Introduction
If you own a Nintendo Switch, you may have wondered if it’s possible to download games on the console. The answer is yes! However, navigating through the eShop and purchasing games can be confusing for some users. In this guide, we’ll provide a step-by-step tutorial on downloading games onto your Nintendo Switch. We’ll also provide reviews of some of the best games available for download, a comparison to other gaming systems, a review of download speeds and storage capacity, tips for managing downloads, and a discussion of the pros and cons of downloading games versus owning physical copies.
Step-by-Step Guide on Downloading Games on Nintendo Switch
Before we dive into the process of downloading games onto your Nintendo Switch, you should sign up for a Nintendo account if you don’t have one already. This is important because it will allow you to link your account to your console and make purchases on the eShop.
Creating a Nintendo Account
To create an account, visit the Nintendo website and click on “sign in/create account” in the top right-hand corner. Follow the prompts to set up your account. Be sure to verify your email address to complete the process.
Linking the Nintendo Account to the Switch
To link your Nintendo account to your Switch, head to the home screen and select the eShop icon. Once the eShop has loaded, select your profile icon in the top right corner, click on “user information,” and then link your Nintendo account.
Browsing the Nintendo eShop
Once your account is linked, you can browse and purchase games on the eShop. The eShop can be accessed from the home screen by selecting the “Nintendo eShop” icon. From here, you can search for games, view featured titles, and browse by genre. Once you’ve found a game you want to purchase, select it and click “buy digital” to purchase the game.
Purchasing and Downloading a Game
After you’ve purchased a game on the eShop, it will begin to download automatically. You can check the progress of the download by going to the home screen and selecting the “download” icon on the bottom of the screen. Games can take several minutes to several hours to download depending on the size of the file and your internet speed.
Installing and Playing the Game
Once the game has finished downloading, you will need to install the game by selecting it on the home screen. The game will then install onto your console, which can take a few minutes. Once the installation is complete, you can launch the game and start playing.
Top 10 Must-Have Games Available for Download on Nintendo Switch
Now that you know how to download games onto your Nintendo Switch, you may be wondering which games you should download. Here are our top 10 must-have games available for download on the Nintendo Switch:
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Stardew Valley
- Undertale
- Hollow Knight
- Celeste
- Cuphead
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
All of these games are highly rated and provide hours of entertainment for Switch users. From classic Nintendo franchises to indie games, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Comparison to Other Gaming Systems
If you’re considering purchasing a Nintendo Switch solely for downloading games, it’s worth comparing the eShop to other gaming systems. Xbox, PlayStation, and PC all have their own download systems. Xbox and PlayStation require online subscriptions to access their download systems, while PC games can be purchased and downloaded through websites like Steam and Epic Games.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Nintendo Switch’s Download System
The eShop is convenient, easy to use, and has a wide range of games available for purchase. While download speeds can be slow and some titles may not be available for download, the eShop is a great option for Switch users looking for a variety of games in one place.
Review of Download Speeds and Storage Capacity
Download speeds and storage capacity are important factors to consider when deciding whether to download games onto your Switch. The Switch has 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. Download speeds can vary based on your internet speed and the size of the game file.
Comparison to Other Systems
Xbox and PlayStation both offer higher storage capacities than the Switch, with the Xbox One S having up to 1TB of storage. PC storage capacity is dependent on the user’s hardware and can vary significantly. Download speeds can be comparable between systems and may be dependent on the user’s internet connection.
Ways to Increase Switch’s Storage Capacity
To increase your Switch’s storage capacity, you can purchase a microSD card and insert it into the console. The Switch supports microSDXC cards up to 2TB in size. When selecting a microSD card, be sure to choose one from a reputable brand to ensure compatibility.
Tips for Managing Downloaded Games on Nintendo Switch
Managing downloaded games on your Switch can help you save space and keep your games organized. Here are some tips:
Archiving Games vs. Deleting Them
If you’re running low on storage space, you can choose to archive games instead of deleting them. Archiving a game will remove it from your home screen and free up space on your console, but you can still re-download the game at a later time if you want to play it again. Deleting a game will permanently remove it from your console.
Using Folders to Organize Games
You can use folders to organize your games on the home screen. To create a folder, select and hold one game on the home screen, then drag it onto another game. This will create a folder that contains both games. You can then select and move additional games into the folder as desired. Folders can help you keep your games organized and make it easier to find the game you want to play.
Using My Nintendo Rewards to Earn Points for Purchasing Games
My Nintendo is a rewards program that allows users to earn points for purchasing games on the eShop. Points can be redeemed for discounts, digital rewards, and more. To sign up for My Nintendo, visit the Nintendo website and create an account. Once you’ve linked your account to your Switch, you can start earning points for every game you purchase on the eShop.
Comparison of Buying Physical Games vs. Downloading Games on Nintendo Switch
When deciding whether to purchase physical games or download them onto your Switch, there are several factors to consider:
Benefits of Owning a Physical Copy
Owning a physical copy of a game allows you to lend the game to friends, sell the game when you’re finished playing it, and display the game in your collection. Physical copies also don’t require as much storage space on your console.
Advantages of Downloading a Game
Downloading a game allows you to access the game instantly, without having to go to a store to purchase it. This can save time and money on shipping costs. Downloaded games are also linked to your Nintendo account, which means you can access them on any Switch console without needing to carry around physical copies.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve provided a comprehensive tutorial on downloading games onto your Nintendo Switch. We’ve also reviewed some of the best games available for download, compared the eShop to other gaming systems, and provided tips for managing downloaded games. Whether you prefer owning physical copies or downloading games onto your console, it’s important to know how to navigate the eShop and make purchases on your Switch. With this knowledge, you can enjoy hours of entertainment on your Switch.
