Installing Games on Your Nintendo Switch: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’ve got your Nintendo Switch (or maybe you’re considering getting one – good choice!), and you’re itching to dive into the world of Hyrule, the Mushroom Kingdom, or maybe even a relaxing island getaway. But how exactly do you get those games onto your device? Fear not, fellow gamer! Installing games on your Nintendo Switch is a straightforward process, whether you prefer the tangible satisfaction of a physical cartridge or the convenience of digital downloads.
The Two Paths to Gaming Bliss
There are two primary ways to install games on your Nintendo Switch:
- Physical Cartridges: The classic approach. You physically insert a game cartridge into the console.
- Digital Downloads: Buying and downloading games directly from the Nintendo eShop.
Let’s break down each method step-by-step.
Installing Physical Games
This is the easiest method. Think of it like inserting a VHS tape (if you even remember those!).
- Locate the Cartridge Slot: This is found on the top of the Nintendo Switch console, under a small flap.
- Hold the Cover Back: Open the protective flap covering the game cartridge slot.
- Orientation is Key: Insert the cartridge with the label side facing the screen and the contacts facing the back of the console.
- Push and Click: Gently push the cartridge in until you feel a click. This click is your confirmation that the cartridge is fully and securely inserted.
- Power On (If Needed): If the Switch wasn’t already on, power it on. The game icon should appear on the HOME Menu.
- Start Playing: Select the game icon and press ‘A’ to launch the game.
Installing Digital Games
Downloading games from the Nintendo eShop requires a bit more setup, but offers unparalleled convenience.
- Connect to the Internet: Ensure your Nintendo Switch is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Go to System Settings -> Internet -> Internet Settings and select your network.
- Access the Nintendo eShop: From the HOME Menu, select the eShop icon (the orange shopping bag). You’ll need to select your user account.
- Browse and Search: You can browse games by category, check out new releases, or use the search function to find a specific title.
- Game Page: Once you find a game you like, select its icon to go to the game’s page. Here you’ll find details, screenshots, and user reviews.
- Purchase or Download Demo:
- Purchase: Select the “Purchase” button. You’ll be prompted to link a Nintendo Account and add funds if you haven’t already. You can use a credit card, PayPal, or Nintendo eShop gift cards.
- Download Demo: If a demo is available, select the “Download Demo” button.
- Downloading Begins:
- For released games: The game will begin downloading to your system as soon as you confirm your purchase.
- For pre-ordered games: A non-playable version of the game will be pre-loaded to your system. It will unlock and become playable on the official release date.
- Background Downloads: The Nintendo Switch can download games in the background, even in sleep mode, as long as it’s connected to the Internet and has sufficient storage space.
- Game Ready: Once the download is complete, the game icon will appear on the HOME Menu. Select it to start playing!
Managing Storage Space
Digital games take up storage space on your Nintendo Switch’s internal memory or a microSD card. Here’s how to manage it:
- Check Available Space: Go to System Settings -> Data Management. This will show you how much space is available on your console’s internal memory and on any inserted microSD card.
- Using a MicroSD Card: A microSD card is highly recommended, especially if you plan to download many games. The Nintendo Switch can use microSD cards up to 2TB, although 128GB to 512GB cards are a more practical and affordable sweet spot.
- Moving Data: To move games and other data between your system memory and a microSD card, go to System Settings -> Data Management -> Move Data Between System/microSD Card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about installing and managing games on your Nintendo Switch:
1. Can I download games while the Switch is in sleep mode?
Yes! Software and add-on content can be downloaded to your Nintendo Switch system while it is in sleep mode when it is connected to the Internet and there is sufficient space on the system memory or inserted microSD card. This is a convenient way to have games ready to play when you are.
2. Where do I find the games I’ve downloaded?
All downloaded games will appear as icons on your HOME Menu. If you have more than 12 games, a new icon called “All Software” will appear, allowing you to browse all your games in a grid format.
3. Can I play games directly from the microSD card?
Yes, Switch games play perfectly fine from a microSD card. In fact, it’s the recommended way to store most of your digital library.
4. How do I delete a game from my Switch?
To delete a game, highlight its icon on the HOME Menu, press the “+” or “-” button on your Joy-Con, select “Data Management,” and then select “Delete Software.”
5. Can I redownload a game I’ve purchased?
Yes! Games you’ve purchased digitally are tied to your Nintendo Account. You can redownload them at any time from the Nintendo eShop without repurchasing, as long as you’re logged in with the same account. Go to your account information in the eShop and find the “Redownload” section.
6. What kind of SD card should I use for my Switch?
Only microSD cards are compatible with the Nintendo Switch. SD cards and miniSD cards will not fit. Nintendo recommends using UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) compatible microSD cards with transfer speeds between 60-95MB/sec for optimal performance.
7. How many games can I store on my Switch?
The number of games you can store depends on the size of the games and the capacity of your internal storage or microSD card. The average game takes up about 10GB. A 128GB microSD card can hold approximately 12-13 games.
8. Can I transfer my game data to a new SD card?
Yes, you can transfer game data to a new SD card. You can either copy the data from your old SD card to your computer and then to the new SD card, or use the “Move Data Between System/microSD Card” option in System Settings. Make sure to power off the Switch before swapping microSD cards.
9. Can multiple users play the same digital game on different Switches?
Only one person can play a digital game at a time. If you want to play the same game on multiple Switches simultaneously, you’ll need to purchase separate digital copies or use a physical cartridge on each console. Anyone that uses your primary Nintendo Switch console will be able to play games you’ve purchased with your Nintendo Account. You can set one console per Nintendo Account as your primary console.
10. What happens if I lose my physical game cartridge?
Unfortunately, if you lose a physical game cartridge, you will need to purchase a new copy of the game. Digital games, on the other hand, are tied to your Nintendo Account and can be redownloaded at any time.
11. Are there any free games I can download on the Switch?
Yes! The Nintendo eShop offers a selection of free-to-play games and demos. Additionally, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription grants access to a library of classic NES and SNES games, and often includes free downloadable content for certain games.
12. Is Nintendo Switch Online worth it?
Nintendo Switch Online is a necessary subscription if you want to play Switch games on the internet, and it includes cool, bonus titles and extras. The Expansion Pass isn’t worth the huge price hike it presents, though. If you enjoy online multiplayer, access to classic games, and cloud saves, then Nintendo Switch Online is generally considered worthwhile.
13. Can I download games from other regions on the Nintendo eShop?
The Nintendo eShop is region-locked. To access the eShop of a different region, you would need to create a separate Nintendo Account with that region set as its location.
14. Why are some Switch games so expensive?
Nintendo Has a Great Legacy. The same reason Nintendo games are expensive is the same reason Apple products are. It is an extremely well-known and trusted brand with decades of history behind it. People trust Nintendo, therefore, they are willing to pay more for Nintendo products.
15. 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. Physical copies are therefore a better choice than digital ones if you’re usually buying the game months after its release.
Hopefully, this guide has demystified the process of installing games on your Nintendo Switch. Now go forth and explore the wonderful world of Nintendo gaming! For more on the power of games, don’t forget to check out the GamesLearningSociety.org website. Learning through play is a powerful concept!