Have you ever played a round of Mario Kart and wanted to race again with that skilled player online? Or teamed up in Splatoon 2 and wished you could join that person for more matches? Unlike Xbox and PlayStation consoles, the Nintendo Switch makes pairing up with new friends online difficult – but not impossible.
In this guide, I‘ll show you how to use Nintendo‘s unique 12-digit friend code system to add fellow gamers to your friends list. With over 100 million Switches sold, there‘s no shortage of players out there. By finishing these 8 simple steps, you‘ll unlock the Switch‘s online social features to meet people across the world to game with again and again.
Overview: How Nintendo Switch Online Friend Functions Work
Before we dig into the steps, let‘s overview how the Switch handles playing together online:
| Feature | Switch Capability | Other Consoles |
|---|---|---|
| Send friend requests | Yes, with friend code | Yes, by username |
| Accept friend requests | Yes | Yes |
| See friends online status | Yes | Yes |
| Chat with friends | Via app only | Built-in platforms |
| Voice chat in games | Few games support | More broadly supported |
As you can see, the Switch trails behind Xbox, PlayStation and even Nintendo‘s previous systems in terms of online social tools. It instead relies on the 12-digit "friend code" as its main identifier instead of more memorable usernames.
But don‘t let these limitations stop you from meeting fellow players! By exchanging codes, you gain access to all sorts of cooperative and competitive fun.
Now, let‘s get right to it: here‘s how to search for a friend code and send a request in 8 straightforward steps:
Step 1: Locate Your Profile Screen
From your Switch‘s main menu, tap the profile icon in the top left corner. This will open up your personal profile screen. Scroll down past your play statistics to find friend-related options.
Tip: Take note of your own friend code shown here for easy sharing!
Step 2: Select "Add Friend"
With your profile open, choose "Add Friend" to access friend search tools.
Step 3: Choose "Search With Friend Code"
After tapping "Add Friend", pick the "Search With Friend Code" option to input a specific 12-digit number.
Insider Info: Relying on friend codes instead of usernames provides every player a unique ID for solid connections.
Step 4: Input Your Buddy‘s Code
In the search pop-up, accurately type your friend‘s 12-digit friend code which starts with "SW." They can find this on their own profile screen.
Pro Tip: Double check codes with your friend to avoid errors.
Step 5: Confirm Friend Request
After entering a valid code, a confirmation screen appears to finalize sending a friend request. Verify their Switch username looks accurate too!
Step 6: Your Buddy Accepts Request
You‘ve sent your request! Now your friend simply opens his profile, checks pending requests, and accepts you to add back.
Step 7: Start Gaming Together
With your friend request accepted, you both gain access to online play, chat functions and seeing what each other is up to on your Switch friend lists.
Step 8: Manage Your Friends List
Over time, your friends list will grow! Check back on your profile screen to delete inactive friends or pin best buddies to the top as your top friend for easy access. You‘ll stay connected for more gaming fun.
And there you have it – an 8-step guide to master adding fellow players on Nintendo Switch for co-op and competitive online multiplayer! No longer will you agonize over losing contact with fun teammates or formidable rivals thanks to friend codes opening the communication channels.
Whether you want to dominate Splatoon matches, trade items in Animal Crossing or explore Hyrule together in Zelda, adding friends unlocks new Switch possibilities. So swap codes and let the good times game on!
Let me know if you have any other questions on getting connected. Happy gaming!
