Redownloading Your Nintendo Switch DLC: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re ready to jump back into your favorite Nintendo Switch game, but your Downloadable Content (DLC) seems to have vanished into thin air? Don’t panic! This is a common occurrence, and redownloading your DLC on the Nintendo Switch is a straightforward process. Here’s how to get those extra levels, characters, and items back where they belong:

The Quick & Easy Guide to Redownloading DLC:

1. Access the Nintendo eShop: Turn on your Nintendo Switch and navigate to the Nintendo eShop icon on the HOME Menu.
2. Select Your Account: Choose the Nintendo Account that was originally used to purchase the DLC. This is crucial, as DLC is tied to the purchasing account.
3. Navigate to Your Account Information: In the top-right corner of the eShop screen, you’ll see your user icon. Select it to access your account information.
4. Find the “Redownload” Section: Scroll down through the menu options until you find the “Redownload” option. Select it.
5. Locate and Redownload Your DLC: A list of previously purchased games and DLC associated with your account will appear. Find the game containing the DLC you wish to redownload. Select the cloud icon next to the game to redownload all associated content, including the DLC.

That’s it! The DLC will begin downloading, and you’ll be back in action in no time. But what if you encounter some snags along the way? That’s where these Frequently Asked Questions come in handy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nintendo Switch DLC

These FAQs should help you tackle most issues you might encounter while trying to redownload your DLC on the Nintendo Switch.

1. Does DLC transfer to a new Switch?

Yes, DLC transfers to a new Nintendo Switch, but the process depends on whether your new Switch is your primary console. Downloaded content isn’t limited to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase. Anyone that uses the purchaser’s primary console has access to the digital games or DLC that have been purchased by that Nintendo Account, per Nintendo’s terms and conditions. If it’s not your primary console, ensure your Nintendo Account is linked to the new Switch and that you’ve redownloaded the DLC.

2. Why can’t I download DLC on Switch?

Several factors might be preventing you from downloading DLC. Here are some common culprits:

• Incorrect Nintendo Account: You might be using a different Nintendo Account than the one used to purchase the DLC.
• Primary Console Issues: The console might not be registered as the primary console for the Nintendo Account.
• Software Updates: Ensure both your game and your Nintendo Switch console have the latest system updates.
• Corrupted Data: There might be corrupted data on your system.
• Internet Connection: Verify that your internet connection is stable and strong.

Restarting the Nintendo Switch console and then trying to access the content again is always a good first step.

3. Where does DLC save on Switch?

DLC saves to the console’s System Memory, along with the game save data. This holds true whether you’re playing a physical game or a digital download. Game save data cannot be saved or copied to a microSD card.

4. Why didn’t my DLC transfer to my new Switch?

This usually means one of two things:

• DLC Not Purchased on the System: The DLC has not been purchased on the system, or that this is not the primary console for the Nintendo Account that originally purchased the content.
• Console Not Primary: The console is not registered as the primary console for the Nintendo Account that made the purchase. To change this, deactivate the previous primary console via the eShop on that console, or through the Nintendo website.

5. How do I redownload DLC for Pokemon Shield (or other specific games)?

The process is the same for most games:

1. Open the Nintendo eShop with the User Account that originally purchased the DLC.
2. Select the picture of your icon in the upper-right corner to access your Nintendo eShop account settings.
3. Highlight “Redownload“.
4. Redownload the DLC that is missing from the game.

6. Why is my DLC not working on Nintendo Switch?

Troubleshooting steps include:

• Restarting the Nintendo Switch: A simple restart can often resolve minor glitches.
• Redownloading the DLC: As outlined above, this ensures the DLC is properly installed.
• Verifying Account Ownership: Make sure you’re using the correct Nintendo Account.
• Checking Game Compatibility: Ensure the DLC is compatible with your version of the game (e.g., same region).

7. How do I uninstall DLC on Switch?

While you can’t directly uninstall DLC without uninstalling the entire game, here’s how to remove the game with the DLC:

1. Make sure your Nintendo Switch has the most recent system update.
2. Highlight the game for which you want to remove DLC from the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu and press the + Button.
3. Select Manage Software and then Delete Software. This will not delete any Save Data.

8. Does DLC transfer between consoles?

DLC is linked to your Nintendo Account, not the console. As long as you use the same Nintendo Account, you can redownload the DLC on any Nintendo Switch, provided it’s linked to your account and you’ve set the console as your primary console.

9. Does DLC save to your Nintendo Account?

Yes, all digital content purchased off the eShop is connected to the Nintendo Account that was logged on to purchase it. You can have your Nintendo Account across multiple switches and access your Digital Content.

10. Why can’t I redownload a game on my Switch?

You can only redownload games using the Nintendo Account that purchased the game. If a specific game or DLC item shows “Purchased” in the Nintendo eShop but you are unable to redownload it, double-check which account was used for the purchase.

11. Will I lose everything if I delete software on Nintendo Switch?

Deleting or archiving software will not impact your save data. Save data is stored separately. Once deleted, software can be redownloaded using the same Nintendo Account with which it was purchased.

12. Why is my DLC not installing?

If you’ve downloaded the DLC but it’s not installing, try these steps:

• Restart Your Nintendo Switch: This can often resolve installation issues.
• Check Storage Space: Ensure you have enough free space on your System Memory or microSD card.
• Check Download Status: Make sure the download is complete and hasn’t been interrupted.
• Check for Game Updates: Sometimes a game update is required before the DLC can be installed.

13. How do I know if DLC is downloaded on Switch?

Here’s how to verify if your DLC is installed:

1. From the Main Menu of your Nintendo Switch, locate the tile for your game and press [+] on your controller.
2. Select [Software Information] > [Nintendo eShop].
3. Scroll down to [Downloadable Content] and select [View All Items].
4. Here you will see all owned DLC listed.

14. How do I redownload a game on Switch without DLC?

Select your user icon in the top-right corner to access your Account Information. Select Redownload and locate the game from your list of previously downloaded titles. While holding down the L Button, select the orange redownload (cloud) icon. This might force only the base game to download.

15. Why isn’t my Pokemon Scarlet/Violet DLC working?

Here are some troubleshooting steps for Pokemon DLC issues:

• Ensure the console has been updated to the latest system menu version.
• Make sure you have progressed far enough in the game to access the DLC.
• Verify you have purchased the correct version of the DLC and that it is compatible with your game version.

Final Thoughts

Redownloading DLC on your Nintendo Switch is generally a straightforward process. By following these steps and troubleshooting common issues using the FAQs above, you should be able to get your extra content back up and running quickly. Happy gaming!

Did you know that games and learning are intricately linked? Check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to explore how games are being used for educational purposes.