Hardware The "Primary Console" Insanity

[HarveyHouston]

The Issue

According to Nintendo's own Support Page:

Primary console

• You can have one primary console at a time for your Nintendo Account.
• The first Nintendo Switch console you use to connect to Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch will become your primary console.
• While using the primary console, any user account on the console can play the downloadable content you have purchased.
• While using the primary console, you do not need to have an active Internet connection while playing downloadable software. An Internet connection is still required to use online features or games which require a subscription service.
• If your Nintendo Account is part of a Nintendo Switch Online membership and you have an active Internet connection, you can access all benefits and features of Nintendo Switch Online.
• You can change which Nintendo Switch console is your primary console but you must first deactivate the current primary console.

Non-primary console

• A Nintendo Account can be linked to Nintendo Switch consoles that are not designated as the primary console, however, some functionality differs from when a Nintendo Account is used on a primary console.
• While using a non-primary console, you can still use the Nintendo Account to access the Nintendo eShop, purchase and download software, and under certain conditions, play your downloadable software.
• While using a non-primary console, you must have an active Internet connection to play downloadable content. If you lose your Internet connection while playing downloadable content on a non-primary console, your game will pause after a certain amount of time; however, once you connect online again, you will be able to resume from the point you left off.
• If your Nintendo Account is part of a Nintendo Switch Online membership and you have an active Internet connection, you can access all benefits and features of Nintendo Switch Online.
• While using a non-primary console, downloadable content can only be started by the user that purchased the content.
• 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.

So, this means, assuming that Account A is your Nintendo Account, Account B is your friend's Nintendo Account, and User is a profile on the Switch wothout a Nintendo Account...

• Account A's Primary Switch:
  • ...Can access Account A's downloaded software always.
  • ...Can access Account B's downloaded software ONLY if both accounts are registered as primary on the same Switch.
  • ...Allows a User to access Account A's downloaded content, but ONLY on his primary Switch.
• Account B's Primary Switch:
  • ...Can access Account B's downloaded software always.
  • ...Can access Account A's downloaded software ONLY if both accounts are registered as primary on the same Switch.
  • ...Allows a User to access Account B's downloaded content, but ONLY on his primary Switch.
• An User without a Nintendo Account can only access Account A's and Account B's downloaded software at the same time if both accounts have the same primary Switch, else the User can only access one of them. The User can access the other account if their entire profile is transferred.

Confused yet? Wait, it gets better. You can only run one game at a time on your account when online (which kinda makes sense, but still could be handled better):

Articles

More will be added as I research this issue.

• Kotaku - Using One Nintendo Account On 2 Switches Is Tricky, So Here's The Best Way To Do It. A husband attempts to workaround the restrictions, but has difficulty in doing so.
• The Verge - You can now play digital Nintendo Switch games across multiple consoles. Wait, I have to use a Nintendo Switch Online account?!? I HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS FEATURE?!?!? WTH is wrong with this picture?
• Engadget - Nintendo seriously needs to fix multi-Switch game sharing. I agree with this article!
• Polygon - Using a Switch Lite as your second Switch? It’s harder than you think. This reporter would rather have physical cartridges than deal with the downloadable software restrictions. Unfortunately, as @FAST6191 pointed out, DLC is the way of the future, and probably will replace the physical format.
• How-To Geek - How to Game Share on the Nintendo Switch. Deregister, register, deregister again... It's not completely impossible to share the games that you bought with another account, but it requires more effort thanks to the Primary Console restrictions.
• Reddit - Question about unregistering primary console with multiple users. The user -Taura- is worried about registering their new console as primary and locking out access to their games on their brother's account. By the way, the one who said "Make your account primary on his switch and vice versa. You'll then both have access to one anothers libraries." is wrong.
• GameFAQs - can a single switch have 2 accounts linked? Of course, but only one is primary. Why have two primaries? Better question: Why not have two primaries?
• NintendoLife - Nintendo Switch Now Supports Digital Game Sharing, But There's A Catch. Apparently, this wasn't a feature that existed at launch, but even so, this article reiterates the support FAQs about primary console restrictions, and somewhat questions whether this is a good thing with the tagline "The future is kind of here?"

