Nintendo Switch’s 6.0 firmware update comes with a pretty spectacular quality of life change – players can now access their library of downloaded games on more than one console.
The way this works is through a new feature which designates consoles as either a “Primary Console” or a “Non-Primary Console.” Here’s a breakdown of how these two options differ directly from the official Nintendo support page on the issue.
Primary Console:
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You can have one primary console at a time for your Nintendo Account.
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The first Nintendo Switch console you use to connect to Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch will become your primary console.
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While using the primary console, any user account on the console can play the downloadable content you have purchased.
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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.
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You can change which Nintendo Switch console is your primary console but you must first deactivate the current primary console.
Non-Primary Console:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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While using a non-primary console, downloadable content can only be started by the user that purchased the content.
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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.
How is this useful? Say you’re over at a friend’s house who has a Switch but lacks a fun multiplayer game like Mario Kart or Mario Party that you happen to own on your account. Despite not having your console with you, you can use your Switch account to log into his device and gain access to these games so you can still play them with your pals!
Pretty sure this feature is going to become one of those things you didn’t know you needed until you’ve had the chance to use it a couple of times – and then you won’t be able to live without it!
Featured Image Source: EB Games
