Hardware The "Primary Console" Insanity

Do you like the way Nintendo handles accounts which have multiple consoles?


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HarveyHouston

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No? How would the game know its being accessed on the Primary console if its not online?
I would have to test this theory out myself. Unfortunately, some games require online access for certain functions, or even to play the game at all. Fortunately, games such as Asphalt 9: Legends and DC Universe Online are free to download, so other players can get a copy of their own easily, but for those internet-dependent games that block access with a price tag, especially a $59.99 one, it makes it a bit more of a challenge. Not every person has the money for that kind of thing. They're lucky if they have one Switch system that they themselves bought, so if they manage to get two, or allow their account to be on a friend's/family member's console, and each one is a the primary for their account, then it seems to me that the restrictions would still apply.

I'm talking about game sharing, of course. I have a new thread on this, for anyone who is interested, called Is Game Sharing Piracy?
 

Draxzelex

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I would have to test this theory out myself. Unfortunately, some games require online access for certain functions, or even to play the game at all. Fortunately, games such as Asphalt 9: Legends and DC Universe Online are free to download, so other players can get a copy of their own easily, but for those internet-dependent games that block access with a price tag, especially a $59.99 one, it makes it a bit more of a challenge. Not every person has the money for that kind of thing. They're lucky if they have one Switch system that they themselves bought, so if they manage to get two, or allow their account to be on a friend's/family member's console, and each one is a the primary for their account, then it seems to me that the restrictions would still apply.

I'm talking about game sharing, of course. I have a new thread on this, for anyone who is interested, called Is Game Sharing Piracy?
That is ridiculous. A console is 5 times more expensive than a game. Why would you spend more money on additional consoles than games? That is an inefficient use of money. And as stated earlier, games are not a necessity; they are a luxury. Customers are responsible for having the money to acquire video games within logical decision making. If you buy a console without the money to pay for multiple games, it is your fault not the company's.
 

HarveyHouston

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That is ridiculous. A console is 5 times more expensive than a game. Why would you spend more money on additional consoles than games? That is an inefficient use of money. And as stated earlier, games are not a necessity; they are a luxury. Customers are responsible for having the money to acquire video games within logical decision making. If you buy a console without the money to pay for multiple games, it is your fault not the company's.
This is getting old. I've already explained my theories, and it seems that I can't persuade you to change your mind on anything. I'm afraid I'll have to concede on this conversation; sorry for any misunderstandings I may have caused.
 

Draxzelex

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This is getting old. I've already explained my theories, and it seems that I can't persuade you to change your mind on anything. I'm afraid I'll have to concede on this conversation; sorry for any misunderstandings I may have caused.
But I am not satisfied when you are touting reasons that games are expensive when prices haven't changed for over a decade despite inflation or citing families that buy multiple consoles but single copies of video games and deserve more copies simply for buying more hardware. Of course people will always want more whenever it benefits them but that doesn't always make it right.
 

Deleted member 373223

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But I am not satisfied when you are touting reasons that games are expensive when prices haven't changed for over a decade despite inflation or citing families that buy multiple consoles but single copies of video games and deserve more copies simply for buying more hardware. Of course people will always want more whenever it benefits them but that doesn't always make it right.
I agree with most of what you have said, but it IS true that Nintendo Switch first-party games are more expensive than they were during the 3DS generation.
 

Draxzelex

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I agree with most of what you have said, but it IS true that Nintendo Switch first-party games are more expensive than they were during the 3DS generation.
I'm aware of that however he has never cited that as one of his reasons so I wasn't going to give him the benefit of the doubt. I can admit that Nintendo is anti-consumer when it comes to many of their tactics but this is not one of them.
 

annson24

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I wish it works like how the PS4 does. I share my games with my brother, my account is activated in his PS4. While it is MY game he is playing, he is still using his own PSN account, and by doing that, we can both play the same game online at the same time.

Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk
 
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HarveyHouston

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I wish it works like how the PS4 does. I share my games with my brother, my account is activated in his PS4. While it is MY game he is playing, he is still using his own PSN account, and by doing that, we can both play the same game online at the same time.
SEE?!? I knew that there were other consoles that didn't restrict you with this crap! This is my point exactly!
 

HarveyHouston

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A Message From the OP

I'd like to make an announcement, if I may. It will affect how I respond in regards to Nintendo Switch and other modern Nintendo Services.

