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How to Buy Games on the Nintendo Switch: A Comprehensive Guide

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Buying games for your Nintendo Switch is a straightforward process, offering both digital and physical options. You can purchase digital games directly through the Nintendo eShop or physical games from various retailers. Here’s a breakdown of how to do both, ensuring you’re ready to dive into your next adventure.

Purchasing Digital Games Through the Nintendo eShop

The Nintendo eShop is your digital gateway to a vast library of games, including exclusive titles, indie darlings, and classic re-releases. Here’s how to purchase games digitally:

Steps to Buy a Digital Game:

Launch the Nintendo eShop: From the HOME Menu of your Nintendo Switch, select the Nintendo eShop icon and tap Open. This will open the eShop interface.
Select Your Account: If you have multiple user accounts on your console, choose the account you want to use for the purchase.
Locate Your Game: You can browse the eShop using various methods:
- Featured Titles: Check out the highlighted games on the main page.
- Search Function: Use the search bar at the top to find specific game titles.
- Categories: Explore categories like New Releases, Top Sellers, and genres like Action, Adventure, and RPG.
Visit the Game Details Page: Once you’ve found the game you want, select it to view its details, including price, screenshots, and description.
Proceed to Purchase: Select the “Proceed to Purchase” button.
Payment Method: Choose your payment method. You can use:
- Credit Card: Visa or Mastercard. (Ensure your card corresponds to your region)
- PayPal: Available for users in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
- Nintendo eShop Funds Card: If you have a prepaid card, select this option.
Confirm and Purchase: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the payment. If using a card, you’ll need to enter your details. For eShop cards, you’ll need to redeem the code.
Download the Game: After your purchase is confirmed, the game will begin downloading to your console. You can find it on your HOME Menu when it’s ready to play.

Adding Funds to Your Nintendo Account

You may need to add funds to your Nintendo Account before making a purchase. Here’s how:

Access Shop Menu: From the Nintendo eShop, click on the profile picture of your account in the upper right corner to enter your account information.
Add Funds: Within your profile page you will find Add Funds. Click on this.
Password Re-entry: Re-enter your password and click OK to proceed.
Select Funding Method: Choose how you want to add funds. You can select from Credit Card, Paypal or Nintendo eShop card. Follow the prompts to enter your payment details.
Confirm and Add: Once complete confirm and add the funds to your account.

Using a Nintendo eShop Card

Redeem Code: In the Nintendo eShop, select “Redeem Code” on the left side of the screen. You can also reach this by selecting “Add Funds” in your Account Information, then “Nintendo eShop Card.”
Enter Code: Enter the 16-character prepaid code, then confirm.
Add Funds: Select “Confirm,” then “Add Funds.” The funds will automatically be added to your eShop balance.

Purchasing Physical Games

Physical copies of Nintendo Switch games can be purchased at various retailers, including:

Major Retail Chains: Stores like Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Gamestop often have a wide selection of Switch games.
Online Retailers: Amazon, eBay, and others provide convenient online shopping options.
Game Stores: Specialist game stores often have a good range of games and pre-owned options.

Steps to Buy Physical Games

Visit Retailer: Choose your preferred retailer.
Browse Selection: Look for the game you want in the store or online.
Purchase: Go through the standard purchase process.
Insert Cartridge: Once you return home simply insert the game cartridge into your Switch to play.

Important Note about Game Storage

Physical game cartridges take up less storage than digital downloads on your console. However, they still require some space for save files and sometimes install data. If you plan to download a lot of games digitally, consider using a microSD card to expand your storage. Remember that data on multiple microSD cards cannot be merged later on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about buying games on the Nintendo Switch:

1. Do I need a Nintendo Account to buy games?

Yes, a Nintendo Account is necessary for purchasing digital games through the eShop or the My Nintendo Store. However, you can purchase physical games without a Nintendo Account. You must have accessed the Nintendo eShop on a console at least once to buy through My Nintendo Store.

2. Can I buy games on my child’s Nintendo Switch?

Yes, you can buy games for a child’s Nintendo Switch account. You can add funds to your child’s Nintendo Account using a credit card or prepaid Nintendo eShop Funds card. The funds can then be used by your child to purchase games in the eShop.

3. Does the Nintendo Switch come with games?

No, the Nintendo Switch does not come with pre-installed games. However, there are some free games available for download on the Nintendo eShop.

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

A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required to use the online multiplayer features of first-party Nintendo games and most third-party games. However, many games can still be enjoyed in single-player mode without a subscription.

5. Do physical games take up storage space on my Nintendo Switch?

Yes, physical games do take up some storage space, though much less than their digital versions. The space is primarily used for save files and any required install data.

6. What payment methods does Nintendo accept?

Nintendo accepts Visa or MasterCard (credit, debit, or gift card), PayPal (U.S., Canada, and Mexico only), and Nintendo eShop Cards. Credit cards must correspond to the country of the My Nintendo Store you’re buying from.

7. Can I use gift cards to buy Nintendo Switch games?

Yes, you can use prepaid Nintendo eShop cards to add funds to your account and purchase games or in-game content.

8. How do I add a gift card to my Nintendo Switch?

In the Nintendo eShop, select “Redeem Code” and enter the 16-character code from your prepaid card. The funds will automatically be added to your eShop balance.

9. How do I view previously downloaded games?

From the HOME Menu, open the Nintendo eShop, tap Menu, and select Settings/Other. Then, scroll to the “History” section, select “Redownloadable Software,” and finally, select “Your Downloads.”

10. Can I play Nintendo Switch games without an Internet connection?

Yes, many Nintendo Switch games can be played offline. The games are specifically designed for both online and offline modes.

11. Is it possible to buy digital games on the Nintendo website?

Yes, you can buy digital games through the My Nintendo Store. To do so, you must have accessed the Nintendo eShop on a console using the Nintendo account you plan on using.

12. Can I combine data from multiple microSD cards?

No, data saved on multiple microSD cards cannot be combined onto a single card later on.

13. Is a Nintendo Account free to create?

Yes, a Nintendo Account can be created for free. Only users age 16 and over can create their own account. Accounts for children under 16 can be created under a parent/guardian’s account.

14. Why doesn’t the Switch come with games pre-installed?

Nintendo made the decision to allow gamers to get exactly what they want for the best price possible, rather than burdening a console with pre-installed games that a user may not play or wish to own.

15. How does auto-renewal work on Nintendo online?

Your Nintendo Switch Online membership will automatically renew using your Nintendo eShop balance, or your credit card/PayPal, if you have set it up. If using a card/PayPal, any additional funds required will be charged to your account.

By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to purchase and enjoy the wide array of games available on the Nintendo Switch. Happy gaming!