active internet connection to verify your right to play the game. This is because the console needs to check with Nintendo’s servers to confirm that you own the game.

How to Designate a Primary Console

1. Open System Settings: On your Nintendo Switch, navigate to the System Settings icon on the home screen.
2. Select Users: Scroll down and select the “Users” option.
3. Choose Your Account: Select the user profile linked to the Nintendo Account you want to manage.
4. Nintendo eShop Settings: Scroll down and select “Nintendo eShop Settings.”
5. Deregister/Register Primary Console: Here, you’ll see whether the current console is registered as your primary console. If it is, you’ll have the option to “Deregister.” If it isn’t, you’ll see an option to “Register” it as your primary console.

Important Note: You can only have one primary console per Nintendo Account at a time. If you want to change your primary console, you’ll need to deregister the current one first. This can be done directly from the console itself if you have access to it. If you no longer have access to the original console, you can deregister it remotely through the Nintendo website, but you can only do this once per year.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you’re still having trouble, consider these common scenarios:

• Incorrect Primary Console: Double-check which console is currently designated as your primary console. This is the most frequent cause of this issue.
• Internet Connection: Ensure that you have a stable internet connection on the non-primary console, as it’s required to verify your game ownership.
• Multiple Accounts: If multiple Nintendo Accounts are linked to the same console, make sure you’re logged in with the correct account that purchased the game.
• Game Sharing Limitations: Remember that some games, particularly those with online multiplayer components, may have specific restrictions or require separate purchases for each user.
• Game Updates: Ensure the game is updated to the latest version. Outdated games can sometimes cause compatibility issues.

The Benefits of Understanding the System

While the Nintendo Switch’s game-sharing system might seem restrictive at first, it offers a reasonable compromise. It allows families to share digital games on a single console while also giving individual users the flexibility to play their games on multiple devices. By understanding the primary console system, you can optimize your gaming experience and avoid frustrating errors.

Furthermore, understanding the system enables you to make informed decisions about purchasing games. If you primarily play on a single console with multiple users, purchasing digital games under one account and setting that console as the primary is the most cost-effective option. If you frequently switch between consoles, consider purchasing physical copies of games, as they can be easily shared between devices without any primary console restrictions.

The world of video games extends beyond just playing; it’s also about learning and understanding the systems behind the games. Explore more about the educational aspects of gaming at the Games Learning Society, GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I share my digital Switch games with family members who live in a different house?

Yes, but it requires careful management of the primary console settings. One family member’s Switch must be set as the primary console for the Nintendo Account that owns the game. The other family member would then need to log in with that same Nintendo Account on their Switch (which would be the non-primary console) to download and play the game. However, only the Nintendo Account that purchased the game can play it on the non-primary console.

2. What happens if I lose my Switch that’s set as the primary console?

If you lose your Switch, you can deregister it remotely through the Nintendo website or by contacting Nintendo support. Once deregistered, you can designate a new console as your primary console. Note that remote deregistration via the website is limited to once per year.

3. Can I play my digital games offline on my non-primary console?

No. You must have an active internet connection to launch and play digital games on a non-primary console. This is because the console needs to verify your game ownership with Nintendo’s servers.

4. If I buy a physical game, can anyone play it on any Switch console?

Yes! Physical games are not tied to any specific Nintendo Account or primary console. Anyone can insert the game cartridge into any Nintendo Switch console and play it. This is one of the main advantages of purchasing physical games.

5. How many Nintendo Accounts can I link to one Switch console?

You can link up to eight Nintendo Accounts to a single Nintendo Switch console. This allows multiple family members or friends to have their own user profiles and Nintendo Accounts on the same device.

6. Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for each user on my primary console to play online?

No. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is tied to a Nintendo Account, not a console. If the Nintendo Account that purchased the subscription is linked to the primary console, all users on that console can access the online services. A family membership is often the most cost-effective option for households with multiple users.

7. Can I transfer my save data between Switch consoles?

Yes! You can transfer save data between Switch consoles using either cloud saves (with a Nintendo Switch Online membership) or local transfers. This allows you to seamlessly continue your progress on different devices. Keep in mind that some games do not support cloud saves.

8. What is the difference between a user and a Nintendo Account on the Switch?

A user is a profile on the Nintendo Switch that stores your save data, settings, and personal preferences. A Nintendo Account is an online account that is linked to your user profile and is used to purchase digital games, access online services, and manage your primary console settings.

9. If I delete a user from my Switch, will I lose their save data?

Yes, deleting a user profile will also delete their save data. Make sure to back up any important save data before deleting a user.

10. Can I play the same game on two Switch consoles simultaneously if I only purchased it once digitally?

No. While you can download the game on both the primary and non-primary consoles, you cannot play the game simultaneously on both. If you try to launch the game on the non-primary console while it’s already running on the primary console, you’ll receive an error message.

11. Is it possible to gameshare on the Nintendo Switch Lite?

Yes! The primary console system works the same way on the Nintendo Switch Lite as it does on the original Switch and the OLED model.

12. What happens if I buy a new Switch and want to transfer all my data?

You can transfer your user profile, save data, and digital games to the new Switch by performing a user transfer. This process involves connecting both consoles to the internet and following the on-screen instructions.

13. Do I need to purchase DLC separately for each Nintendo Account on my Switch?

DLC is tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased it. Therefore, DLC can be accessed by all users on the primary console for that Nintendo Account.

14. Can I redownload a game I previously purchased if I deleted it?

Yes. Purchases made using a Nintendo Account can be redownloaded and played on any Nintendo Switch console it is linked to.

15. Are there any disadvantages to buying used Switch games?

There’s generally no downside to buying used Switch games cartridges. Not too long ago developers were rallying against it really hard, but eventually gave up.