Anyone with multiple consoles probably doesn't need this explained to them but the mechanics for multiple switches in a family are janky and pretty much broken. So many other platforms have figured better methods around this.
We have a switch and 2 switch lite's in the family. If I purchase a game my parental account there is three things that can happen:
1. The game can be played on all three switches provided my account is used. If the switch is not my primary console then an internet connection is required to start the game.
2. The game can be played on any account on any switch that is set to be the primary console for my account.
3. The game can not be played on accounts that aren't mine on any switches that are not set to be the primary console for my account.
The end result of number 3 is a bunch of messing around to change the primary console on my account to get the right game working for the right person on the right device and sometimes someone ends up unable to play. It is a big waste of time and stress that would be so nice if it just worked like other family libraries to microsoft, android, etc do.
Most people probably aren't affected by this but I would love to start a conversation about this and find out what other people think. I am sure there will be some people who don't see a problem with the way Nintendo are doing things but I am sure there will be some people who do agree with me.
I can't believe this doesn't drive more people completely crazy. Just now I had to log into the nintendo store to deregister the full sized switch from being the primary console on my account including entering my impossible to remember password, then log into the nintendo store with my account (entering the password again) just so my son can play minecraft on his switch lite on his own account. Thanks for wasting another 10 minutes of my life nintendo, I curse you every time I have to do this.
@collusionbdbh Yeah, switch connectivity creates logistical problems that are a constant pain if you're trying to share things across 2 or more consoles, but that's their business model. Unfortunately, the solution is have more than one primary console, but obviously that drives costs up, which isn't necessarily family friendly price-wise, and I definitely sympathize. I'm assuming nintendo would argue, you don't need 2+ consoles; There are still a lot of games that can do multiplayer on a tv like a traditional console.
This situation is partly why I think nintendo could benefit from a tv-only console. If people buy a tv-only console, they typically don't think about getting a second console, or second copies of a game.
@WoomyNNYes You are totally correct. Their business model for family sharing and multiple devices doesn't suit the style of the devices and how they have one that is good for connecting to the tv and one that is even more portable. I find some of their advertising to be a little misleading too where they show family members playing mario kart together on different switches without adding the fine print that you would need to own 2 or 3 copies of the game to race each other on different switches.
Let's face it, 'Family' membership is just an offer that reduces the price if your household wants multiple NSO accounts. It's got nothing to do with sharing games.
If you actually want to share games, your best bet is to buy them on cartridge so you can physically swap them around. There's not much you can do about DLC and downloads though.
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Topic: How does everyone feel about the family sharing mechanics on switch?
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