Once you've registered a primary console, your digital purchases can be played by anyone that uses the primary console.
Once you've purchased a digital game, you can use your Nintendo Account to access the game on any Nintendo Switch console (primary or non-primary).
When using a non-primary console, you are the only player that can access digital games that you've purchased. Other players will not be able to access your digital games on a non-primary console.
Possible solutions
This error message can occur if you are trying to play a Game Trial when you are not eligible to play it.
You may be trying to access the Game Trial when it is outside of the limited trial period. Check the game description in the Nintendo eShop or view our current special offers for Nintendo Switch Online members to view what dates the trial is available.
You may be trying to access the Game Trial with a Nintendo Account that does not have an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. Purchase a membership to be able to play the Game Trial, or purchase the game to have full access to it.
This error message may indicate that you are not using the primary console for the Nintendo Account that purchased the game. On a non-primary console, the game can only be started by the player that owns the game. The solution depends on who originally purchased the game. To determine which Nintendo Account bought the game:
Check the purchase history for each account on your system. The game will be listed for the Nintendo Account that made the purchase.
A receipt for each transaction in the Nintendo Switch eShop is e-mailed to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase. (For Nintendo Accounts for children, the e-mail is sent to the parent/guardian’s e-mail address.)
Check with other members of your household to see if they remember buying the game. Was the game purchased by you (or someone in your household, etc.)?
I'm an avid Nintendo Switch enthusiast with a profound understanding of the intricacies surrounding Nintendo Account management and digital game purchases on the Nintendo eShop. My expertise stems from extensive hands-on experience and a deep immersion in the Nintendo Switch ecosystem.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
Once a digital game is purchased, it can be accessed on any Nintendo Switch console using the same Nintendo Account.
On the primary console, any user can play the digital games purchased by the account owner.
On a non-primary console, only the account owner can access their digital games.
Game Trial Eligibility and Error Messages:
Error messages may occur when attempting to play a Game Trial outside the trial period or without an active Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Solutions include checking trial dates, ensuring an active membership, or purchasing the game for full access.
Error Related to Primary Console Usage:
An error may occur if the non-primary console is used, and the game can only be started by the account owner on a non-primary console.
Identifying Purchasing Nintendo Account:
To determine which Nintendo Account purchased a game, users can check the purchase history for each account on the system.
Emailed receipts for transactions are sent to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase.
For child accounts, emails are sent to the parent/guardian’s address.
Checking with other household members can also help identify the purchaser.
In conclusion, understanding the association between Nintendo Accounts and Switch consoles, the flexibility of digital game access, potential Game Trial issues, and how to identify the purchasing Nintendo Account are crucial aspects for a seamless experience on the Nintendo Switch platform.
This error message means that you are not using the primary console for the Nintendo Account that purchased the software. On a non-primary console, the software can only be started by the user that purchased it.
This message most commonly appears when you are trying to play downloadable content (games or DLC) on a Nintendo Switch console that is not currently your primary console.
Restarting your network devices may resolve this issue if it is related to the devices being unresponsive. Move the Nintendo Switch console closer to the wireless router. If possible, place the Nintendo Switch console within 10 to 15 feet of the wireless router to improve the signal strength during troubleshooting.
This message usually indicates that you are trying to start DLC. The full game is required to access DLC. for a game that is not present on your Nintendo Switch console. It does not indicate that there is a problem with your system.
Digital games and downloadable content are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them. Other people can only play your digital content if they are playing on your primary consoleNintendo Accounts can be linked to multiple Nintendo Switch consoles, but can only have one primary console.
Verify that your console has the latest system version. Check for any available updates for the problematic software. Check for any corrupt data for the problematic software. Delete the problematic software and redownload it.
Update your Nintendo Switch console to the latest version. Change the primary console for that Nintendo Account to the console that you're using. If you are already using the primary console for that Nintendo Account, deregister the console, then make it the primary console again.
*If there's only a single user on your system, you can go to "System Settings" → "Users" and turn on "Skip Selection Screen" to prevent the user selection screen being displayed. (With 2 or more users, this option will be hidden.)
On the Nintendo Switch console that will be the new primary console, link your Nintendo Account to a new or existing user account, if you haven't already.
Use your Nintendo Account to access the Nintendo eShop on the console that you want to be the primary console.
Introduction: My name is Eusebia Nader, I am a encouraging, brainy, lively, nice, famous, healthy, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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