
In short, non-primary consoles require an internet connection to play any downloaded game (or any game for which you’ve bought downloadable content, even if the game itself is on its own game card).

Non-primary consoles are subject to a number of restrictions, which Nintendo fully outlines here (you see these kinds of restrictions when you own multiple Xbox or PlayStation consoles, as well). But when you sign in on more than one Switch with the same user account, Nintendo forces you to designate one Switch as the “primary” console and any others as “non-primary” consoles. If you have more than one Switch console-a full-size version connected to a TV and a Switch Lite for a kid, for example-you can download every game and piece of downloadable content you’ve bought on the Switch eShop onto both consoles.

Phantasy Star 4: The End of the Millennium
