Share Nintendo Switch Digital Games With Family: A Simple Guide

Hey everyone! So you're looking to share your digital Nintendo Switch games with your family? That's awesome! Sharing games is a fantastic way to save money and let everyone in your household enjoy the titles you've purchased. Nintendo offers a way to do this, but it can be a little confusing to set up. Don't worry; I'm here to walk you through it step-by-step, making it super easy for you to get everything sorted. Let's dive in!

Understanding Nintendo's Account System

Before we get started, it's essential to understand how Nintendo's account system works. Each Nintendo Switch console has a primary console associated with a specific Nintendo Account. This primary console is where the account can freely access and play any digital games purchased with that account. The primary console also allows other users on that console to play the games purchased by the account owner.

Now, here's where it gets a bit tricky. If you want to play your digital games on a non-primary console, you can, but there are a few restrictions. You'll need an internet connection to verify your account each time you launch a game. Also, only the account that purchased the game can play it on a non-primary console; other users on that console cannot access the games.

Think of it this way: Your primary console is like your home base, where everyone can use your games. Your non-primary console is like a vacation home – only you can use your games there, and you need to show your ID (internet connection) each time.

To really make this work smoothly, plan out which Switch will be the primary console for your account. Usually, it makes sense to set the console that's used most often or the one that's always connected to the internet as the primary console. This ensures that everyone can easily access the games without any hassle. Understanding this primary/non-primary console distinction is the key to successful game sharing on the Nintendo Switch, so make sure you've got this down!

Step-by-Step Guide to Sharing Games

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s how you can set up game sharing on your Nintendo Switch:

Step 1: Designate a Primary Console

First things first, you need to decide which Nintendo Switch will be the primary console for the Nintendo Account that owns the digital games. Typically, this should be the console that is most frequently used by the family or the one with the most stable internet connection.

To check which console is currently set as your primary, go to the eShop on the console you suspect is the primary. Click on your profile icon in the top right corner. Scroll down to the bottom. If it says "Deregister," then this is your primary console. If it doesn't say anything, it is not your primary console.

Step 2: Deregister the Current Primary Console (If Necessary)

If the console you want to use as the primary is not currently set as such, you'll need to deregister the current primary console. To do this, go to the eShop on the current primary console, click on your profile icon, and scroll down to select "Deregister." Keep in mind that you can only deregister a console from the account itself, so you'll need access to the current primary console.

If you no longer have access to the original primary console, don't panic! You can deregister the console remotely from the Nintendo website, but you can only do this once per year. To do this, log in to your Nintendo Account on a computer or smartphone, go to your profile settings, and look for the option to deregister your primary console. If the option isn't available, it means you've already used your once-a-year deregistration, and you'll need to wait.

Step 3: Set the New Primary Console

Now, on the Nintendo Switch you want to designate as the primary console, simply log in to the eShop with the Nintendo Account that owns the digital games. This will automatically set that console as the primary console for that account.

Step 4: Accessing Games on the Non-Primary Console

On the non-primary console, log in to the Nintendo eShop with the same Nintendo Account that owns the games. You'll be able to download and play the games you've purchased. However, remember that you'll need an active internet connection to launch and play the games, and only the account that purchased the games can play them on the non-primary console. This means that each time you want to play, the Nintendo Switch will check to see if you still have access to the game.

It's a bit of a dance, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty straightforward!

Key Considerations and Limitations

While sharing digital games on the Nintendo Switch is a great way to save money and share your favorite titles with your family, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind:

Internet Connection Requirement

As mentioned earlier, an active internet connection is required to play games on the non-primary console. This can be a significant limitation if you plan to play games on the go or in areas with limited internet access. Make sure you factor this in before relying on game sharing for all your gaming needs.

Only One Account at a Time

Only one person can play a digital game at a time using the same Nintendo Account. If someone is playing a game on the primary console, and you try to launch the same game on the non-primary console, you'll get an error message. This can be a bit frustrating, so communication is key to avoid conflicts.

Save Data

Save data is stored locally on each console and is tied to the user profile. This means that you cannot share save data between consoles using this method. If you want to continue your progress on a different console, you'll need to use Nintendo Switch Online's cloud save feature (if the game supports it). Keep this in mind, especially for games with long campaigns or significant progress.

Nintendo Switch Online

Speaking of Nintendo Switch Online, keep in mind that a subscription is required to access online multiplayer features for most games. Each user needs their own subscription to play online, so game sharing doesn't bypass the need for individual subscriptions. Consider a family plan for the best value if multiple members of your family play online.

Game Compatibility

Not all games can be shared in this way. Some games may have restrictions or limitations that prevent them from being played on multiple consoles simultaneously. Always check the game's description or the Nintendo website for any specific restrictions before purchasing a digital game with the intention of sharing it.

Tips for Managing Game Sharing

To make the most of game sharing on your Nintendo Switch, here are a few tips to help you manage the process:

Communicate with Your Family

Open communication is essential to avoid conflicts and ensure everyone gets a chance to play the games they want. Establish a clear understanding of who can play what and when to prevent frustration and arguments.

Create User Profiles for Each Family Member

Each family member should have their own user profile on the Nintendo Switch. This allows everyone to track their own progress, customize their settings, and keep their save data separate. It also helps to avoid confusion when launching games on the non-primary console.

Consider Physical Games

While digital game sharing is convenient, consider purchasing physical copies of games if you want to avoid the limitations and restrictions associated with digital sharing. Physical games can be easily shared between consoles without the need for an internet connection or account verification.

Monitor Your eShop Purchases

Keep track of your eShop purchases to ensure you're not accidentally buying the same game multiple times. This is especially important if you have multiple Nintendo Accounts in your household. Regularly review your purchase history to avoid any surprises.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best planning, you might encounter some issues while sharing digital games on your Nintendo Switch. Here are a few common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

"Unable to Connect to the Server"

If you're getting this error message, it means your Nintendo Switch is having trouble connecting to the internet. Check your internet connection and make sure you're connected to a stable network. You can also try restarting your Nintendo Switch or your router to resolve the issue.

"This Software Cannot Be Played"

This error message usually means that the game is already being played on another console using the same Nintendo Account. Make sure no one else is playing the game before trying to launch it on the non-primary console. If the issue persists, try restarting your Nintendo Switch.

"The Nintendo Account Is Already Linked to Another Console"

This error message means that the Nintendo Account is already linked to another primary console. Deregister the current primary console before trying to link it to a new one. Remember that you can only deregister a console remotely once per year.

Conclusion

Sharing digital games on the Nintendo Switch with your family is a fantastic way to get the most out of your gaming library and save some money. While the process may seem a bit complicated at first, following these steps and keeping the limitations in mind will help you set up a seamless game-sharing experience. So go ahead, share the fun and let everyone in your family enjoy your favorite Nintendo Switch games!

Happy gaming, everyone!