So, why is this thread here? Only a handful of Switch users have run across this problem, and this thread exists for those who do not know and are considering a second, or perhaps even their first, Nintendo Switch system, as a warning of what they will encounter with more than one system that their accounts are on.

What can we do about it? That's literally up to you, the consumer. How you decide to act on this situation should be based on your own experiences with Nintendo, as well as whether you decide that this will be a problem for you or not. If you do decide that this will be a problem, I suggest issuing a complaint, especially if you already own one or more Switch systems. If not, then why are you reading this?!? You are welcome to comment, even if you don't agree with this post, but please respect others who think differently!

Comment away!

 

[Viri]

This is just one of the many reasons I hacked my Switch.

 

[DarkCoffe64]

When it comes to this kinda stuff, Nintendo always does it their own way:



Stupidly.

 

[yuyuyup]

They probably cash in on people that give up on trying to share, and then proceed to buy multiple copies. I'd do the same thing to each and every last one of you to maximize shareholder satisfaction.

 

[8BitWonder]

Only one session per license/purchase makes sense in my opinion.
If only one copy was purchased then why would two different users be able to play it at the same time, as though two copies were?

The primary/secondary console limitation(s) situation is unfortunate (on all platforms) but seems like a good way to avoid rampant game-sharing between folks that aren't close friends, and would misuse sharing.

 

[HarveyHouston]

The primary/secondary console limitation(s) situation is unfortunate (on all platforms) but seems like a good way to avoid rampant game-sharing between folks that aren't close friends, and would misuse sharing.

That's why the 2FA exists, but the Wii U allows game sharing, which makes it seem better than the Switch in this. So, just combine the security of Nintendo Accounts with the game-sharing features of the Wii U (that's tied to a Nintendo Network ID, which really should have had 2FA or other security measures on it from the get-go).

 

[Rahkeesh]

They don't call it game sharing because it's not meant to share games between users. It's for one user to play their games on multiple devices. There's only a loophole with primary systems being on airplane mode because, as a portable system, there has to be some way to support playing without internet. I'm sure some things could be done better but your and your friend going halfsies on everything is exactly what they don't want. Especially when as of now they are supporting way more than 2 people being able to play games as secondary on a single switch.

Like the absolutely should have thought of the common scenario where a family is sharing a single switch and then some of them want to get their own personal switch. There ought to at least be a way to fork out purchases and saves to other accounts. You're just discouraging new hardware sales otherwise.

 

[pcwizard7]

No primary consoles just need to be altered ps4 and Xbox has primary console concept but your account isn't tied to your console ur just authorizing the console to use your account to open the games..

but if u just wipe the console on ps4 or xbox u can sign in to the new console and all your games still there. games need to be tie to the account not the console

 

[HarveyHouston]

They don't call it game sharing because it's not meant to share games between users. It's for one user to play their games on multiple devices. There's only a loophole with primary systems being on airplane mode because, as a portable system, there has to be some way to support playing without internet. I'm sure some things could be done better but your and your friend going halfsies on everything is exactly what they don't want. Especially when as of now they are supporting way more than 2 people being able to play games as secondary on a single switch.

Like the absolutely should have thought of the common scenario where a family is sharing a single switch and then some of them want to get their own personal switch. There ought to at least be a way to fork out purchases and saves to other accounts. You're just discouraging new hardware sales otherwise.

Yes, precisely. I agree with the last paragraph there. If it hadn't been for the virus current situation, Nintendo would not have sold so much. They're just lucky, really.

 

[Scarlet]

It's always interesting to see people say Nintendo screwed up in such a "Nintendo way" when this is exactly how Steam's Family Sharing has worked for years now. Heck, with Steam's Family Sharing you can't even share every game.

