FAQ
TL;DR: You can’t move purchased Switch games between Nintendo Accounts; “You have games on your account.” Cloud saves need Nintendo Online, often shared for PLN 15–20/year per person. [Elektroda, javal666, post #18139431]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps sellers, parents, and buyers avoid losing purchases and saves when changing consoles or accounts.
Quick Facts
- Digital purchases are tied to the Nintendo Account that paid for them; there’s no account‑to‑account transfer. [Nintendo, 2023]
- One Nintendo Account can set one Primary Console; other consoles need an online check to launch digital games. [Nintendo, 2023]
- Without Nintendo Switch Online, saves stay local; Cloud Save backs up supported titles for restoration. [Nintendo, 2023]
- Family Group supports up to 8 members; Family plan pricing is approx. US$35/year for standard Online. [Nintendo, 2023]
- A Switch supports up to 8 user profiles; all can play digital games on the Primary Console. [Nintendo, 2023]
Can I transfer digital games from one Nintendo Account to another?
No. Purchases remain locked to the Nintendo Account that bought them, and Nintendo offers no cross‑account transfer. “Each game is assigned to a specific account.” [Elektroda, gieniapierda, post #18125664]
How do I move my games to a new Switch when I sell the old one?
Sign in on the new console and redownload. Set it as your Primary Console for sharing. Transfer saves via Cloud Save or local transfer.
- Deregister old Primary Console in eShop settings.
- Sign in on the new Switch and set Primary.
- Redownload games; move saves.
[Nintendo, 2023]
If I delete my user from the console, will my games disappear?
Removing a user from the device does not remove your Nintendo Account. Your licenses stay with your account and can be redownloaded after signing in again. Deleting the Nintendo Account itself permanently forfeits purchases and balance. [Nintendo, 2023]
Can different users on the same Switch play my purchased digital games?
Yes, on your Primary Console. Any user profile on that device can play your downloaded games. On non‑primary consoles, only the purchasing account can launch digital titles and it must be online for license checks. [Nintendo, 2023]
My kid bought games on their account. How can siblings use them on two new consoles?
Set one Switch as that child’s Primary Console so siblings’ profiles can play those games there. On a second Switch, only the purchasing child’s account can play and it needs an internet connection. Simultaneous play across two non‑owned accounts usually needs a second license. [Nintendo, 2023]
Can one Nintendo Account be used on multiple consoles at once?
Yes. You can use the account on multiple consoles, but only one can be the Primary Console. Others are non‑primary and require periodic online checks. If the non‑primary console is offline, digital games won’t launch. [Nintendo, 2023]
Is it safe to buy a used Switch that includes the seller’s account and games?
It’s risky and not recommended. Digital licenses stay under the seller’s Nintendo Account. They can change credentials or deauthorize, leaving you locked out. Instead, have the seller factory‑reset and deregister, then use your own account and purchases. [Nintendo, 2023]
How do I transfer a user profile and save data to another Switch?
Use the built‑in transfer tool.
- On both consoles: System Settings > Users > Transfer Your User and Save Data.
- Follow on‑screen steps with both devices nearby and online.
- Redownload games on the target console after transfer completes. [Nintendo, 2023]
Do I need Nintendo Switch Online for cloud saves, and what does it cost?
Cloud Save requires an active Nintendo Switch Online membership for supported titles. Without it, saves remain local. Typical US pricing: approx. $20/year (Individual) or $35/year (Family), granting Cloud Save for included games. [Nintendo, 2023]
Can I merge two Nintendo Accounts or move purchases between them?
No. Nintendo does not support merging Switch Nintendo Accounts or transferring eShop purchases between accounts. Keep buying and playing on the intended long‑term account to avoid fragmentation. [Nintendo, 2023]
What happens to my saves if I don’t have Nintendo Switch Online?
Saves stay on the console. If you reset, sell, or lose the device, you can lose progress. Use Cloud Save with Nintendo Switch Online or the local transfer tool before selling to protect data. Some titles may not support Cloud Save. [Nintendo, 2023]
Can physical game cards be shared freely between accounts and consoles?
Yes. Game cards (cartridges) are not tied to any Nintendo Account. Insert the card and play on any Switch. Save data remains per console/user, so back it up or transfer if moving devices. [Nintendo, 2023]
Will my games work on a buyer’s account if I remove my account from the console?
No. Once you remove your account, the buyer’s account will not own or be able to play your digital purchases unless your account remains the Primary on that console. Keep your account; move it to your new device instead. [Elektroda, javal666, post #18139431]
Why can’t Nintendo just move my licenses to another account?
Nintendo’s ecosystem ties licenses to the purchasing account to enforce ownership and sharing rules. This prevents arbitrary license reassignment. Use Primary Console sharing and family management instead of account‑to‑account transfers. [Nintendo, 2023]
