Can you lose downloaded Switch games?

Games that have been archived (not deleted) will still have an icon on the HOME Menu, and can be redownloaded by anyone on the console. Games that have been deleted will not have an icon on the HOME Menu, and can only be redownloaded with the Nintendo Account that was originally used to purchase them.

Can you lose digital Switch games?

Pros of digital games on Switch

All games you buy digitally are stored via your Nintendo Account ID, so you can just redownload them as many times as you want when you delete games to free up space, no problem. You can't lose a digital game since it's right there on your system.

What happens to downloaded games if you lose your Switch?

So long as you remember your account information . Simply go to the game in the switch store and re-download. Save data only if you enabled cloud backup.

Do downloaded Switch games stay on Switch?

The downloaded game will be saved to your Nintendo Switch system's internal memory or microSD card (sold separately) so if you download multiple games, you can play them at any time without needing to change Nintendo Switch Game Cards. There is also a massive library of games you can't find in a retail store.

Will I lose my games if I get a new Switch?

If you do not have access to the original console, you can still transfer your Nintendo Account and digital games to a different Nintendo Switch console and make that console your account's primary console.

The Sad Truth About Nintendo Switch Cartridges

Do I keep my games if I get a new console?

You can either redownload the games when you get the new console, transfer them via network transfer, or if you have them on an external hard drive, you can plug the hard drive into the new console.

Do Switch games save to card or console?

On Nintendo Switch, game save data is stored on the console's System Memory. This will not change whether downloadable software or software from a game card is being played. Game save data cannot be saved or copied to a microSD card.

Can you keep digital games forever?

Don't want to pack hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of games in your checked bags? With a library of games stored on your hard drive, you'll never face that dilemma. In the same way, digital games can never be lost by accident; they remain on a player's account, essentially permanently.

Is it better to buy physical or digital games?

Much of it comes down to personal preference. If you like having shelves lined with your games that you can browse and reminisce, you'll want to go for physical. If you prefer the convenience and speed offered through digital purchases, and don't want game boxes lying around, then you'll want to go digital.

Are Switch games stored on SD card?

*Game save data is only stored in the system memory, so it can't be moved to the microSD card.

How do I get my downloaded games back on my new Switch?

To redownload the game, launch the Nintendo eShop using the Nintendo Account that originally purchased the game, select your user icon in the top-right corner to access the shop settings, and highlight Redownload. Select the game in the list of previously purchased titles, then select the orange icon to redownload.

Do I have to buy Switch games twice?

Digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that was used to purchase them. All users on a console will be able to play games purchased by any Nintendo Account that has registered the console as their primary console.

Do Nintendo digital downloads expire?

Download codes purchased from retailers do not expire. However, download codes given out for a specific promotion (Hyrule Warriors DLC pack, Pokémon distributions, etc.) will usually have an expiration date.

What's the point of buying physical games?

Another big plus: There are no subscriptions needed for physical games; they're always yours. What's more, unlike digital games, physical games have a resale value. This value can even rise above the original purchase price if the game becomes a collector's item.

How many games can a Switch hold?

The standard Nintendo Switch has 32 GB of storage, allowing you to store and install around 4-8 games, including large games like Zelda. However, if you have the option for a Switch with 64 GB of storage, you can store double the number of games, up to 8-16.

Do you truly own digital games?

You own a license to the software on the media but you don't actually own the software itself. So there is no difference between buying a digital and physical copy as far as ownership or rights are concerned.

Do digital games stay on Nintendo Account?

Purchases on the Nintendo Switch eShop are tied to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase. You can register one primary console per Nintendo Account. Once you've registered a primary console, your digital purchases can be played by anyone that uses the primary console.

Can I buy a Switch game and download it later?

Purchase games and/or add funds in the Nintendo eShop. These will be tied to your Nintendo Account. Download and start playing the games you have purchased. If not on the primary console, you must be connected online prior to starting downloadable software.

How do Nintendo switch game downloads work?

Once you've completed your purchase, your game will automatically download to the console associated with your Nintendo Account. To download the game, your Nintendo Switch must have enough memory space available and it must be turned on or in sleep mode (with an active internet connection).

What happens if you put a Switch game into a different Switch?

You can play digital games that you've purchased with your Nintendo Account on any Nintendo Switch console. Once you've registered a primary console, your digital purchases can also be played by anyone that uses the primary console. Other players will not be able to access your digital games on a non-primary console.

Will I lose my Animal Crossing Island if I get a new Switch?

What is transferred to the new console with a full island transfer? When a full island transfer is completed, all island save data, progress, animal neighbours, residents, residents' inventories and homes are transferred to the new console. No Animal Crossing: New Horizons save data will remain on the original console.

Why can t Switch games be copied?

Switch save data is stored in the console's system memory, and currently cannot be copied to any external storage medium for backup purposes (or any other reason). In fact, you can't transfer any Switch game files to a microSD card — whether that's downloaded games or save data.

Can you transfer digital Switch games to another account?

Please make sure that you are logged into the correct Nintendo Account when purchasing or redeeming a game. The game isn't limited to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase. Anyone that uses the purchaser's primary console can play the digital games or DLC that have been purchased by that Nintendo Account.

Will I have to buy the games I own again on the new Xbox?

Each console must have either a digital or physical copy of a game. If you have other Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S consoles in your home and other people want to play the same game with you using those additional consoles, each console must have its own copy of the game.

How do I backup my digital Switch games?

From the HOME Menu, select System Settings, then Data Management, and finally Save Data Cloud Backup. Select the desired user. Tap the software to back up, then select Back Up Save Data.