How to Play Purchased Games on Your Nintendo Switch: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve snagged some awesome games on your Nintendo Switch, and you’re itching to dive in. Great! Playing your purchased games on the Nintendo Switch is usually a breeze, but let’s walk through the steps to make sure you’re all set for endless hours of gaming bliss.

The core process involves confirming the game is downloaded and accessible on your console. If it’s a digital purchase, it should automatically download after the transaction. If it’s a physical game, inserting the game card gets you started. Then, just select the game icon from your Switch’s HOME Menu and get ready to play! But there’s often a bit more nuance to it, so let’s explore all the angles.

Playing Digital Games: A Step-by-Step Guide

Confirming Your Purchase

First, double-check that the game purchase went through successfully. Head to the Nintendo eShop and sign in with the Nintendo Account you used to make the purchase. Look for a “Purchase History” section to verify the transaction. If the game’s listed there, you’re golden!

Downloading Your Game

Most digital games will automatically download after purchase, especially if your Switch is powered on and connected to the internet (or in sleep mode). You can check the download progress on the HOME Menu. A progress bar will appear on the game’s icon.

If the download hasn’t started automatically, navigate to the Nintendo eShop, select your user icon, and look for a “Redownload” section. All games linked to your account but not currently on your system will be listed here. Select the game you want to download and hit that button!

Launching the Game

Once the download is complete, the game icon will be fully visible on your HOME Menu. Simply select the icon and press “A” to launch the game. Get ready to level up!

Playing Physical Games: Inserting and Playing

Locating the Game Card Slot

The game card slot is located on the top right of your Nintendo Switch console, hidden under a protective cover. Gently lift the cover to reveal the slot.

Inserting the Game Card

Hold the game card with the label facing the same direction as the Switch screen. Carefully slide the card into the slot until you hear a click. This indicates that the card is properly inserted.

Launching the Game

Just like with digital games, the icon for the physical game will appear on your HOME Menu after insertion. Select the icon and press “A” to start playing.

Troubleshooting: What if Your Game Won’t Play?

Sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Not enough storage space: Digital games require storage space. If your Switch is full, you’ll need to delete some games or data to make room. You can manage your storage in the System Settings. Consider investing in a microSD card for extra storage.
• Game not appearing on HOME Menu: Make sure you’re using the correct Nintendo Account. Digital games are tied to the account used to purchase them. If using a physical game, ensure the card is properly inserted. Try removing and re-inserting it.
• Corrupted data: Occasionally, game data can become corrupted. Go to System Settings > Data Management > Software and select the game in question. You’ll see an option to “Check for Corrupt Data.” If corruption is found, follow the on-screen instructions to redownload the game (for digital versions).
• System update required: Ensure your Nintendo Switch is running the latest system software. System updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can resolve game-related issues. Go to System Settings > System > System Update to check for and install any available updates.
• Game update required: Individual games may also require updates. Highlight the game icon on the HOME Menu, press the “+” button on your Joy-Con, and select “Software Update” to check for updates.
• Conflicting accounts on multiple consoles: If you have multiple Switch consoles, ensure the console you’re using is designated as the “primary console” for your Nintendo Account. Only the primary console can play digital games offline.

Purchasing Nintendo Switch Games: A Quick Recap

• Nintendo eShop: The digital storefront for buying and downloading games directly to your Switch.
• Physical Retailers: Buy game cartridges from stores like Best Buy, Amazon, or GameStop.
• Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers: These vouchers can be redeemed for eligible digital games.
• Adding Funds: You can add funds to your Nintendo Account using credit cards, prepaid cards, or PayPal.

Understanding these basics ensures a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience on your Nintendo Switch! The world of game design can be fascinating and can even be used to enhance learning. The Games Learning Society is dedicated to advancing knowledge in this area; visit GamesLearningSociety.org to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to playing purchased games on the Nintendo Switch:

1. How do I access my previously purchased digital games on a new Switch?

Link your Nintendo Account to the new Nintendo Switch. Then, visit the Nintendo eShop, select your user icon, and go to the “Redownload” section. You’ll find a list of all games associated with your account. Select the games you want to download and install.

2. Can I share my digital games with family members on different Switch consoles?

Yes, but with some limitations. The console set as your primary console can play your digital games offline with any user account. On non-primary consoles, you can play your digital games, but you must be connected to the internet, and only your account can play them. Other users on the non-primary console can’t access those games with their own accounts.

3. What happens if I lose my physical game cartridge?

Unfortunately, if you lose your physical game cartridge, you’ll need to purchase a new copy of the game. Unlike digital purchases tied to your account, physical copies are not recoverable through Nintendo.

4. Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play all my purchased games?

No. A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required for online multiplayer in many games, as well as access to a library of classic NES and SNES games. However, it’s not required to play single-player games or local multiplayer games.

5. How can I tell if a game is a digital download or a physical cartridge?

Digital download games are purchased from the Nintendo eShop and downloaded directly to your console’s storage. Physical games come on cartridges that you insert into the Switch. The packaging will clearly indicate which format the game is.

6. Can I transfer save data from a physical game to a digital version of the same game?

In most cases, yes. Save data is stored on the Nintendo Switch console itself, not on the game cartridge. So, if you purchase a digital version of a game you already own physically, your save data should transfer automatically.

7. How much storage space do I need for digital games on my Nintendo Switch?

The required storage space varies from game to game. Check the Nintendo eShop listing for each game to see its file size. Consider a microSD card if you plan to download many games.

8. What is a Nintendo Switch Game Voucher, and how does it work?

Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers are a special offer for Nintendo Switch Online members. You can purchase a set of two vouchers and redeem them for eligible digital games. This can save you money if you plan to buy two of the eligible games.

9. Why is my purchased game not showing up on my HOME Menu?

Ensure the game has finished downloading. Check your Nintendo eShop purchase history to verify the transaction. Also, make sure you’re using the correct Nintendo Account associated with the purchase. If it’s a physical game, ensure the cartridge is properly inserted.

10. Can I play my digital games offline?

Yes, but only if your Nintendo Switch is set as the “primary console” for your Nintendo Account. On a non-primary console, you need an active internet connection to play digital games.

11. What do I do if my Nintendo Switch freezes or crashes while playing a game?

First, try restarting the game. If that doesn’t work, try restarting your Nintendo Switch by holding down the power button for a few seconds. If the problem persists, check for system updates or game updates. You might also need to check for corrupted data or contact Nintendo support.

12. How do I update my Nintendo Switch system software?

Go to System Settings > System > System Update. Your Switch will automatically check for and download any available updates. Make sure your Switch is connected to the internet.

13. Is there a way to back up my Nintendo Switch game save data?

Yes, if you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can use the Save Data Cloud backup service to automatically back up your save data to the cloud. Some games do not support this feature.

14. Can I use a different region’s eShop on my Nintendo Switch?

Yes, you can change the region associated with your Nintendo Account. However, doing so may affect your access to certain games and content. Be aware that games purchased in one region may not work in another.

15. What happens to my digital games if I sell my Nintendo Switch?

Before selling your Nintendo Switch, make sure to deregister your Nintendo Account from the console. This will remove your account and associated digital games from the device. The new owner will not have access to your games unless they also log in with your account, which is not recommended. Remember to transfer any important data before deregistering!