How to Use Nintendo Switch Gamesharing
To enable gamesharing, you need to sign into two Switches with one Nintendo account. It has to be the Nintendo account you use to buy and register your digital games. Once you’ve signed in to both, you’ll be able to download and play your eShop purchases on both devices. Here’s how to get up and running with gamesharing on your Nintendo Switch:
What Is Nintendo Switch Gamesharing?
Gamesharing is the process of sharing one game between multiple people. If you have a physical copy of the game, sharing is simply handing the game to a friend. They can play the game on their system and return it to you later. Sharing games purchased digitally is a different matter, as they’re usually locked to hardware or an account, and there’s no physical component to hand over. Nintendo Switch gamesharing takes advantage of the way games you buy or register in the Nintendo eShop are tied to your Nintendo account and the fact you can put your Nintendo account on more than one Switch console. If you sign into two Switches with one Nintendo account, you can play your digital games on both devices.
Drawbacks of Using Nintendo Switch Gamesharing
Since game purchases are tied to your Nintendo account, logging into a second Switch allows you to download all of your games to that device. Just open up the eShop, select the profile associated with your Nintendo account, and download any game you’ve purchased or registered in the past. When you share a Switch game, you’re essentially just placing your Nintendo account on the second Switch. You should only do this with people you trust, as they’ll have access to your account. The other main issue with gamesharing is that primary and secondary consoles have different permissions. The primary console can play games whether or not it’s connected to the internet, while the secondary console can only play your games if it’s connected to the internet. Also, you can’t play the same game, at the same time, with the same profile. If you attempt to, the game will pause on the first console when you start it up on the second one. You can play multiplayer games together online, but only if you follow a specific procedure:
