As one of the world‘s most popular dedicated gaming systems, the Nintendo Switch has brought friends and families together with its emphasis on in-person multiplayer gaming. But to unlock the Switch‘s full potential for online social gaming, you need to master Nintendo‘s unique "friend code" system.
In this comprehensive tech guide, we‘ll walk through exactly how friend codes work, the many ways to add friends, how to manage your friends list, and some best practices when gaming online. Follow along for pro tips to get the most out of Nintendo Switch‘s friend features.
The Evolution of Nintendo Friend Codes
Over the last decade and a half, adding friends on Nintendo consoles has worked a bit differently compared to competing systems like Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. Rather than using typical gaming usernames or handles, Nintendo employs randomly generated 12-digit "friend codes" to link users together.
This friend code system first emerged in 2007 with the launch of the Nintendo Wii console and later carried over to the 3DS handheld system. According to Nintendo, requiring unique codes helps parents feel more comfortable with adding friends for child accounts. The complex digits also improve privacy and avoid unwanted contacts making requests.
Now in its 5th year since launch, the Nintendo Switch continues using the established friend code convention. While it may seem restrictive or confusing initially (especially if coming from Xbox or PlayStation), learning to utilize Switch friend codes unlocks a connected, social experience.
Key Stats on Nintendo Switch Online Usage
As of March 2022, Nintendo reported over 32 million Switch Online subscribers actively using online play, cloud saves, and other membership perks. With over 100 million consoles sold globally, that represents nearly 1/3rd of owners participating in the online ecosystem.
Nintendo also reported over 4.5 billion hours spent playing games online among these Switch Online members. Splatoon 2 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe make up nearly 20% of that online engagement. And according to Nielsen surveys in major territories, over 50% of online sessions involved playing with friends.
So while Nintendo may trail Microsoft and Sony for total online engagement, social features like friend lists represent a major motivation for Switch gamers jumping into multiplayer. Let‘s explore exactly how friending works on the console.
Step 1: Understanding Friend Codes
The foundation for adding any friend on Nintendo Switch starts with grabbing their unique 12-digit friend code. This code always begins with "SW" followed by a dash then 10 random numbers like this example:
SW-3820-5868-0295
Think of friend codes like one-time use digital tokens that unlock access to that user‘s profile and friends list. Both parties need to exchange codes and mutually add each other for successful friending.
Where Can Players Find Their Switch Friend Code?
Users can locate their personal code directly through the Switch profile:
- Tap your profile icon in the upper left of the Home screen
- Navigate to your User page using the left menu
- Find the 12-digit code underneath your Nintendo Account name
You‘ll need to share this via messaging, email, voice chat or another channel with the players you want to add as friends.
Comparing Xbox, PlayStation & Nintendo Friending Methods
If you‘re coming from Xbox Live or PlayStation Network, Nintendo‘s code system differs quite drastically:
- Xbox – Gamertags based on usernames
- PlayStation – Online IDs based on usernames
- Nintendo – 12-digit Friend Codes
Both Microsoft and Sony use account names and existing contacts to easily build friends lists. Nintendo instead generates unique codes for privacy but makes locating players you met randomly online more difficult.
However, as you‘ll see, the Switch provides alternative ways to friend recent players that help compensate for its more locked-down approach.
Step 2: Initiating Friend Requests
With one or more Switch friend codes ready, let‘s walk through sending out those friend requests:
- Select your profile icon from the Home screen
- Scroll down and choose Add Friend option
- Select Search with Friend Code
- Type in the full 12-digit friend code
- Confirm the correct user pops up
- Choose Send Friend Request
Once submissions complete, the other player will receive a notification for your request. Both parties need to mutually Accept the request for successful friending.
Step 3: Local Users and Meet Up Friend Requests
Beyond manually looking up codes, the Switch offers a unique way to instantly friend players in the same local area. This works great for in-person multiplayer meetups with nearby gamers.
From your profile‘s Add Friends tab:
- Choose Search for Local Users
- Have the other player access the same menu
- Your consoles will automatically detect each other
- You can send instant local friend requests
- Requests get Accepted immediately after confirmation
No code required – just wireless proximity! Meet up with fellow gamers to quickly build local friends lists for tournaments, parties or gatherings.
Step 4: Adding Previously Played Users
The Switch also tracks your recent online multiplayer encounters across supported titles like Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon 2. Rather than digging through forums and chats trying to reconnect, use this handy feature:
- Head to your Full Friend List
- Select Add Friend > Search for Users You Played With
- A list generates showing recent sessions
- Select any user and choose Send Friend Request
As long as they mutually confirm, you can add fellow competitors to play and chat again in the future. No more lost connections with random online players!
Step 5: Managing Friend Requests
As you send requests using codes or search tools, make sure to routinely check for incoming requests from others as well.
- From your profile, choose Friend Requests
- Requests display profiles submitted to you
- Select Accept to confirm or Decline to remove
Be proactive managing requests – don‘t leave users waiting long for a response! Review settings for controlling incoming requests as well.
Step 6: Upgrading Best Friends
Added someone you want fast access to on your list? Upgrade them to Best Friends status for prioritized visibility:
- Navigate to your Full Friend List
- Select any standard friend
- Choose Register Friend as Best Friend
- Best Friends automatically group to the top of your list!
You can instantly see Best Friends online and playing status when they jump into a game. Great for families and favorite gaming buddies.
Further Friend List Management Tips
Here are some additional pointers for expertly managing Switch friends lists over time:
- Keep friend lists organized by moving Best Friends up but also favoriting key contacts
- Only confirm requests from known real-life connections or vetted online players
- Remove inactive friends periodically to clear outdated accounts
- Block troublesome users and learn reporting procedures
- Sort friends by Online Status or Games Played to easily jump into matches
- Monitor notifications for friend updates like logins or game launches
Proper curation helps build reliable, active contacts for multiplayer action.
Playing Online Multiplayer With Your Friends
Adding friends is just the first step – playing games with them makes the social experience truly shine. The Switch offers great ways to interact once you build up your list:
- Browse friends‘ game activity and tap Join to enter matches
- Create custom online chat rooms through Nintendo Switch Online app
- Queue into shooters, racers, fighters and more for friendly competition
- Start up co-op quests in massive adventures like Monster Hunter Rise
- Join private friend lobbies for huge hide-and-seek sessions
Expanding gaming beyond your couch opens up whole new ways to hang out and take down levels and bosses together.
Optimizing Friends for Kids and Family Accounts
Like all modern connected platforms, parents need to consider safety and monitoring when kids add online friends through Switch consoles.
Understanding Child Account Restrictions
Nintendo allows supervised child accounts with tailored restrictions:
- Child accounts can only friend registered parental accounts
- External requests get blocked without parent approval
- Parental tools monitor contacts, chat and sharing
Manage these guardrails through Family Groups with Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Following Best Practices
Even on adult accounts, good gaming etiquette matters when playing online:
- Only accept requests from real friends and family
- Report abusive behavior immediately
- Keep personal details private
- Enable 2-factor authentication as a security measure
- Consider audio precautions like muting public lobby chats
With some thoughtful management, Switch multiplayer can be both flexible and secure.
Master Nintendo Switch Friend Codes for Ultimate Connectivity
While the console keeps friend features slightly more locked down than competitors, learning Nintendo‘s systems allows for rewarding game connections across the globe.
Whether you want to build local acquaintances for tournaments and gatherings or link up online with quasar-crossed comrades, following this guide arms you with the friend code mastery needed to socialize on Switch.
So swap those 12-digit codes, connect with comrades and friendly rivals alike and game on!