As a whole I don't have an issue with the system. I've run into a few irritations and quirks with it, but in general my issues aren't something an average user is likely to encounter. One thing I will say however is that I wish you could have a primary flagship model and a primary Lite, if if there were some quicker and easier way to transfer the primary status outside of logging into the eShop and deregstering one console.

Finally, as an amusing aside, you can entirely cheat the system once a year to have two primary consoles. Using the Nintendo account page, you can deregister your primary console online, without needing to use your Switch, with the caveat you can only do it once per year. This means that if you leave your primary console in airplane mode as you do this, you can have two primary systems able to run the same games. Though limited in use, with the primary console effectively 'self-banning' itself for a time, I took advantage to share my digital purchase of Animal Crossing with a friend for a few days as his physical order was delayed in the mail. It could be handy for others in this way too.

Edit:
As a side note, your final line is absolutely stupid, and I really advise you change it. This is a forum of discussion, seeking an echo chamber of the same opinions is bizarre and a waste of everybody's time. You should encourage those who like the system to justify how why they like it so you can both better understand their point of view, and perhaps the system itself.

If you read and agree to this, please leave Nintendo feedback! State your own experiences with this issue, and urge Nintendo to change it!
Don't agree? Agree to disagree, and move along. There's nothing for you here.

 

[HarveyHouston]

As a side note, your final line is absolutely stupid, and I really advise you change it. This is a forum of discussion, seeking an echo chamber of the same opinions is bizarre and a waste of everybody's time. You should encourage those who like the system to justify how why they like it so you can both better understand their point of view, and perhaps the system itself.

I really appreciate your opinions, and I was not aware of the "two primaries" cheat; however it's still a frustrating issue that is not easily resolved. Since I don't want to be banned from GBAtemp for sounding like a raving maniac, I'll modify that last line. This does not mean, though, that I support people who sit on their thumbs and say that "Nintendo is great" while their wallets are being mercilessly drained by this company that's no longer consumer-friendly.

Ah, well, my own opinion. Haters gonna hate. Thanks for helping me out, @Scarlet!

 

[TheCasualties]

From my experience with steam game sharing, this doesn't seem much different. It seems pretty easy to only play your friends games when you have internet connection. Sucks, but it's understandable. Otherwise you could essentially have 2 copies of the game when you only buy 1.

I'm not praising Nintendo at all, but I think we are lucky Ninty even gave us this option. They could have locked eshop games to a single console that only transfers when you transfer an account.

Granted, I don't know any friends that have a switch so I've not gotten a chance to use it, but I've done a decent amount of reading on the subject.

Also, wasn't there a way where the person on Primary plays the game on a "guest" account while person on Secondary plays on main account? (something like that, idr the details) That way you can both play at the same time. I guess you'd need Online subscriptions for both accounts if you wanted to play together, but LAN play should work too?

Basically Account/Switch A owns the game and Switch B is secondary, User A plays with a 'guest' account while User/Switch B plays on Account A. Assuming Switch B has internet connection, of course.

PS: I also hate the way nintendo handles bans. It's so stupid to block people from buying games. No multiplayer access makes sense, but no eshop access is dumb AF.

 

[MeAndHax]

I agree. The Switch system is annoying as hell.
I have 3 Switches with the same account and I have trouble even playing legit games on them because sometimes when I try to play a game it says “connect another Switch to the internet to play this game“ which I cannot understand at all.

I have to take 3 Switches with me in order to be able to play a game on my non primary Switch.
I swear I hope that someone is going To sue Nintendo because at this point they make a horrible job in everything and should be punished for their horrible service, even for legit customers.
Why do I have to connect my two other Switches to The internet to play a game on my Third switch?
This is simply ridiculous. I do not recommend multiple Switches to anyone.

 

[HarveyHouston]

I agree. The Switch system is annoying as hell.
I have 3 Switches with the same account and I have trouble even playing legit games on them because sometimes when I try to play a game it says “connect another Switch to the internet to play this game“ which I cannot understand at all.

