Sharing Nintendo Switch Digital Games With Family

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into how you can share your digital Nintendo Switch games with your family. It’s a common question: Can multiple people in a family enjoy the same digital games on their own Switches without buying multiple copies? The answer is yes, but it involves understanding Nintendo's account system and some clever settings adjustments. Let’s break it down step by step so everyone in your household can get in on the gaming fun!

Understanding Nintendo's Account System

Before we get started, it's crucial to understand how Nintendo accounts work. Each user on a Nintendo Switch needs their own Nintendo Account, which is linked to their profile on the console. These accounts are free and can be created on Nintendo's website or directly on the Switch. There are two main types of accounts you should be aware of: the primary account and secondary accounts. Understanding the roles of these accounts is essential for sharing digital games effectively.

The primary account is the one that originally purchased the digital game. This account has special privileges, including the ability to download and play the game on its primary console. The primary console is the first Switch that the account is linked to. This console essentially acts as the home base for all digital game purchases made with that account. Anyone who uses the primary console can play the games purchased by the primary account holder, regardless of which user profile they're using on that Switch.

Secondary accounts, on the other hand, are any other accounts that want to access the games purchased by the primary account. These accounts can play the games, but they must do so on a non-primary console. This means that they'll need an internet connection to verify that they have permission to play the game. Nintendo does this to prevent widespread game sharing outside of a family or trusted group. Also, it is important to note that if the primary account holder starts playing the same game on their primary console, the secondary account user will be temporarily suspended from playing until the primary user stops. So, coordination is key!

To make the most of this system, it's a good idea to plan out which Switch will be the primary console for each family member. For example, if Mom buys most of the digital games, her Switch should be designated as the primary console. This allows everyone else in the family to play those games on that console using their own profiles. Other family members can then use their own Nintendo Accounts on their personal Switches to play the same games, as long as they have an internet connection and Mom isn't playing the same game at the same time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sharing Digital Games

Now that we've covered the basics, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to share your digital games on the Nintendo Switch. Follow these steps to ensure that everyone in your family can access and enjoy the games you've purchased.

1. Deactivate the Primary Console:
   • First, you need to deactivate the primary console associated with the Nintendo Account that owns the games. This is crucial because it allows you to designate a new primary console. On the current primary console, go to the eShop.
   • Click on your profile icon in the top right corner.
   • Scroll down to the bottom and select "Deregister".
   • Follow the prompts to deregister the console. Keep in mind that you can only do this once per year directly from the console. If you need to deregister more frequently, you can do so through the Nintendo website.
2. Designate a New Primary Console:
   • On the Switch you want to designate as the new primary console, log in to the eShop using the Nintendo Account that owns the games.
   • Simply opening the eShop on this console will automatically designate it as the primary console for that account.
   • This means that anyone using this Switch can now play the digital games purchased with that account, regardless of their own user profile.
3. Accessing Games on Secondary Consoles:
   • On any other Switch, log in with the Nintendo Account that owns the games.
   • Go to the eShop and find the game you want to play. Instead of seeing a price, you should see a download icon.
   • Download the game to the console.
   • Keep in mind that you will need an active internet connection to play the game on a secondary console. Also, only one person can play the game at a time. If the primary account holder starts playing the same game on their primary console, the game will be interrupted on the secondary console.
4. Managing Multiple Accounts:
   • To avoid confusion, it's a good idea to create separate user profiles for each family member on each Switch. This allows everyone to keep their game progress and save data separate.
   • Link each user profile to their own Nintendo Account. This ensures that everyone has their own online identity and can access online services, such as multiplayer gaming and cloud saves.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a clear guide, you might run into some snags along the way. Here are a few common issues and how to troubleshoot them.

• "This user cannot play this software" Error: This usually happens when the secondary account is trying to play a game without an internet connection, or when the primary account holder is playing the same game on their primary console. Make sure you're connected to the internet and that the primary account holder isn't currently playing the game.
• Console is Not Deregistered: If you're having trouble deregistering a console, remember that you can only do it once per year directly from the console. If you need to deregister more frequently, you can do so through the Nintendo website. Log in to your Nintendo Account, go to your profile settings, and look for the option to deregister your primary console.
• Game Won't Download: Make sure you have enough storage space on your Switch. Digital games can take up a lot of space, so you might need to delete some old games or purchase a microSD card to expand your storage.
• Conflicting Primary Consoles: If you're having trouble designating a primary console, make sure you've properly deregistered the old one. Also, double-check that you're logging in with the correct Nintendo Account.

Tips and Tricks for Seamless Sharing

To make the game-sharing experience even smoother, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind.

• Communicate with Your Family: Coordination is key! Talk to your family members about who wants to play which games and when. This can help avoid conflicts and ensure that everyone gets a chance to play their favorite games.
• Use Cloud Saves: Nintendo Switch Online offers cloud saves for many games. This allows you to back up your save data to the cloud and access it on any Switch. This is especially useful if you're switching between multiple consoles.
• Consider a Family Nintendo Switch Online Membership: A family membership allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts to access the online services, including online multiplayer, cloud saves, and a library of classic NES and SNES games. It's a great value for families with multiple Switch users.
• Manage Download Times: Downloading games can take a while, especially if you have a slow internet connection. Try downloading games during off-peak hours, such as late at night or early in the morning, to get the best download speeds.

Benefits of Sharing Digital Games

Sharing digital games on the Nintendo Switch offers numerous benefits for families.

• Cost Savings: Instead of buying multiple copies of the same game, you can purchase one digital copy and share it among your family members. This can save you a significant amount of money over time.
• Convenience: Digital games are always available on your Switch, so you don't have to worry about physical cartridges getting lost or damaged. You can also easily switch between games without having to swap cartridges.
• Environmentally Friendly: Digital games reduce the need for physical manufacturing and shipping, which can help reduce your carbon footprint.
• Instant Access: Once you purchase a digital game, you can download it and start playing immediately. There's no need to wait for shipping or go to a store.

Final Thoughts

Sharing digital games on the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic way to save money and enjoy your favorite games with your family. By understanding Nintendo's account system and following these steps, you can ensure that everyone in your household can access and play the games you've purchased. Just remember to communicate with your family, manage your primary and secondary consoles effectively, and take advantage of features like cloud saves and family memberships. Happy gaming, everyone!