Can You Change Primary and Secondary Switch?
Introduction
The Nintendo Switch is a versatile gaming console that allows users to play games both at home and on the go. As a user, you can set up multiple consoles under a single Nintendo Account, allowing you to share games and content with family members or friends. However, this raises a question – can you change the primary and secondary Switch consoles linked to your account? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide guidance on how to manage your consoles.
What is the Primary and Secondary Switch Console?
Before we dive into the answer, it’s essential to understand the concept of primary and secondary consoles. A primary console is the console that you’ve designated as the primary device for your Nintendo Account. This console is associated with your account and all its content, including games, DLC, and Nintendo Switch Online benefits. A secondary console, on the other hand, is any console linked to your account but not designated as the primary console.
Can You Change Primary and Secondary Switch?
Yes, you can change the primary and secondary Switch consoles linked to your account. However, this requires some steps and conditions to be met. Here’s a summary of the process:
- De-register the current primary console: To change the primary console, you need to deregister the current primary console. This will remove all its associated content and online benefits.
- Make a new console the primary console: Once the previous primary console is deregistered, you can make a new console the primary console by accessing the Nintendo eShop on that console.
- Transfer content and benefits: After making a new console the primary console, all your content and Nintendo Switch Online benefits will be transferred to the new console.
How to Change Primary and Secondary Switch Console
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change the primary and secondary Switch consoles:
Changing Primary Console
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Go to System Settings on your console |
| 2 | Select "Users" |
| 3 | Select the user account you want to change |
| 4 | Select "Primary Console" |
| 5 | Confirm deregistering the current primary console |
Changing Secondary Console
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Go to System Settings on your console |
| 2 | Select "Users" |
| 3 | Select the user account you want to change |
| 4 | Select "Console Settings" |
| 5 | Select the console you want to make secondary |
Can You Play Games on Different Switch Consoles?
Yes, you can play games on different Switch consoles. However, there are some conditions to be met:
- Digital games: You can play digital games on any console linked to your account, regardless of whether it’s designated as the primary or secondary console.
- Cartridge games: You can only play cartridge games on the console where the game was originally purchased.
- Nintendo Switch Online: You can access Nintendo Switch Online benefits on any console linked to your account.
Can You Share Digital Games with Family Members or Friends?
Yes, you can share digital games with family members or friends by creating a family group on your Nintendo Account. Here are the benefits of family groups:
- Family Sharing: You can share your digital games with up to seven family members.
- Multiplayer: You can play multiplayer games with family members or friends across different consoles.
- Cloud Saves: Your cloud saves will be synced across all consoles linked to your account.
Conclusion
In conclusion, changing primary and secondary Switch consoles is possible, but it requires some steps and conditions to be met. It’s essential to understand the differences between primary and secondary consoles and how they affect your gaming experience. With the ability to share digital games and access Nintendo Switch Online benefits across multiple consoles, the Nintendo Switch is an excellent choice for families or groups of friends.