What do you need to play games on a Nintendo Switch?
To play games on a Nintendo Switch, you need the console itself, which comes with a Nintendo Switch dock, Joy-Con controllers, and other essential accessories, as well as a game, which can be either a physical game card or a digital download from the Nintendo eShop. The Nintendo Switch Online membership is also required for online multiplayer and other online features, but it offers additional benefits such as cloud saves and access to a library of classic NES and Super NES games.
Getting Started with Nintendo Switch
Hardware Requirements
The Nintendo Switch comes with everything you need to start playing games, including the console, dock, Joy-Con controllers, and other accessories. However, you may also want to consider purchasing additional accessories such as a microSD card to expand the console’s internal storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I play games on Nintendo Switch?
To play games on Nintendo Switch, access the Nintendo Switch Online game library, select the software you wish to play, and choose your play mode, whether it’s single-player, multiplayer on the same system, or online multiplayer.
2. Do I need a game card for my Nintendo Switch?
If you purchase a digital version of a game, you may need to purchase a microSD card depending on the game’s storage requirements and the storage available on your Nintendo Switch console.
3. Does the Nintendo Switch come with games?
The Nintendo Switch does not come with any pack-in games, so you will need to purchase or download games separately.
4. How do I install games on my Switch?
To insert a game, hold the cover back and insert the game cartridge with the label side facing the screen and the contacts facing the back of the console, and push it in until you feel a click.
5. Can you just download games on Nintendo Switch?
Yes, you can purchase and download digital games from the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch console.
6. How do Nintendo Switch download games work?
Once you purchase a game, it will begin downloading to your system, and once the download is complete, you can start playing from your system’s HOME menu.
7. Do you have to pay to play games on Nintendo Switch?
You need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to use online features and play online multiplayer games.
8. Does Nintendo Switch have free-to-play games?
Yes, the Nintendo Switch offers free-to-start games that you can download and play for free.
9. Does Nintendo Switch require Internet?
Some software requires an internet connection to play, such as Cloud Versions of games or to verify your Nintendo Switch Online membership.
10. Is it better to buy physical games or digital?
While both options have their advantages, physical games can provide a more permanent gaming experience, whereas digital games may not always offer the same permanence.
11. Do you need an account to play Switch games?
Yes, you need a user account to play on Nintendo Switch, and if you want to use online features, you need to link a Nintendo Account to your user account.
12. Why do I need a memory card for Switch?
The Nintendo Switch comes with 32 GB of internal storage, which may not be enough to store all your games and apps, so you may need to purchase a microSD card to expand the storage.
13. How much is Nintendo online for a year?
A Nintendo Switch Online individual membership costs $19.99 for a year, which provides access to online play, cloud saves, and a library of classic NES and Super NES games.
14. How do you use a Nintendo Switch for beginners?
To get started, connect your Nintendo Switch, complete the initial set-up, create a user account, and link a Nintendo Account to it, and then you can start playing games.
15. What are the benefits of a Nintendo Switch membership?
A Nintendo Switch Online membership offers benefits such as online play, cloud saves, access to a library of classic NES and Super NES games, and exclusive offers for members.