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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallYour downloaded Nintendo Switch games are tied to the Nintendo Account that bought them—not automatically shared across every account or console. On a second Switch, load the game’s Virtual Game Card on a console paired with that account, or use Online License settings with the purchasing account while connected to the internet. Which route works depends on how the console is set up and who needs to play.
How digital game access works on a second Switch
Nintendo ties digital purchases to the Nintendo Account that bought them; you cannot transfer a purchase to another account. Nintendo’s Virtual Game Cards guide describes two ways to access a digital game on a console: load its Virtual Game Card, or use Online License settings with the purchasing account.
Virtual Game Card: share access with users on that console
A Nintendo Account can pair with up to two consoles for Virtual Game Cards. Load the game’s card on the console where you want to play; Nintendo says the game downloads if needed, and any user on that console can play it once loaded. After loading, a continuous internet connection is not required.
Online License: play as the purchasing account
Online License settings let the purchasing account access a game on a console where its Virtual Game Card is not loaded. The console must be connected to the internet so Nintendo can check the license. This route is limited to the purchasing account; other users on that console cannot play the game through the Online License.
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#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
| Access method | Where it works | Who can play | Internet required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Game Card | On one of the account’s paired consoles, with the card loaded there | Any user on the console with the loaded card | No continuous connection after loading |
| Online License | On a console with Online License settings enabled for the purchasing account | The purchasing account only | Yes, for the online license check |
What to check when a game will not appear or start
- Find the account that bought the game. Open the Nintendo eShop using the accounts available on the console and check which account owns the purchase. Nintendo notes that a game missing from the Virtual Game Card list may have been purchased by a different account. Purchases cannot be moved to the account you would rather use. See Nintendo’s redownload and Virtual Game Card guidance.
- If the second Switch is paired, load the Virtual Game Card. Open Virtual Game Cards, select the purchasing user, choose the game, then select “Load on This System.” If prompted, allow the download to finish. Once loaded, other users of that console can play too.
- If you are not loading the card there, check Online License settings. Enable the setting for the purchasing account, connect the Switch to the internet, and try launching the game as that account. Other profiles will not gain access through this method.
- Check whether the game is already running on the other Switch. Nintendo does not allow the same game to be played simultaneously on multiple systems through either Virtual Game Cards or Online Licenses. Close the game on the other system before trying again. See Nintendo’s Virtual Game Cards guidance.
Why the game is available but the save is not
Loading a Virtual Game Card makes the game available on that console; it does not move the save data. Nintendo’s guide says game save data and digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account, but save data remains on the console where it was created unless transferred or backed up separately. Use Nintendo’s save-data transfer instructions to move eligible saves between nearby systems. For supported games, Save Data Cloud Backup is another option and requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership; not every game supports cloud backup. Check Nintendo’s Save Data Cloud information for eligibility and setup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does a second console need to be the “primary” Switch?
Do not rely on older “primary console” instructions as the only current rule. Nintendo’s current guidance describes Virtual Game Cards and Online License settings as the ways to access digital games across consoles. The relevant check is whether the card is loaded on a paired console or the purchasing account is using Online License access online.
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)
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
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.
