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How Much Space Does FIFA 23 Take Up on Your Nintendo Switch? A Deep Dive

So, you’re ready to lace up your virtual boots and hit the pitch with FIFA 23 on your Nintendo Switch. But before you get lost in the beautiful game, there’s a crucial question: how much space will this digital download devour?

The answer, plain and simple, is that FIFA 23 requires a download of at least 14GB via an Internet connection. Keep in mind that this is the minimum requirement, and you may need a bit more wiggle room for updates, saved data, and other game-related files.

But don’t just take our word for it; let’s unpack this a little further. This isn’t the full-fledged FIFA experience you might find on other consoles or PC. The Nintendo Switch version is the Legacy Edition, which means it shares a lot of DNA with its predecessor, FIFA 22. This explains the relatively smaller file size.

Delving Deeper: Why is FIFA 23 on Switch Smaller?

The FIFA 23 Legacy Edition on the Nintendo Switch isn’t built on the cutting-edge Frostbite engine that powers the game on other platforms. Instead, it uses a similar engine to FIFA 22’s Legacy Edition, resulting in a smaller file size and less demanding hardware requirements. Essentially, you’re getting an updated roster, kits, and presentation, but the core gameplay and features remain largely unchanged.

This is an important point to consider:

Hardware Limitations: The Nintendo Switch, while a fantastic hybrid console, simply doesn’t have the processing power or storage capacity of a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, or PC. The Legacy Edition is tailored to the Switch’s capabilities, and compromises are made to ensure the game runs smoothly.
Development Resources: Developing a fully-fledged FIFA title for the Switch from the ground up would require significant investment. EA, the game’s publisher, has opted for the Legacy Edition approach, focusing on roster and visual updates rather than a complete overhaul.
Target Audience: Many Switch owners are casual gamers who prioritize portability and accessibility. The Legacy Edition caters to this audience by offering a familiar FIFA experience on the go, even if it lacks the bells and whistles of other versions.

While the 14GB download size is manageable, it’s crucial to remember that it might not include all the features you expect from a modern FIFA game. This is especially true if you’re used to playing on other platforms.

MicroSD Card: Your Switch’s Best Friend

Given the Nintendo Switch’s limited internal storage, you might find yourself needing a MicroSD card to accommodate FIFA 23 and other games. The Switch comes with 32GB of internal storage, but a significant portion of that is used by the system itself. If you plan to download multiple games or large files, a MicroSD card is an absolute necessity.

Here are some tips for choosing the right MicroSD card for your Switch:

Capacity: Aim for at least 128GB, but 256GB or 512GB is even better if you plan to build a substantial digital library.
Speed: Look for a UHS-I card with a speed rating of U3 or higher. This will ensure fast read and write speeds, which are important for loading games and transferring files.
Brand: Stick with reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Lexar.
Official Nintendo Licensed Cards: Nintendo also has official licensed MicroSD cards.

Using a MicroSD card not only allows you to store more games but can also improve loading times and overall performance.

Is FIFA 23 on Switch Worth It? A Question of Expectations

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: is FIFA 23 on the Nintendo Switch worth your money? The answer depends on your expectations.

If you’re looking for the latest gameplay innovations, stunning graphics, and all the features of the current-gen FIFA experience, you’ll be disappointed. The Legacy Edition is a stripped-down version that lacks many of the enhancements found on other platforms.

However, if you prioritize portability, accessibility, and a familiar FIFA experience on the go, the Switch version might be a decent choice. Just keep in mind that you’re essentially paying for a roster update and some visual tweaks, rather than a completely new game.

Reviewers frequently mention that if you’ve purchased previous FIFA versions on Switch, there’s little compelling reason to buy this one.

The Future of FIFA on Switch

With EA parting ways with the FIFA name and launching EA Sports FC, the future of soccer games on the Nintendo Switch is uncertain. While EA Sports FC 24 launched on the Switch, it continues to be a Legacy Edition, so it’s important to temper expectations about significant improvements.

