How Do I Activate Games on My Switch?
Activating games on your Nintendo Switch is a straightforward process, but it can vary slightly depending on whether you have a physical game card or a digital download. Here’s a breakdown of how to get your game up and running:
Activating Physical Games
Activating a physical game is the simplest method. Here’s how:
- Locate the game card slot: This is usually located on the top of your Nintendo Switch console, under a small flap.
- Insert the game card: Carefully insert the game card into the slot, with the label facing forward. You’ll feel a slight click when it’s properly inserted.
- Access the game from the HOME Menu: Once inserted, the game’s icon will appear on the HOME Menu. Select the icon.
- Start the game: Choose “Start”, and if prompted, select the user profile you want to use to play.
That’s it! You’re now ready to play your physical game. Remember, the game card must remain inserted in the console while you play.
Activating Digital Download Games
Digital games are activated through the Nintendo eShop. There are a few different scenarios here, including redeeming download codes and accessing games you’ve purchased.
Redeeming a Download Code
If you purchased a digital game code, here’s what to do:
- Launch the Nintendo eShop: From the HOME Menu, select the Nintendo eShop icon (the shopping bag icon).
- Select your account: Choose the Nintendo Account you want to redeem the content to.
- Select “Enter Code”: On the left side of the screen, you’ll find the “Enter Code” option. Select it.
- Enter the 16-character code: Carefully enter the 16-character download code you received and then select “OK”.
- Confirm the download: The eShop will confirm the content you are about to download. Select “OK” to confirm, and the download will begin automatically.
- Access your game: Once the download is complete, the game’s icon will appear on the HOME Menu. Select the icon to launch the game.
Accessing Purchased Digital Games
If you’ve previously purchased a digital game, here’s how to access it:
- Launch the Nintendo eShop: Open the Nintendo eShop from the HOME Menu.
- Select your account: Ensure you are using the correct Nintendo Account that originally purchased the game.
- Go to “Redownload”: Click on your user icon at the top right corner of the screen and select “Redownload”.
- Find your game: A list of previously purchased titles will appear. Select the game you want to access.
- Redownload (if necessary): If the game hasn’t been downloaded, select the orange icon to redownload it to your console.
- Start your game: Once installed, you can access the game through the HOME Menu.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, you might encounter issues while trying to activate your games. Here are some things to check:
- Software Updates: Make sure both your Nintendo Switch console and the games themselves are up to date with the latest software versions.
- Primary Console: Digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them. Ensure you are using the primary console for that account, or make the system you are using the new primary console to play digital games offline.
- Storage Space: Ensure that there is sufficient storage space on your Nintendo Switch console for downloading or redownloading digital games. You might need to delete some data if your storage is full.
- Account Issues: Double-check that you’re using the correct Nintendo Account that was used to purchase or download the game.
- Corrupted Data: Try checking your games for corrupted data. This can often be the cause if you are unable to play a game that was previously working.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to activate both physical and digital games on your Nintendo Switch quickly and easily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions related to activating games on the Nintendo Switch:
1. Why won’t my Switch let me play my games?
There are several reasons for this. Ensure your Nintendo Switch is updated, you’re using the primary console for the account that purchased the game and if not, then deregister the console and register it again. Also, your console may require a memory card as built-in storage is minimal.
2. How do I access games on my new Switch?
First, link a Nintendo Account to your new Switch. Then, access the Nintendo eShop and either purchase new games or redownload games previously purchased using your linked account.
3. How do I start playing games on my Nintendo Switch?
Insert a game card into the slot or download a digital game from the Nintendo eShop. From the HOME Menu, select the icon of the game and select “Start”.
4. How do you play games on Nintendo Switch without a card?
You can only play a game without a game card if you have purchased it as a digital download from the Nintendo eShop.
5. What games on Nintendo Switch are free?
There are many free-to-start games on the Nintendo Switch such as Apex Legends, Rocket League, Pokémon Café Mix, Pac-Man 99, and Asphalt 9: Legends.
6. Why aren’t my games showing up on my new Switch?
Ensure you’re using the correct Nintendo Account. Games are tied to the account that purchased them. Try each account on the system until you locate the one that was used to make the purchase.
7. Are my Switch games on my account?
Digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them, not necessarily to the console. All users on the primary console can access the games tied to the primary account.
8. What happens if I redownload a game on Switch?
If a game was archived, it can easily be redownloaded. If the game was deleted, it needs to be redownloaded with the same Nintendo Account that purchased it.
9. Why can’t I play my digital games on Switch offline?
This usually happens if the console you’re using is not the primary console for the Nintendo Account that purchased the game. Make the system you’re using the primary console or use the primary console to play without internet.
10. Why can’t I redownload games on my Switch?
You can only redownload games with the Nintendo Account that originally purchased the game. Also, If a game shows as “Purchased” but won’t download, see the section on “Software Displays “Purchased” in the Nintendo Switch eShop”.
11. Why can’t I download games on my Switch?
Insufficient storage space is a common reason. Make sure you have enough space available before trying to download a game.
12. How do I install purchased games on my Switch?
Go to the Nintendo eShop, select your user icon, highlight “Redownload,” and find your game from the list. Select the orange icon to download it to your console.
13. Can my girlfriend play my games on her Switch?
She can play games tied to your Nintendo Account if she uses the primary console you set up for your account.
14. Are Switch games tied to user or account?
Purchases from the Nintendo eShop are tied to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase. One primary console can be registered per account.
15. Does Switch come with games?
The standard Nintendo Switch bundle does not come with any pack-in games. It includes the console, controllers, dock, cables, and AC adapter.
By understanding these processes and frequently asked questions, you should be able to confidently activate and play your games on your Nintendo Switch. Enjoy gaming!