I have to take 3 Switches with me in order to be able to play a game on my non primary Switch.
I swear I hope that someone is going To sue Nintendo because at this point they make a horrible job in everything and should be punished for their horrible service, even for legit customers.
Why do I have to connect my two other Switches to The internet to play a game on my Third switch?
This is simply ridiculous. I do not recommend multiple Switches to anyone.

That's both stupid and hilarious at the same time! This has made me laugh today; thank you for such a great post! I sympathize with you. I hope Nintendo opens more ways to play so that you don't have such a problem.

 

[HarveyHouston]

I decided to amend that last part that Scarlet was concerned about to leave the responsibility up to the reader, instead of pushing for the action that I hope will take place. This should be a thought-provoking thread, not a debate or riot-enhancer. I apologize to anyone who thought it was otherwise, as I may have given several people the wrong impression.

I was also hoping to avoid arguments with the "Agree to disagree" comment, but I suppose if it really does get out of hand, the mods will handle it better than I ever could.

 

[godreborn]

I decided to amend that last part that Scarlet was concerned about to leave the responsibility up to the reader, instead of pushing for the action that I hope will take place. This should be a thought-provoking thread, not a debate or riot-enhancer. I apologize to anyone who thought it was otherwise, as I may have given several people the wrong impression.

I was also hoping to avoid arguments with the "Agree to disagree" comment, but I suppose if it really does get out of hand, the mods will handle it better than I ever could.

I used to get into arguments all the time when I drank, but now I'm more cool-headed and sober. I just walk away when someone tries to make me angry or trolls or whatever. you're the bigger man by doing that.

anyway, the one thing I didn't like about the primary switch thing is that it's unclear if that moves with saves and users to a new switch. I was unsure of this, and I couldn't find a definitive answer. the answer is that it does. I found that out by doing.

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

well, actually, I can get a little hot headed when a game cheats. lmao. I had a hell of a time with that sheep corralling obstacle course in odyssey a few nights ago.

 

[HarveyHouston]

I encourage more votes in the poll. As of now, over half the votes want the primary restrictions removed, with the vote for the primary console restrictions to be altered a distant second. Please, everyone and anyone, vote in the poll! I'd like to know how many people think this is stupid.

My friend keeps bugging me to play on the Switch, but I refused. He even thinks that I may be overreacting about this whole thing. The way I see it, Nintendo doesn't really need my money, and they're doing well enough as it is.

However, that may change, as Furukawa is showing his short-sightedness in regards to the Switch:

Mr. Furukawa has said that the company won’t release many new mobile games in the near future. In fact, their mobile release pipeline after Mario Kart Tour is reportedly empty, and the company is not expected to launch another mobile game until at least the end of this year.

This is a big mistake. Furukawa does not see the potential of smartphones, and is incorrectly assuming that the Switch will outperform any mobile app they make. There are at least THREE PROBLEMS they must address - revenue, lack of insight, and restrictions.

Firstly, the problem with their app revenue is the type of apps that they are producing now. They're not MMOs like FortNite, or RPGs like Kingdom Hearts. Instead, they are Gacha models that are very simplifies versions of existing Nintendo games on their consoles, in which even Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp falls into that category. They're there just for Nintendo to say "Look! We have an app for that!" I think lack of imagination as well as focusing primarily on the Gacha model is what is causing them to not be very profitable on Android and iOS devices.

Secondly, while we're talking about things lacking, their insight of the future is also flawed. Furukawa assumes that Nintendo Switch will be Nintendo's bread-and-butter for years to come. While it is an innovative dedicated gaming platform, not only was it not designed by him (Saturo Iwata was a key player in Switch's design shortly before his death), he's basing it on the current (*sic!*) pandemic. Once the pandemic is gone, what will happen? People will be using their smartphones more. Why? Because smartphones can do more - and they won't get you in trouble with your boss if he sees you on it... even if you are playing Candy Crush with the volume down. Whereas if he sees you with a Switch in the office... well, you get the picture. Your job is pretty much done for.

