On Nintendo Switch, the error ‘This user cannot play this software’ appears. How can I fix it?

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Xolvie
Xolvie Resolution Specialist August 28, 2025 8:57 am

This error means that the current account does not have the rights to launch the game.

Main causes:

The game was purchased on another account, and usage rights are not confirmed.

No internet connection — the system cannot verify the license of the digital copy.

The console is not set as the primary for the account.

The game has been deleted or is corrupted.

What to do:

Check which account the game was purchased from. It can only be launched from that account (or on the console set as the “primary”).

Turn on the internet and try again — the Switch will verify the license.

Set the console as the primary for the account: go to eShop → Account Settings → Primary Console.

If the game won’t start — delete it and download again from the eShop.

If using a cartridge — make sure it’s clean and properly inserted.

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