How To Share Digital Games On Switch

What is game sharing on Nintendo Switch?

Game sharing on the Nintendo Switch is a feature that allows users to share their digital games with family and friends. It enables multiple users to access and play the same game on different consoles without having to purchase a separate copy for each system. This feature provides a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy a wide variety of games.

When you share a game on the Nintendo Switch, you essentially grant access to the game to another user, allowing them to download and play it on their own console. This feature is particularly beneficial for families or groups of friends who own multiple Nintendo Switch consoles but don’t want to purchase multiple copies of the same game. It also allows for multiplayer gaming sessions, even if each player has their own console.

Additionally, game sharing on the Nintendo Switch makes it possible to enjoy games while on the go. By downloading shared games onto your console, you can play them offline and access them anytime, anywhere, without the need for an internet connection.

It’s important to note that game sharing on the Nintendo Switch only applies to digital games purchased from the Nintendo eShop. Physical game cartridges cannot be shared in the same way.

Overall, game sharing on the Nintendo Switch offers a flexible and cost-efficient way to expand your gaming library and enjoy multiplayer experiences with friends and family. It enhances the value and versatility of the Nintendo Switch console, allowing users to make the most out of their gaming experience.

How many Nintendo Switch consoles can you share games with?

Game sharing on the Nintendo Switch allows you to share your digital games with one other console. This means that you can share your game library with a friend or family member who also owns a Nintendo Switch. By adding their user account to your console and designating it as the “primary console” for your account, they will be able to access and play the digital games you have purchased.

It’s worth noting that while you can share your games with one other console, you can potentially share games with multiple users on that secondary console. This means that your friend or family member can create additional user accounts on their console and all of those accounts will have access to your shared games. This can be especially useful for households with multiple players who want to have their own save files and progress in the shared games.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that game sharing on the Nintendo Switch has its limitations. You can only share games with one console at a time, and you can’t share your games with multiple consoles simultaneously. If you want to share your games with a different console, you will need to deactivate the previous console as the primary console and designate the new console as the primary.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that game sharing on the Nintendo Switch is only possible between the primary and secondary consoles associated with the same Nintendo account. If you have multiple Nintendo accounts, you can’t share games across different accounts. Each account will have its own separate game library and digital purchases.

What are the requirements for game sharing on Nintendo Switch?

To successfully share games on the Nintendo Switch, there are a few requirements that you need to meet:

Nintendo Switch Online subscription: While not mandatory, having a Nintendo Switch Online subscription enhances the game sharing experience. It allows you to play multiplayer games with other users, access cloud saves, and participate in special offers and discounts.
Digital games: Game sharing on Nintendo Switch applies only to digital games purchased from the Nintendo eShop. Physical game cartridges cannot be shared in the same way. Make sure the games you want to share are purchased and downloaded digitally on your console.
Internet connection: Both the primary and secondary consoles need to be connected to the internet. This is necessary for verifying ownership and enabling the download of shared games. Additionally, an internet connection is required for playing multiplayer games with shared games.
Nintendo account: You and the person you want to share games with must have separate Nintendo accounts. These accounts are free to create and are tied to individual email addresses. Each account will have its own game library and digital purchases.
Primary and secondary console setup: You need to designate one console as the primary console for your account, while the other will be the secondary console. The primary console is where you will make your digital game purchases, and the secondary console is where the shared games will be downloaded.

By meeting these requirements, you can take advantage of the game sharing feature on the Nintendo Switch and enjoy a wider range of games with friends and family without having to purchase multiple copies.

How to enable game sharing on your Nintendo Switch?

Enabling game sharing on your Nintendo Switch is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps:

Go to the eShop: Open the Nintendo eShop on your primary console and ensure that you are logged into your Nintendo account. This is where you will make your digital game purchases.
Select your user icon: Once in the eShop, select your user icon in the upper-right corner of the screen to access your account settings.
Scroll down to “Primary Console”: In the account settings menu, scroll down until you find the “Primary Console” option.
Confirm primary console: Select “Confirm” to designate the current console as your primary console. This setting allows other user accounts on the same console to access your digital games.
Add secondary user: On the secondary console where you want to share games, create a separate user account or use an existing one. To add a new user, go to System Settings > Users > Add User.
Link Nintendo account: Sign in to your Nintendo account on the secondary console using the user account you just created. This will link the Nintendo account to the secondary console.
Download shared games: On the secondary console, go to the eShop, and under the user profile associated with your Nintendo account, you will be able to access and download the shared games.

Once these steps are completed, the shared games will be available for the secondary user account on the designated secondary console. This user can access and play the shared games using their own profile, while you can continue to purchase and play games on your primary console.

Please note that only the primary console can be used to make purchases and access the shared games without an internet connection. The secondary console will require an internet connection to verify ownership and download the shared games.

