Share Nintendo Switch Digital Games: A Simple Guide

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Sharing Nintendo Switch Digital Games: A Simple Guide

Hey guys! Ever wondered if you could share your awesome digital game library on your Nintendo Switch with your family or friends? Well, you're in the right place! Sharing digital games on the Nintendo Switch is possible, but it requires a bit of understanding of how Nintendo's account system works. Let’s dive into the details and explore how you can make the most of your digital game purchases.

Understanding Nintendo Accounts and Digital Game Ownership

Before we get started, it’s super important to understand how Nintendo handles digital game ownership. Unlike physical games that you can simply lend to a friend, digital games are tied to your Nintendo Account. This account is your key to accessing the Nintendo eShop, downloading games, and managing your digital library. When you purchase a digital game, it's linked to your account, not directly to the Nintendo Switch console itself. This is a crucial distinction because it affects how you can share your games.

Your Nintendo Account can be associated with multiple Nintendo Switch consoles, but only one console can be designated as the “primary console” for your account. The primary console allows any user on that console to play the digital games you’ve purchased, even if you're not actively using the console. This is where the sharing magic happens! On a non-primary console, only the Nintendo Account that purchased the game can play it. This means if your friend wants to play your game on their Switch, they would need to log in with your account.

Now, to make the concept crystal clear, think of your Nintendo Account as a digital key ring. Each game you purchase is a key on that ring. Your primary console is like your home – anyone in your home can use the keys to play the games. A non-primary console is like a guest house. Only the person with the key ring (your account) can use the keys to play the games there. It's a system designed to let you play your games on multiple devices while preventing widespread sharing among many users. Understanding this setup is the first step in successfully sharing your digital games with family and friends.

Setting Up Primary and Non-Primary Consoles

Okay, so how do you actually set up your consoles to share games? It’s all about designating which console is primary and which is not. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Determining Your Primary Console

Your primary console is usually the first Nintendo Switch you used to access the Nintendo eShop with your Nintendo Account. If you’re not sure which one it is, don’t worry! You can easily check and, if necessary, change it. Keep in mind that you can only have one primary console at a time.

Deregistering Your Current Primary Console

If you want to change your primary console, you’ll need to deregister the current one. Here’s how:

  1. On the console you wish to deregister, go to the Nintendo eShop.
  2. Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner to access your account information.
  3. Scroll down to the “Primary Console” section.
  4. If the console is indeed your primary console, you’ll see an option to “Deregister.” Click it.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the deregistration process.

Important Note: You can only deregister a console remotely once per year. If you need to deregister more frequently, you’ll need to do it directly from the console.

Designating a New Primary Console

Once you’ve deregistered the old console, you can designate a new one. Here’s how:

  1. On the console you want to make primary, go to the Nintendo eShop.
  2. Simply log in with your Nintendo Account.
  3. If the console isn’t already designated as your primary console, it will automatically become the primary console for your account.

Understanding the Implications

Once a console is set as primary, anyone who uses that console can play your digital games. On non-primary consoles, only your account can access and play the games. This is key to understanding how you can share games with family members who have their own accounts on the same Switch. By setting the family's main console as your primary console, everyone can enjoy the games you’ve purchased.

Sharing Games with Family Members

So, you’ve got your primary and non-primary consoles sorted. Now, let’s talk about how to actually share games with your family members. The key here is understanding how different user profiles on the same Nintendo Switch interact with your digital games.

Setting Up User Profiles

Each family member should have their own user profile on the Nintendo Switch. This allows them to have their own save data, settings, and even link their own Nintendo Account if they want to purchase games independently. To create a new user profile:

  1. Go to System Settings on the Nintendo Switch.
  2. Scroll down to “Users” and select “Add User.”
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user profile.

Sharing on the Primary Console

As mentioned earlier, any user on your primary console can play the digital games you’ve purchased. This means your kids, spouse, or anyone else using that console can jump into your games without needing to log in with your account. It’s super convenient for families who share a single Switch.

Accessing Games on a Non-Primary Console

If you want to play your games on a non-primary console (like a Nintendo Switch you take with you when you travel), you’ll need to log in with your Nintendo Account. Only your account will be able to access and play the games you’ve purchased. Other users on that console won’t be able to play your games unless they use your account.

Managing Multiple Consoles

Managing multiple consoles can be a bit tricky, especially if you have multiple family members who want to play your games at the same time. Here are a few tips to keep things running smoothly:

  • Communicate with your family: Make sure everyone understands how the primary and non-primary console system works. This can prevent confusion and arguments about who can play what.
  • Plan ahead: If you know someone will want to play your games on a non-primary console, make sure you’re not using your account on another device at the same time. The Nintendo Switch only allows one active session per account on a non-primary console.
  • Consider a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership: This allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts to access online services, including online play and a library of classic NES and SNES games. It’s a great value for families with multiple Switch users.

Limitations and Considerations

While sharing digital games on the Nintendo Switch is possible, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind.

One Active Session on Non-Primary Consoles

As mentioned earlier, you can only have one active session per Nintendo Account on a non-primary console. This means if you’re playing a game on your non-primary console, no one else can use your account to play games on another non-primary console at the same time. This can be a major limitation if you have multiple family members who want to play your games simultaneously.

Primary Console Requirement

The primary console system means that you need to designate one console as the primary in order for other users to play your games without using your account. This can be inconvenient if you have multiple consoles and want to share games freely across all of them.

Digital Game Ownership

Remember that digital games are tied to your Nintendo Account. If you lose access to your account, you’ll lose access to your games. It’s super important to keep your account information safe and secure.

Online Check-In

When playing a digital game on a non-primary console, the Nintendo Switch needs to connect to the internet periodically to verify that your account has the right to play the game. This means you’ll need a stable internet connection to play your digital games on a non-primary console.

Tips for Smooth Game Sharing

To make your game-sharing experience as smooth as possible, here are a few extra tips:

  • Create a Family Nintendo Account: Consider creating a family Nintendo Account that everyone can use to purchase and share games. This can simplify the process of managing your digital library.
  • Communicate Regularly: Talk to your family members about which games they want to play and when. This can help you avoid conflicts and ensure everyone gets a chance to play the games they want.
  • Take Advantage of Sales: Keep an eye out for sales on the Nintendo eShop. This is a great way to build your digital library without breaking the bank.
  • Consider Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: This premium service includes everything in 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 games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best planning, you might run into some issues when sharing digital games on the Nintendo Switch. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

“This User Cannot Play This Software” Error

This error usually means that the user is trying to play a game on a non-primary console without using the account that purchased the game. Make sure the user is logged in with the correct Nintendo Account.

“Unable to Connect to the Server” Error

This error means that the Nintendo Switch is unable to connect to the internet. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and try again.

Game Won’t Download

If a game won’t download, check your internet connection and make sure you have enough storage space on your Nintendo Switch. You may also need to restart your console.

Account Issues

If you’re having trouble with your Nintendo Account, such as forgetting your password or being unable to log in, contact Nintendo Support for assistance.

Conclusion

Sharing digital games on your Nintendo Switch can be a fantastic way to make the most of your purchases and enjoy gaming with your family and friends. While the system has some limitations, understanding how primary and non-primary consoles work, managing user profiles, and communicating with your family can help you create a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience. So go ahead, share the fun, and let the games begin!