How do you buy and play games on Switch?

Can you buy Nintendo Switch games online and download them?

Buy digital games here and download them directly to your Nintendo Switch™ system (no code required)! Plus, shop physical games, sales, new releases, and more.

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.

How does buying digital games on Switch work?

Start playing in a snap when you purchase a digital game from Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch system or online at the My Nintendo Store. The game will be sent to your system automatically after purchase—no code required.

Does the Switch come with games when you buy it?

The Switch, unlike the Wii or Wii U, doesn't come with much. There's no pack-in game. The main Nintendo Switch bundle is just the hardware: the console, the left and right Joy-Con controllers, two wrist straps for them, one Joy-Con grip, one dock, an HDMI cable and an AC adapter. That's it.

Where to Start: Nintendo Switch

Do you need a subscription for Nintendo Switch?

The Nintendo Switch has its own, paid subscription service which is required for online play. However, not only does Nintendo Switch Online enable Switch owners to play many games online, membership offers a growing selection of free classic games to download, including Super Mario.

How do you play games on Nintendo Switch?

Insert a game card in the game card slot on the Nintendo Switch console, or download a game or software application from the Nintendo eShop. While on the HOME Menu select the icon for the game or software application that you wish to use, then select Start.

Can you keep 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.

How do I add digital games to my Switch?

Select Nintendo eShop on the HOME Menu to launch the Nintendo eShop. Select the account you want to use. Select Enter Code on the left side of the screen.

Do I need an SD card for Switch?

Do I need a microSD card for my Nintendo Switch? Unless you're only planning to have a handful of games downloaded to your console, and will stick mostly to cartridges, owning a memory card is pretty much a necessity, we'd say.

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.

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.

Do you have to download Switch games from cartridge?

Yes. All physical cartridges contain all of the games and does not require a download nor online connection.

Why are Switch games so expensive?

Nintendo Uses a Cartridge-Based Format for Its Games

Nintendo's cartridge-based games are hardier than traditional disk-based video games, but they are also more expensive to produce. Traditional disk-based video games have all their data stored on the disk itself.

How do I download games after purchase on 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.

Does Nintendo Switch have its own online store?

Nintendo eShop is your official digital games store on Nintendo Switch. Download your favourite games instantly to your console, available anytime and from the comfort of your home.

Why can't I play my digital Switch games?

Update your Nintendo Switch console to the latest version. Change the primary console for that Nintendo Account to the system that you're using. If you are already using the primary console for that Nintendo Account, de-register the console, then make it the primary console again.

How do I buy a digital download Switch game as a gift?

It is not possible to send a gift in the Nintendo eShop (on-device or off-device). You may consider gifting a prepaid Nintendo eShop card or a download code instead.

Can I share my digital Switch games with family?

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

What is the difference between digital and physical Nintendo Switch games?

The digital advantage

The most obvious benefit of downloading a digital copy of a game onto your Nintendo Switch console is that it doesn't take up any physical space. You won't have a shelf full of old Switch games that you never play anymore.

What happens to my games if I buy a new Switch?

All your digital purchases are tied to your account and you can log in to that account with a new Switch and re-download all your games. Now your save data… that's a trickier answer. Which game has the best port on Switch?

Do digital Switch games expire?

Download codes purchased from retailers do not expire. However, download codes given out for a specific promotion, such as Pokémon distributions, will usually have an expiration date.

What free games can you download on Nintendo Switch?

What is the difference between Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED?

The most noticeable difference between Nintendo Switch and OLED, its counterpart, is its display. The original Switch model features an IPS LCD screen, while the OLED Switch has a 4K resolution AMOLED display, which makes for vibrant colors and deeper blacks.