Nintendo Switch: How To Play Your Digital Games On A Friend's System

Nintendo has explained its digital Switch game policies for the first time, revealing that multiple user accounts may access the same downloaded games on one system. The publisher also confirmed that you'll be able to play any games you own on more than one console--including a friend's.

"Digital games that you purchase are tied to your Nintendo Account, but everyone on your active Nintendo Switch console can play them," the company states on its Switch support page.

Accessing your games on a second system requires an extra step, but it's nothing too taxing: "If you want to move your digital games to a different system, you can deactivate your current console, then use your Nintendo Account to access the Nintendo eShop on the new console. The new console will automatically become the active console for your Nintendo Account, and all of your digital games can be played on the new system."

If, say, you wanted to access a game for the afternoon on a friend's Switch, it's easy to reactivate your own device as your active console: just deactivate your user account on your friend's system and log in again on your own. All users on your device can play your games, but only while that device is listed as your active console, and Nintendo is quick to assure that only you can access your account funds when purchasing content from the eShop. Nintendo goes on to confirm that physical games are not tied to any one account or device.

Unfortunately, save files can't be transferred between devices--so while you can play your games on a friend's Switch, you won't quite be able to pick up exactly where you left off. There's also the fact that you can only deactivate a console from the device itself, not remotely--so if your Switch is stolen the only way to stop the thief from playing your games is to contact Nintendo.

In other news about the new console, Nintendo has explained how to merge Switch, 3DS, and Wii U eShop credit.

Some questions remain about elements of Switch's online service however, including how its mobile app will work, when Virtual Console will debut, and exactly how much its premium online service will cost.

For more on the Nintendo Switch, check out GameSpot's roundup of everything you need to know.