How to Change the Primary Console for Your Nintendo Account
Instructions on changing the primary console for your Nintendo Account to move downloadable software purchases from one Nintendo Switch console to another.
Important:
- Save data cannot be transferred from one console to the other via this method. However, players with a Nintendo Switch Online membership can use the Save Data Cloud service to access the save data for compatible games from multiple consoles.
Additional Information:
- You can register one primary console per Nintendo Account.
- To change the primary console for your Nintendo Account, you will need to deregister your current primary console, then set the new primary console.
- Once you've registered a primary console, your digital purchases can be played by anyone that uses the primary console.
- Once you've purchased downloadable software, you can use your Nintendo Account to access it on any Nintendo Switch console (primary or non-primary).
- When using a console that is not your primary console, you are the only player that can access downloadable software that you've purchased. Other players will not be able to access your downloadable software on a console that is not the primary console for your Nintendo Account.
Complete These Steps:
- On the primary console for your Nintendo Account, use your Nintendo Account to access Nintendo eShop and deregister the console.
- On the second Nintendo Switch console, link your Nintendo Account to a new or existing user account.
- Use your Nintendo Account to access Nintendo eShop on the second console. The console will automatically be set as the primary console for your Nintendo Account.
- To verify, check the "Primary Console" setting in your Nintendo eShop Account Information.
- If you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership, download your Save Data Cloud backup files as needed.
- All Nintendo Accounts on your primary console will be able to play any software that you've purchased.
- If you want to change your primary console again, complete steps 1-4 to deregister this console and register a different one.
- If you no longer have access to the previous console (traded in, stolen, etc.), we recommend that you change your Nintendo Account password to make sure your account isn't accessible on the previous console.