With Nintendo Switch now in the wild, a video that scrolls us through the user interface has provided the chance to learn more about lessons that Nintendo has learnt from their past systems.
When the Nintendo Account system was introduced, purchases made on the Nintendo eShop were then directly linked to such user accounts.
It all sounded great, but a problem was soon discovered in the fact that a Nintendo Account could only be used on one console. That meant that anything that you purchased was locked to a specific console, and, if your Wii U or Nintendo 3DS was damaged or lost, you would have to provide the serial number of both the old and new console to convince Nintendo to manually transfer the purchases over.
When choosing to delete all data in the system memory on Nintendo Switch a message notes that by re-linking a Nintendo Account, users can redownload any purchased software or DLC. That will seemingly apply to any new system too, presumably as long as your Nintendo Account isn’t already tied to another Nintendo Switch.
“Your Nintendo Account contains your Nintendo eShop purchase history and current balance. By re-linking your Nintendo Account after initializing the console, it will be possible to redownload any software or DLC purchased using that account. (Software that has been discontinued may not be available to redownload in some cases.)”
“All data in the system memory, including software, save data, screenshots, and user information, will be deleted, restoring the console to factory settings.
Please note:
- All software saved on the microSD card, except for screenshots, will become unusable. (Data on the microSD card will not be deleted.)
- The system version will not be changed.
- Any Nintendo Accounts linked to this console will not be deleted, but they will be unlinked.
“Your Nintendo Account contains your Nintendo eShop purchase history and current balance. By re-linking your Nintendo Account after initialising the console, it will be possible to redownload any software or DLC purchased using that account. (Software that has been discontinued may not be available for redownload in some cases.)”
Nintendo Switch will launch worldwide on Friday 3rd March, priced at £279.99 ($299.99).