First of all, I'd like to thank you all for voting. As of this writing, the poll has reached 50 voters, with 60% agreeing with me on the fact that the Primary Console restrictions should be removed by Nintendo. It's nice to know that there are a lot of people who recognize this as a problem, and are willing to voice it in hopes that someone higher up will listen and make a difference. Please don't stop voting! :)

Now, about the Nintendo Switch. I had said before in a blog post last month about how I was going to cut off all Nintendo services. This month, I've done some tests to the Switch, and found that I was able to play my friend's games on his primary console, where my account - which does have a Nintendo Account attached - was also present. It appears that Nintendo has fixed one of the issues I was complaining about before:
What I figured out was that since my Switch was my primary console, anyone WITHOUT a Nintendo Account could access my games, but not my friend's. Also, users registered WITHOUT an account on his could play his games, but not mine. Thus:

My Switch (Primary for my account) | Friend's Switch (Primary for his account)
My account can play my games, but not his | My account can play my games, but not his
His account can play his games, but not mine | His account can play his games, but not mine
Other users WITH NO ACCOUNT can play my games, but not his | Other users WITH NO ACCOUNT can play his games, but not mine

As you can see, there are more ways to NOT be able to play together than there are, without having to shell out more money on separate copies of each game. THIS is what I expected, based on my Wii U experience:

My Switch (Primary for my account) | Friend's Switch (Primary for his account)
My account can play my games and his | My account can play my games, but not his
His account can play his games, but not mine | His games can play his games and mine

I also wondered if it could be the reverse, but nope! It doesn't work, both ways!

Well, it seems that Nintendo, in one of the updates (don't ask me which one, because I don't know), has allowed it where users with Nintendo accounts are treated like users with no accounts on Primary Switches for other accounts. Thus:

My Switch (Primary for my account) | Friend's Switch (Primary for his account)
My account can play my games, but not his| My account can play my games and his
His account can play his games and mine | His games can play his games, but not mine

So, in order that my friend and I can play each other's games, his account is Primary on my console, and my account's Primary console is his console. This way, we can still play our own games on our consoles, but also have access to the other's library, as well.

Also, I tested Draxzelex's theory:
I reviewed what you said in the first post and you stated lies. More than one console can play the same game at the same time. The restriction is they cannot both be online which makes sense because again, you are duplicating a copy of the game.

What he is referring to is that two Switches can not run games from the same account when online at the same time. To run two games at once, the Switch running a game needs to go offline before another game can be launched on the other Switch with the same account. This way, you can have more than one Switch playing the same, or even different games, all at the same time with the same account.

With these factors in mind, I have decided to change my mind on some things I've stated previously in boycotting Nintendo.
  • I have decided that I will invest in a select few games and accessories. I will prefer buying the game physical to overcome these restrictions, if available in Game Card format. I will also only buy accessories that I think are necessary, i.e. if a game needs a specific peripheral to work properly, or accessories to protect the Switches and keep them clean.
  • I still will refrain from participating in Nintendo events, as I still do not approve of the current management.
  • I may use Nintendo smartphone apps, but only if I can use them without having to buy anything. I will not give in to buying in-app purchases if I can play most of their smartphone games for free. I will not use the Nintendo Switch Online app, as I have no plans to ever buy the service.
  • I probably will be even less active in My Nintendo, perhaps only coming in once a yearly quarter (three months).
  • I still refuse to pay for Nintendo services, as they are only for monetary purposes and do not have very many benefits for me, personally.
  • I'll probably start buying 3DS and Wii U stuff again, even digitally, as long as Nintendo continues to maintain the platforms.

While I still am not pleased with the Primary Console bulls- Umm... well, you know, insanity, I may be more active in GBAtemp articles relating to Nintendo, as after all, I still am a Nintendo fan. I hope that others will practice boycotting what they think is wrong, in order for Nintendo to make the changes needed to improve the company, but I am not going to expect too much from this community, as I've already been vocal about it and have only gotten back comments that negate my efforts to inspire others to do so. I don't want to be known as GBAtemp's "Official" Pain-in-the-Neck Nintendo Hater! I also don't want to get banned, so I'll do what I can to express myself more appropriately.

Thank you all for reading this! God bless you, and as always, ROCK ON! :D
 
Last edited by HarveyHouston,

mando424

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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.
I haven’t yet been able to find a specific answer on this, but if the primary switch has a cartridge and the secondary has an eshop downloaded copy, would that work? It’s technically two copies of the game but based on what I’ve read so far it makes it seem like the secondary would be suspended in favor of the primary.
 

zoogie

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I have a single account on two switches and I'm quite happy with how it works. Anything more permissive than non-primary console check-ins would essentially be allowing piracy which I can understand them being against.

It's certainly light-years better than the 3ds/U or anything before it that marries online purchases to a single console at a time, period.
 

HarveyHouston

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I just want to say, to all those who voted like me (the nearly 60%, or 36 votes as of this writing) and think this primary console BS is stupid, thank you for understanding. Now that I've had a taste of Family Sharing under Steam, I realize now even more so how much Nintendo Switch is all messed up in the way it handles software downloads.