Thirdly, the many restrictions by Nintendo are a pain in the - NECK! I meant NECK! I mean, I was going to say neck! *Ahem!* As I was saying... What are we, children? Do we need to be told what we can and can not do? Consider the average age of a game player for all games, worldwide. Any guess? It wouldn't surprise me a bit to find out that the biggest demographic is between the ages of 30 and 50. Why? Money, honey. Think logically about this one - does some everyday, normal twelve year old have $300 in their piggy bank that they themselves earned, and not by their parents, to use on a Switch game?

I think Iwata said it best as how Nintendo can use the smartphone business:

I believe that the era has ended when people play all kinds of games only on dedicated gaming systems. For example, I think it is natural that many people feel that it is more convenient to use smart devices, as opposed to dedicated gaming systems, to play games to kill a bit of time. That is to say, there are some areas in which dedicated gaming systems were once used that now have greater potential on smart devices. On the other hand, dedicated gaming systems are developed by considering the software that is designed to run on the hardware, enabling us to make unique propositions. With that in mind, my view is that the gaming market will be segregated to a fair degree. However, this does not mean that smart devices will simply compete with dedicated gaming systems. Given their growth, I feel that we should make an effort to take advantage of their existence.

Of course, smartphones have gotten more powerful since then, but Iwata saw that this would eventually be the case, and was willing to expand into it to reach a larger audience. Furukawa, I'm not so sure.

 

[Deleted member 373223]

I am slightly confused by what you want. Of course you can't share your account to let anyone of your friends play a game you purchased offline and very easily, that'd make little sense. Can you share a cart with your friend and somehow still use it on your Switch? No. There is ultimately no perfect method, so I agree it could probable be done better, but I'm just surprised at the shock of a perfectly reasonable measure to prevent like, 10 people all sharing the same account to pay less on games

 

[HarveyHouston]

I am slightly confused by what you want. Of course you can't share your account to let anyone of your friends play a game you purchased offline and very easily, that'd make little sense. Can you share a cart with your friend and somehow still use it on your Switch? No. There is ultimately no perfect method, so I agree it could probable be done better, but I'm just surprised at the shock of a perfectly reasonable measure to prevent like, 10 people all sharing the same account to pay less on games

It makes sense to those who don't want to shell out more money on games. Heck, Nintendo even has Family Groups! Why not allow those accounts access to other games (provided that they aren't restricted by parental controls that the admin(s) of the group set)? That seems logical to me.

Then again, I don't expect everyone to understand my way of thinking. Like I said, I don't want to argue the point.

 

[Olmectron]

It makes sense to those who don't want to shell out more money on games. Heck, Nintendo even has Family Groups! Why not allow those accounts access to other games (provided that they aren't restricted by parental controls that the admin(s) of the group set)? That seems logical to me.

Then again, I don't expect everyone to understand my way of thinking. Like I said, I don't want to argue the point.

Not arguing. Like you say. But just what @Filo97 said. Let's think about it this way:

Try buying one physical game cart. And try sharing it with a friend of yours who lives in another place. So, you lend them your game cart. Are you still able to play the game you lent without buying a second copy?

This is the reason systems like this one exist in several digital shops. Otherwise, you could buy a game, share your account with hundreds of people and everyone would be playing the game at the same. Of course everyone should buy their own copy, Nintendo is a business after all, not a charity.organization.

And yeah, none wants to shell out more and more money on games. But that's because gaming is a luxury. You can live without gaming AT ALL. It's not something needed to breath; and if you don't want to use money because of whatever personal reason, or because it's not possible in your current financial situation, mod your consoles, pirate your games, and that's it.

Like you said, not arguing. I'm not trying to change your point of view. I'm only expressing my own opinion. I respect your opinion, but I don't think the same way.