Nintendo Switch Digital Games: Account Or Console?

So, you're diving into the world of Nintendo Switch digital games, huh? Awesome choice! Getting your games digitally is super convenient. But a question that often pops up is: are those digital games tied to your Nintendo account or the console itself? Let's break it down, guys, so you know exactly how it works. This is crucial for understanding how you can access your games, especially if you're planning on getting a new Switch or sharing with family.

The Lowdown on Digital Game Ownership

Okay, so here's the deal: Nintendo Switch digital games are primarily tied to your Nintendo Account. Think of your account as the key to unlocking all your digital goodies. When you purchase a digital game from the Nintendo eShop, that purchase is linked to your Nintendo Account, not directly to the console you're currently using.

Why is this important? Well, it means that if your Switch decides to take an unexpected swim in the pool (we hope not!), or if you upgrade to a shiny new OLED model, your games aren't lost forever. As long as you remember your Nintendo Account login details – email address and password – you can redownload your purchased games on a different Switch. This is a massive relief for anyone who's ever had a console malfunction or faced the excitement of upgrading their gaming setup.

Now, it's not quite that simple, so keep reading because there's a primary and non-primary console concept you absolutely need to grasp. Understanding this will save you a lot of headaches down the road, especially when dealing with multiple Switches in your household.

Primary Console vs. Non-Primary Console

This is where things get a little tricky, but don't worry, we'll walk you through it. Nintendo uses a system of primary and non-primary consoles to manage digital game access. Basically, one Switch can be designated as your primary console, while any other Switch you use will be considered a non-primary console.

Primary Console Perks

Your primary console is where things are the most straightforward. On your primary console:

• Anyone who uses the console can play the digital games you've purchased with your Nintendo Account.
• You don't need an active internet connection to launch and play your digital games. Once downloaded, they're good to go, even offline.

Think of your primary console as your main hub for gaming. It's the one where you usually play, and it offers the most convenient access to your digital library. This is great for families where multiple users share a single Switch.

Non-Primary Console Quirks

Things are a bit different on a non-primary console. Here's what you need to know:

• Only your Nintendo Account can access and play the digital games you've purchased.
• You must have an active internet connection to launch and play your digital games. The Switch needs to verify your account and game ownership each time you start a game.

So, if you have a Switch Lite for travel and a regular Switch docked at home, you might designate your home Switch as the primary console. This way, anyone can play your games on the TV without needing to be online. Your Switch Lite, being the non-primary console, will require an internet connection each time you want to play your digital games on the go.

How to Designate a Primary Console

Setting a primary console is pretty simple. Here’s how:

1. On the Switch you want to make your primary console, log in to the Nintendo eShop with your Nintendo Account.
2. If you already have a primary console, the system will prompt you to deregister it. Confirm that you want to deregister the current primary console and set the new one.
3. That's it! The Switch you're currently using is now your primary console.

Important Note: You can only have one primary console at a time. So, if you try to register a new one, your old primary console will lose its primary status. This is crucial to remember, especially if you're sharing games with family members.

Sharing Digital Games with Family

Now, let's talk about sharing! Family sharing on the Nintendo Switch has a couple of limitations, but it's still possible to share your digital game library.

• One Switch Household: If you only have one Switch, this is easy. Simply make that Switch your primary console, and everyone who uses it can play your games.
• Multiple Switch Household: This is where the primary/non-primary console distinction comes into play. The user who owns the games can play them on any Switch (with an internet connection on non-primary consoles). Other users can only play the games on the primary console. So, if you want everyone to have access, make sure the Switch they use most often is the primary one.

Unfortunately, Nintendo doesn't offer a traditional family plan where everyone gets their own account with access to the same games simultaneously on multiple devices (like some other platforms do). But, by understanding the primary/non-primary console system, you can still make it work for your family's needs.

What Happens If You Get a New Switch?

Upgrading to a new Nintendo Switch is exciting! Here's how to transfer your digital games:

1. Deregister Your Old Primary Console: Before you sell or give away your old Switch, make sure to deregister it as your primary console. You can do this through the Nintendo eShop settings on the old Switch.
2. Log In to Your New Switch: On your new Switch, log in to the Nintendo eShop with your Nintendo Account.
3. Redownload Your Games: Go to your account settings in the eShop and find the list of games you've purchased. You can then redownload them onto your new Switch.
4. Set Your New Primary Console: If you want your new Switch to be the primary console (which you likely do), just use the eShop on that console, and it will automatically become the primary.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have a stable internet connection when downloading your games. The download process can take a while, especially for larger titles.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Okay, let's tackle some common problems you might encounter: