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 means 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)?
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Registering a primary console allows anyone using that console to play the digital purchases made by the linked Nintendo Account.
On the primary console, multiple users can access and play the digital games.
Accessing Digital Games on Any Console:
Once a digital game is purchased, it can be accessed on any Nintendo Switch console (primary or non-primary) using the linked Nintendo Account.
Non-Primary Console Restrictions:
On a non-primary console, only the account holder (purchaser) can start and access the digital games.
Other users on a non-primary console cannot access the digital games purchased by the account holder.
Possible Solutions for Error Message:
The error suggests that the user is not on the primary console for the Nintendo Account that bought the game.
The solution depends on identifying which Nintendo Account made the purchase.
Identifying Purchasing Nintendo Account:
Check the purchase history for each account on the system to find the game, as it will be listed under the Nintendo Account that made the purchase.
Transaction receipts from the Nintendo Switch eShop are emailed to the purchasing Nintendo Account.
For child accounts, emails are sent to the parent/guardian’s address.
Collaborative Investigation:
Users are advised to check with other household members to determine if they made the purchase.
Verifying the purchasing Nintendo Account is crucial to resolving the issue.
In conclusion, this information provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between Nintendo Accounts, consoles, and digital game purchases on the Nintendo Switch eShop, offering effective solutions for troubleshooting common issues related to game access and ownership.
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.
Note. Unlinking a Nintendo Account from a Nintendo Switch console does not delete the Nintendo Account or any associated purchases. The Nintendo Account will still be available and can be re-linked to another user account in the future. A Nintendo Account can be linked to more than one Nintendo Switch console at a time ...
Nintendo will ban your online account and/or console if you breach the user agreements with activities such as fraudulent transactions, jailbreaking your Switch, downloading mods to your Switch, hacking, and more.
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.
Power off your Nintendo Switch, power it back on, and re-try connecting to the Internet. Try connecting to the Internet using a different wireless network. Make sure that you have installed the latest system update. Verify whether other devices can access the Internet while on the same network.
You can only redownload games using the Nintendo Account that was used to purchase the game. If a specific game or DLC item shows "Purchased" in Nintendo eShop but you are unable to redownload it, you may find our information on Software Displays "Purchased" in the Nintendo Switch eShop helpful.
Try deactivating the primary console through the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch, then entering the Nintendo eShop to set it as the primary console again. If the console you are using is your current primary console, there may be a temporary authentication issue.
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.
Select Your Info, then select Change in the "Linked Apps and Services" section to view the accounts that are currently linked to your Nintendo Account. In the "Linked Accounts" section, select Change. Select the box next to "Nintendo Network ID" to unlink the account.
Go to the Nintendo Account website and sign in to your Nintendo Account. Select User information, then Linked apps and services to view the accounts that are currently linked to your Nintendo Account. In the "Linked accounts" section, select Edit.
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.
Link your Nintendo Account to the non-primary Nintendo Switch consoles that you wish to play your digital games on. Redownload the games or content you want to access on each Nintendo Switch console. On any of your consoles, select your downloaded game from the HOME Menu to begin playing the game on that console.
It may come as a shock to those it hasn't happened to, but Nintendo can ban your Switch, making it impossible for you to access your library of digital games, make purchases in the eShop, download updates, or play games online.
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