The long-term question is whether EA will ever develop a fully-fledged soccer game for the Switch that truly takes advantage of the console’s capabilities. For now, the Legacy Edition remains the only option, and players will need to weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase.

Important Considerations:

Understand that the Switch version of FIFA 23 is a Legacy Edition.
Factor in the need for a MicroSD card if you have a large digital library.
Consider whether portability and accessibility outweigh the lack of new features.

By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether FIFA 23 on the Nintendo Switch is the right game for you.

To understand more about the broader implications of gaming and its impact on learning, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

FAQs about FIFA 23 on Nintendo Switch

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about FIFA 23 on the Nintendo Switch, giving you a more comprehensive overview of the game:

Is FIFA 23 on Switch the same as on other consoles? No. FIFA 23 on Nintendo Switch is the Legacy Edition. This means it has updated rosters, kits, and visuals, but the core gameplay and features are largely the same as FIFA 22 on Switch. It does not use the current gen Frostbite Engine.
Does FIFA 23 on Switch have Volta mode? No, the Switch version of FIFA 23 does not include the Volta mode that is available on other platforms.
Can I play FIFA 23 on Switch with friends? Yes, you can play FIFA 23 on Switch with friends. It supports local 2-player and online 2-8 players. Each player needs a Joy-Con controller.
Do I need a Nintendo Online subscription to play FIFA 23 online? Yes, you need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play FIFA 23 online. This is a requirement for most online multiplayer games on the Switch.
Is FIFA 24 on Switch the same as FIFA 23 Legacy Edition? While named differently, FIFA 24 (EA Sports FC 24) on Switch is also a Legacy Edition. The bad news is that it is still dreadfully out of date. The long overdue switch to the Frostbite engine is a considerable step up from the previous Legacy engine, as the visuals look a bit more detailed and the gameplay feels better than FIFA 23 Legacy Edition, but the leap isn’t massive.
What age rating is FIFA on Nintendo Switch? FIFA games on Nintendo Switch are typically rated for ages 3 and over. Always check the specific game’s rating before purchasing.
Does FIFA 23 on Switch have Ultimate Team? Yes, FIFA 23 Legacy Edition on Nintendo Switch includes Ultimate Team, but it may not have all the latest features and content available on other platforms.
Can I use a Pro Controller with FIFA 23 on Switch? Yes, you can use a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to play FIFA 23. This can provide a more comfortable and precise gaming experience.
Does FIFA 23 on Switch support crossplay? No, FIFA 23 Legacy Edition on Nintendo Switch does not support crossplay with other platforms.
Is FIFA 23 on Nintendo Switch Lite compatible? Yes, FIFA 23 Legacy Edition is compatible with the Nintendo Switch Lite.
What are the graphical differences between FIFA 23 on Switch and other consoles? The graphics on the Nintendo Switch version are significantly less detailed compared to the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC versions. The Switch version uses older graphical technology.
Will there be a new FIFA game on Switch in the future? With EA no longer using the FIFA name, the future is uncertain. EA Sports FC is the new game, but whether it will be a true next-gen experience on the Switch remains to be seen.
Is it worth buying FIFA 23 on Switch if I have it on another console? Probably not. Unless you specifically want a portable version and are aware of the limitations, you’re better off playing FIFA 23 on a more powerful console or PC.
What is the main difference between the Switch version and the PS4/Xbox One versions? The main difference is the lack of new gameplay features and graphical enhancements. The Switch version is a Legacy Edition, while the PS4 and Xbox One versions have more advanced gameplay and graphics.
Does FIFA 23 on Switch require a constant internet connection? A constant internet connection is not required for all aspects of the game, but it is necessary for downloading the game, accessing online modes, and receiving updates.

Hopefully, these FAQs have addressed any lingering questions you might have about FIFA 23 on the Nintendo Switch. Remember to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a purchase.

How much gb is FIFA 23 on switch?