How to add a user for game sharing?

Adding a user for game sharing on your Nintendo Switch is a simple process. By following these steps, you can grant access to your shared games to another user:

Access User Settings: From the home screen, select the profile icon in the top-left corner to open the User Settings menu.
Select “Add User”: Scroll down and choose the “Add User” option to create a new user account on your Nintendo Switch.
Choose an account type: Select the account type you want to create. You can either create a new Nintendo account or link an existing one to the new user.
Complete the account setup: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process for the new user account. This may include entering your Nintendo account information or creating a new account.
Set the new user as secondary: After the account setup is complete, go to System Settings > Users > Your Account > Primary Console and select “Remove this console as the primary console for your account.” This will designate the console as the secondary console for game sharing.
Link the Nintendo account: On the secondary console, open the eShop and sign in with the newly created user account. Link the Nintendo account associated with the game sharing to the secondary console.
Access shared games: Once the Nintendo account is linked, you can access and download the shared games from the eShop using the user account associated with the secondary console.

By following these steps, you can add a user account to your Nintendo Switch for game sharing. The added user will then have access to the shared games from their own profile on the designated secondary console.

Remember that you can only share games with one other console at a time, and the person you are sharing with must have their own user account on their console.

How to access shared games on your Nintendo Switch?

Once you’ve set up game sharing on your Nintendo Switch, accessing the shared games is a simple process. Here’s how you can do it:

Ensure internet connection: Make sure your Nintendo Switch is connected to the internet. This is necessary for verifying ownership and downloading the shared games.
Access the eShop: From the home screen, open the Nintendo eShop using your user profile associated with the secondary console.
Select your user icon: In the eShop, select your user icon in the upper-right corner of the screen to access your account settings.
Go to “Redownload”: From your account settings, navigate to the “Redownload” section. Here, you will find a list of all the games you have access to through game sharing.
Download the shared games: In the “Redownload” section, you will see the list of shared games. Select the game you want to download and follow the on-screen prompts to initiate the download process.
Wait for the download to complete: Once the download is initiated, the game will start downloading to your console. Depending on the game size and your internet connection speed, it may take some time to complete.
Access the game: After the download is finished, the shared game will appear on your home screen. You can select it and start playing as you would with any other game on your console.

It’s important to note that while you can download and play shared games on the secondary console, you will need an internet connection to verify the ownership of the games and occasionally require an internet connection to access certain online features or updates for the games.

By following these steps, you can easily access the shared games on your Nintendo Switch and enjoy a wide range of games without the need to purchase them individually.

How to download games shared by others on your Nintendo Switch?

If someone has shared their games with you on their Nintendo Switch, downloading and playing those shared games on your own console is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can download games shared by others on your Nintendo Switch:

Ensure internet connection: Make sure your Nintendo Switch is connected to the internet. This is necessary for verifying ownership and downloading the shared games.
Access the eShop: From the home screen, open the Nintendo eShop using your own user profile on your Nintendo Switch.
Select your user icon: In the eShop, select your user icon in the upper-right corner of the screen to access your account settings.
Go to “Redownload”: From your account settings, navigate to the “Redownload” section. Here, you will find a list of all the games shared with you.
Download the shared games: In the “Redownload” section, the list of shared games will be displayed. Select the game you want to download and follow the on-screen prompts to initiate the download process.
Wait for the download to complete: Once the download is initiated, the shared game will start downloading to your console. Depending on the game size and your internet connection speed, it may take some time to complete.
Access the game: After the download is finished, the shared game will appear on your home screen. Simply select the game and start playing.

It’s essential to remember that you can only play the shared games while connected to the internet as they need to be verified for ownership. Once downloaded, you can enjoy the shared games offline as long as your Nintendo Switch remains designated as the secondary console for the shared games.

By following these steps, you can easily download and enjoy the games that have been shared with you on your own Nintendo Switch console, expanding your gaming library without having to purchase the games individually.

How to play shared games offline on Nintendo Switch?

Playing shared games offline on your Nintendo Switch is possible after you have downloaded them onto your console. Here’s how you can play shared games without an internet connection:

Ensure games are downloaded: Make sure that the shared games you want to play are fully downloaded and installed on your Nintendo Switch console. This can be done by following the steps mentioned earlier in the process of downloading shared games.
Disconnect from the internet: Once the games are downloaded, you can disconnect your Nintendo Switch from the internet by disabling Wi-Fi in the console settings or by placing it in Airplane Mode.
Access the game from the home screen: With the console offline, navigate to the home screen and select the shared game you want to play. The game should launch and be accessible just like any other game on your Nintendo Switch.
Enjoy offline gaming: Now, you can enjoy playing the shared game offline on your Nintendo Switch, even in situations where an internet connection is not available.

