What Happens to a Deregistered Switch?
When you deregister a Switch console, it’s essential to understand the implications of this action on your gaming experience and digital game library. In this article, we’ll delve into the consequences of deregistering a Switch console and provide insights into the primary console concept.
Deregistering a Switch: A Simple Explanation
If you deregister your primary console, the next time you use your Nintendo Account to connect to the Nintendo eShop on a console in the Nintendo Switch family, that console will become the new primary console for your Nintendo Account.
Consequences of Deregistering a Switch
Here are the consequences of deregistering a Switch console:
• Primary Console Change: When you deregister a console, it stops being the primary console for your Nintendo Account, and another console will become the new primary console.
• Loss of Cloud Saves: If you have cloud saves linked to the deregistered console, they will be deleted.
• Gone are the Games: All the games you’ve purchased and downloaded will remain on the Nintendo eShop, but you won’t be able to play them on the deregistered console without re-downloading or redownloading them to a new primary console.
• Access Restrictions: You won’t be able to access your digital game library, achievements, and game saves on the deregistered console.
How Many Times Can You Change Primary Consoles?
There is no limit to how many times you can change primary consoles for a Nintendo Account. You can deregister a console and set another console as the new primary console, but this will only work as many times as you have Nintendo Accounts available.
How to Verify Primary Console Status
To check the status of your primary console, follow these steps:
- Sign in to your Nintendo Account on the Nintendo eShop.
- Select the "Account Information" section.
- Look for the "Primary Console" section.
Sharing Digital Switch Games with Family
You can share your digital Switch games with family members by having multiple users on the same console. However, it’s essential to note that you won’t "own" the game anymore if you can’t download it, and you won’t receive a refund for your time.
Can You Sell Your Digital Switch Games?
No, you cannot sell your digital Switch games. Once you purchase a game digitally, you essentially won’t "own" the game anymore if you can’t download it. You won’t receive a refund for your time, and you won’t be able to sell the game to someone else.
Digital Game Library and Cloud Saves
Here’s a summary of the consequences for your digital game library and cloud saves:
| Consequence | Description |
|---|---|
| Cloud Saves | All cloud saves linked to the deregistered console will be deleted. |
| Digital Game Library | You won’t be able to access your digital game library, achievements, and game saves on the deregistered console. |
| Re-Downloading Games | You’ll need to re-download or re-purchase games on a new primary console to access them. |
Important Reminders
Before deregistering a Switch console, remember the following:
- You can only set one primary console per Nintendo Account.
- There is no limit to how many times you can change primary consoles.
- You won’t "own" a game anymore if you can’t download it.
- You won’t be able to sell your digital Switch games.
- Re-downloading games is required on a new primary console to access them.
Conclusion
Deregistering a Switch console can have significant implications for your gaming experience and digital game library. Make sure you understand the consequences before making a change, and take necessary steps to safeguard your cloud saves and digital game library. Remember that you can always set a new primary console by deregistering the current one, but this will only work as many times as you have Nintendo Accounts available.