“Checking if the software can be played…” Message When Starting Software (2024)

Information

This message most commonly appears when you are trying to play downloadable content (games or DLC) on a Nintendo Switch console that is not currently your primary console.

If you are not using your primary console to play, you will receive this message from time to time as you must have an active internet connection to play your downloaded games and content on a non-primary console.

For more information about primary and non-primary consoles, please read What Are the Differences Between a Primary and Non-Primary Nintendo Switch Console?

Possible solutions

You may sometimes receive this message on your primary console. If that is the case, please try the following:

• Verify that the console you are using is your primary console.
  1. Select Nintendo eShop on the HOME Menu to launch the Nintendo eShop.
  2. Select your Nintendo Account.
  3. Select the picture of your icon in the upper-right corner to access your Account Information.
  4. Scroll down to the Primary Console section.
  5. If the message "A different console is registered as your primary console" appears in this section, you will need to deactivate the current primary console in order to make the console you are using the primary console.
• Try connecting to a different wired or wireless network than the one you are currently using.
• Try deactivating the primary console through the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch, then entering the Nintendo eShop to set it as the primary console again.
• If the console you are using is your current primary console, there may be a temporary authentication issue. Please try playing your games again over a few days to see if the message persists.