Can You Buy a Nintendo Game and Download it Later? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, absolutely! You can buy Nintendo Switch games and download them later from the Nintendo eShop. This is a core function of the Nintendo eShop, offering flexibility and convenience for gamers. Whether you’re buying a game now to play later or redownloading a previously purchased title, the Nintendo Switch ecosystem makes it easy to manage your digital game library. Let’s dive into the details of how this works and answer some frequently asked questions.
Downloading and Playing Your Favorite Nintendo Games
The Nintendo eShop: Your Digital Game Hub
The Nintendo eShop is the official digital storefront for the Nintendo Switch. It’s where you can purchase and download a vast library of games directly to your console. One of the great advantages of buying digitally is that you don’t have to worry about physical cartridges. Everything is tied to your Nintendo Account, making your purchases accessible on any Switch console linked to your account.
Purchasing and Downloading Games
The process is straightforward:
- Open the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch.
- Browse or search for the game you want to buy.
- Select the game and choose the “Proceed to Purchase” option.
- Complete the payment process using your preferred method (credit card, eShop funds, etc.).
- Once the purchase is complete, the game will automatically begin downloading to your console.
Downloading Later: Flexibility at Your Fingertips
What if you don’t want to download the game immediately? No problem! The beauty of the system is that the purchase is linked to your Nintendo Account. You can always go to your Account Information in the eShop and find a list of your purchased games. From there, you can select any game and choose to download it at your convenience.
Pre-Loading Games: Get Ready to Play on Release Day
Nintendo also offers the option to pre-load certain games. This means you can purchase the game up to 7 days before its release date. Your payment will be processed, and the game will download to your console. However, you won’t be able to play it until the official release date. This ensures that you’re ready to jump into the game the moment it’s available.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Nintendo Switch Digital Games
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify how buying and downloading games works on the Nintendo Switch:
1. Can I download Switch games before the release date?
Yes, you can. Nintendo allows pre-loading of games up to 7 days before their release. This means you can download the game files ahead of time and start playing the moment the game is officially released.
2. What happens when I download a game on Nintendo Switch?
The downloaded game is stored on your Nintendo Switch system’s internal memory or on a microSD card if you have one installed. This means you can access your games without needing to swap game cartridges, and you can play them anytime you want.
3. Can I download my purchased Switch games on another Switch?
Yes, you can. Purchases are linked to your Nintendo Account, so you can redownload and play them on any Nintendo Switch console linked to your account. However, only one console can be designated as your primary console at a time.
4. Do I have to buy Switch games twice if I get a new console?
No. As long as you link your Nintendo Account to your new console, you can redownload any games you’ve previously purchased digitally without having to pay again.
5. How many times can I download a Nintendo Switch game?
There’s no limit. Once you’ve purchased a digital game, it’s tied to your Nintendo Account, and you can download it as many times as you need. This is especially helpful if you delete games to free up storage space.
6. Where is game save data stored on the Nintendo Switch?
Game save data is always stored on the console’s system memory. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing a physical or digital game. Save data cannot be saved or copied to a microSD card.
7. Is it better to buy physical or digital Switch games?
It depends on your preferences. Physical games can often be found at lower prices after a while, and some people prefer owning physical media. Digital games offer convenience and instant access.
8. Do physical Switch games take up storage space?
Yes, they do. Even though you’re using a cartridge, the game still requires some storage space for installing updates and storing save data.
9. Do Nintendo Switch games continue downloading when the console is in sleep mode?
Yes. As long as your console is connected to the Internet and has sufficient storage space, downloads will continue in sleep mode.
10. What happens if I have both a physical and digital copy of a Switch game?
The Switch will prioritize playing the game from the inserted game cartridge. However, the digital copy can usually use the save data from the physical copy, so you can seamlessly switch between versions.
11. Can I download games on Switch without an SD card?
Yes. The Nintendo Switch has 32GB of internal storage, which is enough for several smaller games or one or two larger titles. However, for a more extensive game library, an SD card is highly recommended.
12. Is it better to store games on the Switch’s system memory or an SD card?
System memory is generally faster, so it’s ideal for games you play frequently. An SD card is perfect for storing less frequently played games or larger titles.
13. If I buy a game on the Nintendo Switch eShop but also have the cartridge, which one does the console use?
The console will always play the game from the cartridge if it’s inserted. The console does not differentiate where the game came from, so the save data is stored separately in the console’s internal memory.
14. Is it cheaper to buy Switch games digitally?
Typically, Nintendo games cost the same whether they are physical or digital copies. However, there are some exceptions, such as the digital version of Switch Sports being cheaper than the physical version. Also, pre-order discounts are on a case-by-case basis.
15. Why are Switch games so expensive?
Nintendo games are often platform exclusives. This means if you want to play them, you have to either pay the price or wait for a sale. Also, digital copies are typically priced by developers, and stores such as GameStop buy in bulk, which may affect the price.
Embrace the Digital Convenience
Buying and downloading Nintendo Switch games from the eShop offers unmatched convenience. With the ability to purchase now and download later, pre-load upcoming releases, and access your games on multiple consoles, the digital landscape of the Nintendo Switch provides a flexible and user-friendly experience.
For more information on gaming and learning, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Their work delves into the intersection of games and education, offering valuable insights into the positive impact of gaming.