How to Download Already Purchased Games on Switch

To download already purchased games on Nintendo Switch, 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. The game will then be available for download on your console, provided you have enough storage space and a stable internet connection.

Related FAQs

Understanding the Download Process

1. Why can’t I download a purchased game on Switch?: If you’re having trouble downloading a purchased game, check if you have enough storage space on your console, and ensure you’re using the correct Nintendo Account.
2. How do I access purchased games on Switch?: You can access your purchased games by selecting the Nintendo eShop icon on the HOME Menu, then navigating to Settings and Redownloadable Software.
3. How do I install games on Nintendo Switch?: To install a game, either insert the game cartridge into the console or download it from the Nintendo eShop.
4. Why won’t it let me download games on Play Store?: Issues with downloading games on the Play Store might be due to Google Play Store updates, cache issues, or Google account problems.

Managing Your Game Library

5. Can I get a digital copy of a game I already own on Switch?: You can purchase a digital copy of a game you already own physically, but it will not be free, and you will need to pay the full price.
6. What happens when you buy a Switch game digitally?: When you buy a game digitally, it will automatically download to your console, provided you have enough storage space and an active internet connection.
7. Do Switch games save to console or cartridge?: Game save data is stored on the console’s System Memory, regardless of whether you’re playing a digital or physical copy.
8. Can I download my Switch games?: Yes, you can download your Switch games, but you need to be connected to the internet, and the downloaded game can only be played on the console it’s downloaded to.

Understanding Digital Ownership

9. Is it better to buy physical games or digital?: The choice between physical and digital games depends on personal preference, but physical games tend to decrease in price faster than digital copies.
10. How does downloading games work on Nintendo Switch?: Games are downloaded directly to your console, and you can start playing them as soon as the download is complete.
11. Does a Nintendo Switch need to be on to download games?: Yes, your Switch needs to be turned on or in sleep mode with an active internet connection to download games.
12. Are Switch games tied to the console or account?: Purchases on the Nintendo Switch eShop are tied to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

13. What happens if you buy a game on the Nintendo Switch eShop but also have the cartridge?: If you have both a physical and digital copy of a game, the Switch will play the game from the cartridge when it’s inserted, and save data is stored separately.
14. What is the downside to digital games on Switch?: One of the main downsides is the limited storage space on the console, which may require you to purchase an additional SD card.
15. Do you keep digital Switch games forever?: Yes, all games you buy digitally are stored via your Nintendo Account ID, and you can redownload them as many times as you want, provided you have enough storage space.