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  • Welcome to Nintendo Support

    Get support for your Nintendo systems, software and services

    What Are the Differences Between a Primary and Non-Primary Nintendo Switch Console?

    Information

    Nintendo Accounts can be linked to multiple Nintendo Switch consoles, but you can only have one primary console at a time. The first Nintendo Switch console you use to access Nintendo eShop on a Nintendo Switch console will become your primary console.

    Any other Nintendo Switch consoles you link your account to are non-primary consoles.

    Primary Console Non-Primary Console(s)
    Purchase new content using your Nintendo Account YES YES
    Redownload your content using your Nintendo Account YES YES
    Play your content using your Nintendo Account while online YES YES
    Access the benefits of your Nintendo Switch Online membership YES YES
    Play your content using your Nintendo Account while offline YES

    An internet connection is still required to use online features or for games which require a subscription service.

    NO
    Allow other users to play your downloaded content, online or offline YES NO

    Additional information

    • How to check which console is your primary console: To verify if a console is the primary console for your Nintendo Account, check the "Primary console" section in your Nintendo eShop Account Information.
    • How to change your primary console: To change which console is set as your primary console, you will need to deactivate your current primary console. The next time you access Nintendo eShop on a Nintendo Switch console, the console you use to access Nintendo eShop will automatically be set as your primary console.
    • Playing your games on multiple consoles: When using downloadable software on a non-primary console, your game will pause if your Nintendo Account is used to access downloadable software on any other Nintendo Switch console.
      For more information, read How to Play Your Games Across Multiple Consoles.

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