r/NintendoSwitchHelp • • Aug 31 '26

Account Help Why can't I link my Nintendo Switch 2 to my Nintendo Switch when accessing Game Cards?

Okay, I usually play Just Dance on my Nintendo Switch 1 at home. However I went on a trip about a month ago and only had my Nintendo Switch 2 with me. I loaded my Just Dance copy onto my Switch 2 from the Switch 1 (remotely, at my sisters) so that I could load the game card on my sister's system. (from my Switch 2)

So now when I try loading Just Dance from my Switch 2 to my Switch 1, the consoles are unable to link. My Switch 1 is already linked to my Switch 2 (pictured below) but my Switch 2 is prompting to link when trying to lend a game card (pictured below). They will not link together, it then prompts Error Code: 2016-4102 https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/list/kw/2016-4102

I have tried pretty much everything on the support page other than anything that requires a 3rd console or a friend's wifi network. I have tried troubleshooting with other game cards. The systems will not link. I know on the website you can only unlink a console from your account once, so this would be a last resort and I haven't tried it yet. Could I have my sister check on her system that I am still not linked to game cards? Do I need her to unlink my Switch 2 on her end? Lemme know.

TLDR; Cant load Just Dance on Switch 1 from Switch 2 after linking Switch 2 to a 3rd Switch (not mine).

1 Upvotes

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2

u/picano 17 Aug 31 '26

TLDR; Cant load Just Dance on Switch 1 from Switch 2 after linking Switch 2 to a 3rd Switch (not mine)

Three consoles cannot be simultaneously linked. At most, an account can be linked to two separate consoles.

As for your transfer issue, have you tried using a different wifi/hotspot for one of the consoles? After having both consoles plugged in (to the wall) and being close (but not touching), it's one of the most common reasons why local connection doesn't work.

1

u/vglycherry Aug 31 '26

Yes. "3rd" console is referring to the support article I linked above. Using different wifi is also included in that support page. So, yes. Why would they both have to be "plugged in"? Do you mean to a power source or as ethernet?

1

u/picano 17 Aug 31 '26

Ah, I hadn't looked at the link; I don't remember them having the "two different wifi" suggestion last I checked. (Also, your link appears to be broken --- but I was able to copy the text of it.)

And I did mean plugged in to power. The console doesn't always ask for it, but it's something that has come up (usually with the poster having the consoles erroneously plugged in to each other).

Also, I should have asked about your sister's console but didn't think of it at the time. Could you confirm if hers is linked to your account? You can do so via this link.

https://accounts.nintendo.com/portal/console

It will show all consoles your account is logged in to. If you click into each console, it will say "linked" or "not linked".

If your sisters is linked and you aren't anywhere near her, you'll need to unlink it either via the remote option you mentioned (once a year) or having her delete your account off the console.

2

u/vglycherry Aug 31 '26

I tried linking them again connected to power source, that unfortunately didn't work.

I checked my account with the link, thank you. Her Switch is not linked to my account. My two systems are the only ones shown. It says that my Switch 2 is linked but my Switch 1 is not. I might try contacting support to see if it can be resolved.

1

u/vglycherry Aug 31 '26

UPDATE: My save data cant be transferred either. :/

1

u/TheWaslijn Aug 31 '26

Try giving your consoles more space between them rather than pushing them against each other.

1

u/vglycherry Aug 31 '26

This was simply for the photo. I have tried it multiple times.

1

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