When playing shared games offline, it’s important to remember that you won’t have access to certain online features, multiplayer modes, or updates for the game. Additionally, it’s essential to maintain the designated secondary console status for the shared games to ensure uninterrupted access to those games offline.

By following these steps, you can enjoy playing shared games on your Nintendo Switch without the need for an internet connection. It provides the convenience of having access to your favorite games even when you’re traveling or in an area with limited internet connectivity.

Can you play simultaneously with someone who is using your shared games?

Yes, it is possible to play simultaneously with someone who is using your shared games on their Nintendo Switch. Game sharing on the Nintendo Switch allows multiple users to access and play the same game, even if each player has their own console. Here’s what you need to know:

When you share a game with someone on a secondary console, both you and the person you are sharing with can play the game at the same time. This means that you are not limited to taking turns or playing one at a time. Each player can have their own separate game session on their respective consoles, allowing for multiplayer experiences.

Whether it’s cooperative gameplay or competitive multiplayer, both players can enjoy the shared game simultaneously, enhancing the gaming experience for both parties.

It’s important to note that while you can play simultaneously with someone who is using your shared games, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

Number of copies: When sharing a game, only one copy is required. This means that both players do not need to purchase separate copies of the game, resulting in cost savings.
Internet connection: Both consoles need to be connected to the internet when accessing and playing the shared game simultaneously. The primary console verifies ownership, while the secondary console downloads and runs the game.
Multiplayer modes: The availability of multiplayer modes depends on the game itself. Some games support local wireless multiplayer, online multiplayer, or both. Check the game’s features and capabilities to determine the available multiplayer options.

By taking advantage of game sharing on the Nintendo Switch, you and the person you are sharing with can enjoy shared games simultaneously, adding a new level of fun and interactivity to your gaming sessions.

Can you play multiplayer games with shared games on Nintendo Switch?

Yes, you can play multiplayer games with shared games on the Nintendo Switch. The game sharing feature allows multiple users to access the same game, creating opportunities for cooperative or competitive multiplayer experiences. Here’s what you need to know:

When you share a game with someone on their secondary console, both players can participate in multiplayer gameplay using their respective consoles. This means that you can enjoy local wireless multiplayer or even join online multiplayer matches with others, depending on the game’s features.

Here are a few key points to consider when playing multiplayer games with shared games on the Nintendo Switch:

Game compatibility: Not all games support multiplayer functionality. Check the game’s features and descriptions to determine if it offers multiplayer modes or if it is strictly single-player.
Local multiplayer: Some games support local multiplayer where two or more Nintendo Switch consoles can connect locally for a shared gaming experience. Each player can use their own console, and the game can be played together on separate screens.
Online multiplayer: If the shared game offers online multiplayer, you and the person you are sharing with can join online matches or cooperate with other players over the internet, either on the same team or against each other.
Nintendo Switch Online: To fully utilize the online multiplayer features of shared games, consider subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online. This subscription service allows you to play online multiplayer games, voice chat with friends, access exclusive discounts, and enjoy free NES and Super NES games.

By taking advantage of game sharing on the Nintendo Switch, you and the person you are sharing with can enjoy multiplayer gaming experiences together. Whether it’s battling it out in a competitive game or teaming up in a cooperative adventure, the shared game library opens up a wide range of multiplayer possibilities.

How to remove shared games from your Nintendo Switch?

If you want to remove shared games from your Nintendo Switch, you can do so by following these steps:

Access the home screen: Turn on your Nintendo Switch console and navigate to the home screen where all your installed games are displayed.
Select the game you want to remove: Locate the shared game that you want to remove from your console. Use the joystick or directional buttons to select the game.
Press the Options button: On your Nintendo Switch controller, press the “-” (Minus) button to open the options menu for the selected game.
Choose “Manage Software”: From the options menu, select “Manage Software” to access the management settings for the game.
Select “Delete Software”: Within the software management menu, you should see an option to “Delete Software.” Select this option to initiate the removal process for the shared game.
Confirm deletion: The console will ask you to confirm the deletion of the shared game. Read the on-screen prompts carefully and select “Delete” to proceed with the removal.
Repeat for other shared games: If you have multiple shared games that you want to remove, simply repeat the above steps for each game.

Once you have completed these steps, the shared game will be removed from your Nintendo Switch console, freeing up storage space for other games or applications.

Importantly, removing a shared game from your Nintendo Switch does not affect the other user’s access to the game on their console. They will still have access to and be able to play the game using their own user account on their primary console.

Keep in mind that once a shared game is deleted from your console, you will need to re-download it if you want to play it again in the future.

By following these steps, you can easily remove shared games from your Nintendo Switch console when you no longer wish to have them installed.

