Active Console for Downloads
One Nintendo Switch console can be registered as the active console for downloads for each Nintendo Account. Nintendo eShop software can only be purchased, downloaded and played on the console currently registered as the active console for that account.
Software purchased using this Nintendo Account
Register as active console for downloads.
Play on this console
The first time you use Nintendo eShop, the console you are using will automatically be registered as the active console for downloads for your Nintendo Account. Downloaded software can be played by any user on that console.
FAQ - active console for downloads
In our household, we share one Nintendo Switch console. Can all of our Nintendo Accounts be linked to the same console?
I own multiple consoles. Can all of them be registered as active consoles for downloads?
I recently exchanged my old console for a new one. Can I register the new one as my active console for downloads?
Before exchanging/disposing of a Nintendo Switch console
Before you exchange or dispose of a Nintendo Switch console, please make sure that it is no longer registered as your active console for downloads. If the console is registered as the active console for multiple Nintendo Accounts, deregister it individually for each Nintendo Account.
Checking the active console for downloads
In Nintendo eShop, you can check whether the console in use is registered as the active console for downloads.
Deregistering the console
If you would like to register a different console as the active console for downloads for a Nintendo Account, you must first deregister the current console. This process can only be done using the active console itself. Furthermore, if a console is deregistered from a Nintendo Account, any software purchased using that Nintendo Account will no longer be playable on the console. Software purchased using a Nintendo Account can be redownloaded on a console by registering that console as the active console for downloads for the Nintendo Account.
Deregistration process
Go to Nintendo eShop on the HOME Menu, then select the appropriate user.
Select the user icon ("Account Information") on the top right of the screen. Go to active console for downloads and select "Deregister" to deregister the console.
Link your Nintendo Account to a user on the console. Then, access Nintendo eShop with that user to automatically register the console as the active console for downloads for that Nintendo Account. Once the console is registered, you will need to redownload the Nintendo Switch software you purchased using that Nintendo Account.
Registering another console as the active console for downloads
The active console for downloads will also be deregistered in the following situations:
If the Nintendo Account is unlinked from the user
If the user linked to the given Nintendo Account is deleted
If the console is restored to factory settings
Go to Nintendo eShop on the HOME Menu, then select the appropriate user.
Select the user icon ("Account Information") on the top right of the screen. Go to "active console for downloads" and check whether the console is active.