Do You Download Games on Nintendo Switch or Buy Them? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of whether to download games digitally or purchase physical copies for your Nintendo Switch is a common one, and there’s no single right answer. It largely boils down to personal preference, with each option offering distinct advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your playing style, collecting habits, and budget.
At its core, the decision rests between the convenience of digital downloads and the tangibility and potential resale value of physical game cartridges. Let’s delve into the details to help you make an informed decision.
Physical vs. Digital: Weighing the Pros and Cons
The Appeal of Physical Games
The allure of physical game cartridges is rooted in several factors:
- Tangible Ownership: For many, having a physical collection is a point of pride. The ability to browse shelves filled with game boxes evokes nostalgia and allows for easy reminiscing about gaming experiences.
- Resale Value: Unlike digital games, physical copies have a resale value. This can be a significant advantage, especially if you tend to finish games and want to recoup some of your investment. Some collectible games can even increase in value over time, becoming sought-after items.
- Lending and Trading: Physical games can be loaned or traded with friends and family, fostering a sense of sharing and community.
- Potential for Price Drops: Physical games tend to experience price drops more quickly than their digital counterparts, particularly months after their initial release, making them a cost-effective option for patient gamers.
- The Joy of Collecting: For some, the physical act of inserting a game card into their Switch is part of the gaming experience itself. Collecting boxes and artwork adds another layer of engagement.
The Convenience of Digital Downloads
Digital downloads, on the other hand, provide a different kind of appeal:
- Convenience and Speed: The primary advantage of digital purchases is their convenience and speed. You can buy a game from the Nintendo eShop and start playing it almost immediately, without the need to visit a store or wait for shipping.
- No Physical Clutter: Digital games eliminate the clutter of game boxes and cartridges, which can be a boon for those with limited storage space or who simply prefer a minimalist aesthetic.
- Game Accessibility: Having games downloaded to your console allows you to switch between them quickly and seamlessly, without having to physically swap game cards. This is a major advantage for gamers with large libraries.
- No Cartridge Management: With digital games, there’s no risk of losing or damaging a physical game card. Your games are safely stored on your console’s internal memory or a microSD card.
- Potential for Early Access: While not always the case, pre-ordering digitally sometimes allows access to a game a little earlier than with a physical copy.
Understanding the Nuances
Pricing and Availability
The pricing of digital and physical games is typically similar at launch for Nintendo titles. However, there are exceptions. For example, the digital version of Switch Sports is often sold at a lower price than the physical release. Also, physical games can often be found at discount prices more quickly than their digital equivalents. Pre-order discounts can also vary from case to case, regardless of whether it is physical or digital. The Nintendo eShop does have frequent sales, but discounts on first-party Nintendo games are not as common as those for third-party games.
Ownership and Licensing
It is crucial to remember that when you purchase a digital game, you are not acquiring ownership of the copy itself. You are buying a license to use the game. This means your access to the game is tied to your Nintendo Account and subject to the platform’s terms of service. This contrasts with physical games, where you own the game cartridge and can resell it if you so choose.
Storage Considerations
When opting for digital downloads, it’s essential to consider your console’s storage capacity. The Nintendo Switch has a limited internal memory, so you may need to purchase a microSD card to store multiple games. This is an additional cost to consider when evaluating your options. Physical game cartridges, of course, do not use up any console memory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions related to buying or downloading Nintendo Switch games:
1. Do Nintendo Switch games come with a download?
Yes, some Nintendo Switch bundles include a game to be downloaded. This can be either a download code that you redeem on the eShop, or a game that is already registered to your Nintendo Account when you access the eShop.
2. Is it cheaper to download games on Switch?
Generally, Nintendo games cost the same whether you buy them physically or digitally at launch. However, there can be exceptions, and physical games tend to go on sale quicker, especially if purchased months after release.
3. Do I actually own my digital games?
No, when you buy a digital game, you are purchasing a license to use it. You do not own the copy itself. This license is linked to your Nintendo Account.
4. How do I put games on my Nintendo Switch?
For physical games, hold the game card so the label faces the same direction as your console’s screen and gently slide it into the game card slot until it clicks into place. For digital games, the game automatically downloads after purchase if your Switch is powered on or in sleep mode.
5. What happens when you download a game on Nintendo Switch?
The game is saved to your console’s internal memory or microSD card. You can then play it at any time without needing to swap out physical game cards.
6. How do Nintendo Switch download games work?
For released games, the download starts immediately after purchase. For pre-ordered games, a non-playable version is downloaded and unlocked when the game is released.
7. What are some free games on Nintendo Switch?
Popular free-to-start games include Apex Legends, Rocket League, Pokémon Café Mix, Pac-Man 99, and Asphalt 9: Legends.
8. Why are Nintendo games more expensive to download?
Nintendo’s first-party games often remain at full price for longer due to their popularity. There are sales on the eShop every week, but these typically don’t include their first-party games.
9. What is the disadvantage of the Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch has no traditional backwards compatibility. It only plays Nintendo Switch game cartridges. You cannot use game discs from other Nintendo consoles.
10. Is the Nintendo Switch still worth it in 2023?
Yes! The Nintendo Switch is still a popular and versatile gaming console, with an extensive library of games. It is highly recommended for its portable design and innovative features.
11. Is there a subscription for Nintendo Switch?
Yes, a Nintendo Switch Online membership provides access to online services, including online multiplayer and access to retro titles. You can choose between an individual or a family membership.
12. Does a Nintendo Account cost money?
No, a Nintendo Account is free to create. Only users age 16 or older can create their own. Younger users’ accounts are managed by parents/guardians.
13. Which is cheaper, digital or physical games?
At launch, prices are comparable, but physical games often go down in price sooner after release.
14. Should you pre-purchase games?
Pre-ordering sometimes offers a small discount or pre-order gifts, but most of the time, you’ll pay the full price. Waiting a bit can lead to better deals.
15. Why do people buy in-game purchases?
Players often purchase in-game features for emotional, social, and performance values such as fun, value for reward, and social ties.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the best way to enjoy Nintendo Switch games depends entirely on your personal preferences. If you value convenience, easy access, and a clutter-free gaming setup, digital downloads are likely the best choice. If you prefer a tangible collection, potential for resale value, and the ability to share games with others, then physical game cartridges will be more your style. There is no right or wrong answer, as both options have their respective benefits. Consider what matters most to you and choose accordingly. Happy gaming!