I want to let you in on a wonderful modern convenience: downloading digital games directly to your Nintendo Switch. As an avid gamer myself, building my Switch‘s virtual library has made gaming more accessible, affordable and simply more fun!
In this guide, we‘ll explore:
- The benefits of Switch game downloads
- Exactly what you need to get started
- A step-by-step tutorial for purchasing and downloading games through the Nintendo eShop
- Tips and tricks for getting the most out of your gaming downloads
Let‘s dive in – it‘s game time!
Why Download Switch Games?
Ever struggle with keeping track of tiny game cartridges that seem to disappear every time someone wants to borrow one? Or realize that buying physical copies means swapping them constantly as you change titles – a pain!
Downloading digital games helps solve these issues and has other excellent perks:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Convenience | – Access games instantly from your device menu – No cartridges to swap or potentially lose |
| Cost Savings | – Digital games see discounts more frequently – Average 26% cheaper than physical copies |
| Flexibility | – Play on both TV and handheld modes – Transition seamlessly as you switch play styles |
Beyond the direct benefits you‘ll notice, keeping games exclusively digital also reduces environmental waste from game packaging and materials. It‘s a double win!
What You Need to Start Downloading Games
Prior to purchasing your first digital download, make sure you have the following ready to go:
- Nintendo Account: This free account acts as your digital identity and links game purchases to your profile. Register here if you haven‘t yet.
- Internet connection: For downloading games and making purchases through the eShop store.
- SD card (optional): The Switch has limited onboard storage, so expanded memory via an SD card allows for more downloaded game capacity. I recommend a 256GB card to start.
- Payment method: Credit/debit card, PayPal account or Nintendo eShop gift card to make game purchases.
Once you‘ve confirmed those key items are good to go, we can dive into the download process!
Step 1: Access the Nintendo eShop Store
The Nintendo eShop is the official digital store for purchasing downloadable Switch content including games, video streaming apps, DLC and more.
To open the eShop, select its icon from your Switch‘s main bottom toolbar, as seen below:
You‘ll know you‘ve successfully opened the eShop when you see the store‘s marketplace screen displaying featured games, search bars and category tabs across the top navigation.
Feel free to browse featured games that interest you. Otherwise, if you have a specific title in mind already, you can skip to searching for it directly.
Step 2: Search for Your Chosen Game
Using the eShop‘s search box, you can pull up your desired game‘s unique store page instantly.
For example, if you want to grab the beloved platformer Super Mario Odyssey, simply enter its name into the search bar:
Then select the correct game from the dropdown results to open its eShop page, which displays important info like price, description, images and content rating.
Step 3: Confirm Game Details
Prior to purchasing your selected game license, I recommend double-checking a few key details from its eShop page:
- Title & Publisher: Verify accuracy to avoid buying wrong game.
- File Size: Confirm you have enough console or SD card storage space.
- Price: Finalize budget for game cost.
- Compatibility: Ensure game works with your Switch model.
For example, Super Mario Odyssey‘s store page tells me:
- Publisher is Nintendo
- 6.2 GB file size
- Currently $59.99 USD
- Compatible with all Switch devices
If all looks accurate to you, it‘s time to continue the purchase process!
Step 4: Purchase Your Chosen Game
When ready to buy, select the "Proceed to Purchase" or "Free Download" button.
You‘ll then see a purchase summary confirming game details and prompting you to choose your payment method:
Select your preferred option:
- Saved credit/debit card
- PayPal account
- Nintendo gift card redemption
- etc.
And finalize purchase by approving any security steps for your given payment method.
Tip: Make sure you have funds available to avoid cancellations!
Step 5: Track Download Status
Right after confirming purchase, your new digital game will automatically queue up and start downloading directly to your console‘s storage.
You‘ll get a confirmation message with the game‘s icon. Simply press OK and it will minimize to the background.
To monitor active or queued downloads, scroll left on your Switch‘s main menu to open the Downloads menu:
Here you can check current download progress for new purchases visualize via a status bar.
Once it reaches 100%, congratulations! Your new gaming adventures await.
Power Up Your Gaming With More Download Tips
Hopefully by this point downloading digital games is a total breeze. Let‘s round things out with pro tips to take your Switch setup to advanced levels:
- Store games on an SD card rather than filling limited console capacity
- Test Ethernet connection speeds for faster downloads than WiFi
- Grab exclusive member perks via a Nintendo Online subscription
- Use password protection and purchase approval to prevent unwanted spending
By following this guide, you can amass an awesome digital Switch game collection in no time. Never struggle with physical cartridges again. Happy gaming!