Here's a tip - to avoid this problem with downloads on the more major titles, buy them on cartridge. While the title won't be available except where the cartridge is inserted (meaning you may have to buy more than one if another person wants to play it at the same time as you), any user on the Switch that the cartridge is inserted can play the cartridge-based game. Unfortunate that games like Fuser are download only. 😞
 

Olmectron

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I just want to say, to all those who voted like me (the nearly 60%, or 36 votes as of this writing) and think this primary console BS is stupid, thank you for understanding. Now that I've had a taste of Family Sharing under Steam, I realize now even more so how much Nintendo Switch is all messed up in the way it handles software downloads.

Here's a tip - to avoid this problem with downloads on the more major titles, buy them on cartridge. While the title won't be available except where the cartridge is inserted (meaning you may have to buy more than one if another person wants to play it at the same time as you), any user on the Switch that the cartridge is inserted can play the cartridge-based game. Unfortunate that games like Fuser are download only. 😞
And a recommendation for Stream Family Sharing.

If you want to play a Game with only online mode at the same time as someone else you are sharing the Game to, you can't. But you can "disconnect" and play in both computers when the Game is offline or has an offline Game mode.

Stupid Steam for not allowing (while online) playing the same games ar the same time. Right? They should have copied the idea to Nintendo.
 

HarveyHouston

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If you want to play a Game with only online mode at the same time as someone else you are sharing the Game to, you can't. But you can "disconnect" and play in both computers when the Game is offline or has an offline Game mode.
...Yet you can play different games at the same time. Differences between Steam Family Sharing and the Nintendo Switch "Primary Console" restrictions:
  • Steam accounts can play each others games via Family share on different computers, regardless of which one is the host (or primary) computer; Nintendo accounts can only play each others' games if the game is on cartridge, or are playing on the primary console where the game is downloaded.
  • Users who do not have Steam accounts can still play cooperative games, or can even try some games single player (I think) using the Steam software, while users without Nintendo accounts can only play cartridge-based games or games on the primary console.
  • Cloud saves, chat features, and online play are integrated by default on Steam without any need to upgrade the account; Nintendo accounts must subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online for a time-based fee (monthly, every three months, or yearly) to access these same features.
Eventually, the Steam Deck is going to come out, and I kid you not, I expect the Deck to start performing well and perhaps even be the hottest tech product of 2022, outperforming the Switch despite the dedicated (and still fairly large) Nintendo fan base. If the chip shortage didn't happen, the PS5 would have already done so, but Steam Deck looks even better than PS5 in its wide range of uses - and the fact that it uses a variant of Linux (Steam OS) is even better!
 

Olmectron

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...Yet you can play different games at the same time. Differences between Steam Family Sharing and the Nintendo Switch "Primary Console" restrictions:
  • Steam accounts can play each others games via Family share on different computers, regardless of which one is the host (or primary) computer; Nintendo accounts can only play each others' games if the game is on cartridge, or are playing on the primary console where the game is downloaded.
  • Users who do not have Steam accounts can still play cooperative games, or can even try some games single player (I think) using the Steam software, while users without Nintendo accounts can only play cartridge-based games or games on the primary console.
  • Cloud saves, chat features, and online play are integrated by default on Steam without any need to upgrade the account; Nintendo accounts must subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online for a time-based fee (monthly, every three months, or yearly) to access these same features.
Eventually, the Steam Deck is going to come out, and I kid you not, I expect the Deck to start performing well and perhaps even be the hottest tech product of 2022, outperforming the Switch despite the dedicated (and still fairly large) Nintendo fan base. If the chip shortage didn't happen, the PS5 would have already done so, but Steam Deck looks even better than PS5 in its wide range of uses - and the fact that it uses a variant of Linux (Steam OS) is even better!
You can play two different shared games at the same time also with Nintendo.

The only real difference is that in Steam, you can put the primary (who shared the Game) account offline, play an offline Game, and someone else will be able to play the same Game at the same time for one or two days. While Nintendo requires an internet connection in the primary console for checking that the same Game is not being used before launching it.

About having to create a Nintendo account, whatever. A lot of things un the modern internet require an account. Who cares.

And yeah, NSO sucks against everything else. Game Pasa. Steam features. Whatever. Anything is better tan Nintendo's offering, but it has nothing to see with this post thing about multiple accounts.

I would love the Steam Deck to do well. But its limited launch will make it hard. It's not available to preorder in several countries and Valve themselves have said that it will launch in more countries "later". Given the current chip shortage, it's very probable that it will be a very limited release.

I'd love to get one, but Valve doesn't care about my country.
 

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