Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteYes—one Nintendo Switch can have up to eight local user profiles. If by “accounts” you mean Nintendo Accounts for online features, each profile needs its own Nintendo Account: Nintendo does not let you link the same Nintendo Account to two users on one console.
What “account” means on a Nintendo Switch
A user is a local profile on the console. You choose that profile when launching software, and games generally keep that user’s save data separate. A Nintendo Account is an online account you can link to a user for services such as the eShop and other account-based features. You can create a local user without linking a Nintendo Account right away.
Nintendo’s Switch user guide says a console can have up to eight users. Its Nintendo Account guidance states that the same Nintendo Account cannot be linked to multiple users on the same console. So two people can each have a profile, but each person who needs account-linked features should use a separate Nintendo Account.
How to add another user profile
- From the HOME Menu, open System Settings.
- Select Users, then Add User.
- Follow the prompts to create a new profile. Repeat for each person, up to eight users total on the console.
- When starting a game, select the profile whose save data you want to use.
To connect a profile to online services, link that user to its own Nintendo Account. Online play requires a paid Nintendo Switch Online subscription where applicable; creating extra local profiles does not itself require that subscription.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Do users get separate game saves?
Usually, yes: a game’s save data is associated with the user who played it, so choosing another profile generally opens that player’s progress. However, save behavior depends on the game. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a notable exception: there is one island save per console, shared by all users registered on it, rather than a separate island for every profile. Nintendo explains this in its Animal Crossing save-data guidance.
Where saves are stored, and what cloud backup changes
Switch save data is stored in the console’s system memory, not on a game card or microSD card. Nintendo’s data-management guidance describes cloud-save backups as a separate Nintendo Switch Online feature. Backups are available only for supported titles and require the relevant Nintendo Account to be linked to the user. Nintendo says cloud saves can be downloaded on another console when that same account is linked there.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Cloud backup is not needed to create another user or to keep that user’s local save on the console. It is an online backup option for supported games, not a way to merge different users’ progress.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can the second user play digital games bought by the first?
Digital purchases belong to the Nintendo Account that bought them. Nintendo’s software usage guidance says all users can use purchased software and add-on content on the console where its virtual game card is loaded. This lets multiple local profiles use eligible purchases on that console, while each profile’s account identity and game progress remain distinct.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