Can you revoke access to shared games?

Yes, it is possible to revoke access to shared games on the Nintendo Switch. If you no longer want someone to have access to the games you have shared with them, you can follow these steps to revoke their access:

Access the eShop: Open the Nintendo eShop on your primary console using your user profile.
Select your user icon: Once in the eShop, select your user icon in the upper-right corner of the screen to access your account settings.
Go to “Your Account”: In the account settings menu, find and select the “Your Account” option.
Scroll down to “Primary Console”: Within the “Your Account” section, scroll down until you find the “Primary Console” option.
Select “Deregister”: Select the “Deregister” option to remove the current console as your primary console and revoke access to the shared games.
Confirm the deregistration: The console will ask you to confirm the deregistration process. Carefully read the on-screen prompts and select “Deregister” to proceed.

After following these steps, the secondary user will no longer have access to the shared games on their console. They will no longer be able to download or play the shared games using their user account.

It’s important to note that revoking access to shared games does not affect the primary console’s ability to access and play the shared games. You can still enjoy the shared games on your primary console using your user account.

Revoking access to shared games is a useful feature when you want to remove someone’s access to your digital game library or if you need to share your games with a different user. By following the steps above, you can easily manage and control access to your shared games on the Nintendo Switch.

What are the limitations or restrictions when sharing games on Nintendo Switch?

While game sharing on the Nintendo Switch offers many benefits, it does come with certain limitations and restrictions. Here are some important factors to consider:

One-primary-console limitation: You can only designate one console as your primary console for game sharing. This means that you can share games with only one other console at a time. To share games with a different console, you need to deactivate the previous one as the primary console and designate the new one.
Internet connection requirement: Both the primary and secondary consoles need to be connected to the internet to access and download shared games. Additionally, periodic verification of ownership requires an internet connection. However, once the games are downloaded, they can be played offline on the secondary console.
Game access in the primary console: While the primary console can play shared games without an internet connection, if the primary console is not connected to the internet, the secondary console will not be able to access the shared games offline.
Nintendo account restriction: Game sharing on the Nintendo Switch is limited to Nintendo accounts associated with the same primary console. Sharing games across different Nintendo accounts is not possible. Each account has its own separate game library and digital purchases.
Eshop access limitations: The primary console’s eShop access may be limited to the Nintendo account that made the original purchases. Other users on the primary console may not have the ability to browse or purchase games directly from the eShop.
Ownership verification: Shared games require periodic online verification of ownership. If the primary console is not connected to the internet and the verification fails, access to the shared games on the secondary console may be temporarily restricted until the internet connection is restored.

Understanding these limitations and restrictions ensures that you can effectively utilize game sharing on the Nintendo Switch while being aware of its boundaries. Despite these limitations, game sharing remains a valuable feature that allows multiple users to enjoy a wide range of games without the need for individual purchases.

How to troubleshoot common issues with game sharing on Nintendo Switch?

While game sharing on the Nintendo Switch is generally smooth, there are a few common issues that users may encounter. Here are some troubleshooting steps to help resolve these problems:

1. Connectivity Issues:

Check your internet connection on both the primary and secondary consoles. Ensure they are properly connected to a reliable network.
If the consoles are connected but still experiencing issues, try restarting your router or connecting to a different network to rule out any network-related problems.

2. Verification Errors:

If there are issues with verifying the shared games, ensure both the primary and secondary consoles are connected to the internet.
Try restarting both consoles and initiating the verification process again.
If the issue persists, double-check that the primary console is correctly designated and that the secondary console is linked to the appropriate Nintendo account.

3. Download or Installation Problems:

If you encounter issues while downloading or installing shared games, ensure that you have enough storage space available on the secondary console.
Check the internet connection on the secondary console to ensure it is stable and capable of downloading large files.
If you encounter errors during installation, try deleting the partial download and initiating the download again.

4. Access Restrictions:

If you are unable to access shared games on the secondary console, check that the primary console is connected to the internet and properly designated as the primary console.
Verify that the secondary console is linked to the correct Nintendo account associated with the game sharing.
If the issue persists, try removing and re-adding the user account associated with the shared games on the secondary console.

5. Nintendo Account Issues:

If there are issues with your Nintendo account, such as being unable to sign in or access the eShop, verify your account credentials and ensure that your subscription, if applicable, is still active.
If necessary, contact Nintendo support for assistance regarding your Nintendo account.

If you experience persistent issues that cannot be resolved through these troubleshooting steps, it is recommended to reach out to Nintendo Support for further assistance. They can provide personalized solutions to address your specific game sharing concerns.

By following these troubleshooting steps and seeking assistance when needed, you can quickly resolve common issues and enjoy a smooth game sharing experience on your Nintendo Switch console.