Buying Nintendo Switch Games Online: A Simple Guide
So, you've got yourself a Nintendo Switch, huh? Awesome! Now, let's talk about filling that bad boy up with some amazing games. Sure, you can grab physical cartridges, but buying games online from the Nintendo eShop is where it's at for convenience. It’s super easy, saves you trips to the store, and you can start playing your new game almost instantly. Let's dive into everything you need to know about buying Nintendo Switch games online.
Why Buy Digital Games on Your Nintendo Switch?
Before we get into the how, let’s quickly cover the why. There are plenty of reasons to buy your Nintendo Switch games digitally, and it’s not just about being trendy! Convenience is king in the digital realm. Think about it: no more swapping cartridges. Your entire game library is right there on your Switch, ready to go at a moment's notice. Perfect for those spontaneous gaming sessions. And who wants to carry around a bunch of tiny game cards when you're on the move? Digital games are always with you, safe and sound within your console.
Another great reason is the pre-load feature. With many games, you can pre-purchase and download them days before release. Then, the second it hits midnight on launch day, you're ready to play. No waiting in line, no frantic store runs – just pure, unadulterated gaming goodness. Plus, Nintendo often runs digital sales and promotions, offering discounts on a wide range of games. Keep an eye on the eShop for some sweet deals. You can often find games for a fraction of their original price, making it a budget-friendly option.
Finally, let's not forget about those indie gems! The Nintendo eShop is a treasure trove of indie games you often won't find in physical stores. These games are unique, creative, and often offer incredibly engaging experiences. Buying digitally opens you up to a whole new world of gaming possibilities. So, are you convinced yet? Digital is the way to go for convenience, pre-loading, sales, and access to a wider variety of games. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to actually buy those games.
Setting Up Your Nintendo Account
Okay, first things first: you’ll need a Nintendo Account. If you already have one, sweet! You can skip ahead. But if you're new to the Nintendo ecosystem, creating an account is a piece of cake. Your Nintendo Account is your key to accessing all of Nintendo’s online services, including the eShop. It's free to create and manage, and it's essential for buying digital games. To get started, head over to the Nintendo Account website on your computer or smartphone. The website is user-friendly and guides you through each step.
You'll need to provide some basic information like your email address, date of birth, and country. Make sure to use a valid email address because Nintendo will send you a verification email. Creating a strong password is also crucial. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to keep your account secure. Once you've filled out the necessary information, Nintendo will send a verification email to the address you provided. Click on the link in the email to verify your account.
After verifying your account, you can customize your profile with a nickname and avatar. This will be your identity within the Nintendo online world. You can also link your Nintendo Account to other services like Facebook or Twitter, but this is optional. Once your account is set up, you need to link it to your Nintendo Switch. Turn on your Nintendo Switch and go to System Settings. Then, select Users and choose your profile. From there, select Link Nintendo Account and follow the on-screen instructions. This will connect your Nintendo Account to your Switch, allowing you to access the eShop and purchase digital games. Setting up your Nintendo Account might seem like a hassle, but it's a one-time thing. Once it's done, you're all set to dive into the world of digital gaming on your Nintendo Switch.
Navigating the Nintendo eShop
Alright, with your Nintendo Account all set up and linked, it’s time to explore the Nintendo eShop. Think of it as the digital storefront for all things Nintendo. It's where you can browse, buy, and download games directly to your Nintendo Switch. To access the eShop, simply go to the HOME Menu on your Switch and select the eShop icon (it looks like a shopping bag with the Nintendo logo). Once you're in, you'll see a variety of sections to explore. The eShop interface is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to find what you're looking for.
The Featured section showcases the latest releases, popular games, and special promotions. It’s a great place to start if you’re not sure what you want to buy. You can also browse by genre, such as action, adventure, puzzle, or RPG. This is super handy if you know what kind of game you’re in the mood for. There's also a Search function that allows you to find specific games by title. Just type in the name of the game you’re looking for, and the eShop will display the results. The Coming Soon section is where you can check out upcoming releases and even pre-order games. Pre-ordering ensures you get the game as soon as it’s released, and sometimes you even get bonus content.
Don't forget to check out the Deals section! This is where you'll find discounted games and special offers. Nintendo frequently updates this section with new deals, so it's worth checking regularly. You can also add games to your Wish List. If a game on your Wish List goes on sale, you’ll receive a notification, so you never miss a bargain. When browsing games, you can view detailed information, including screenshots, trailers, and user reviews. This helps you make an informed decision before purchasing a game. Navigating the Nintendo eShop is easy and fun. Take your time to explore and discover new games. With a little bit of browsing, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.
Adding Funds to Your Nintendo Account
So, you've found a game you want to buy – awesome! Now, you need to add funds to your Nintendo Account. There are several ways to do this, so pick the one that works best for you. The most common method is using a credit or debit card. You can add funds directly through the eShop on your Nintendo Switch. Go to your account settings, select Add Funds, and enter your credit or debit card information. Make sure to double-check the details to avoid any errors. Nintendo accepts most major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Another popular option is using a Nintendo eShop Card. These cards are available at most major retailers and come in various denominations. Simply purchase a card, scratch off the back to reveal the code, and enter the code in the eShop to redeem the funds. This is a great option if you don’t want to use your credit card or if you’re giving a gift. You can also use PayPal to add funds to your Nintendo Account. This is a convenient option if you already have a PayPal account and prefer to use it for online purchases. Go to your account settings in the eShop, select Add Funds, and choose PayPal as your payment method. You'll be redirected to the PayPal website to log in and confirm the transaction.
For those who are part of the Nintendo Switch Online service, you can sometimes earn Gold Points for your digital purchases. These Gold Points can then be used to discount future purchases. It’s like getting a little bit of cashback on your games! To check your Gold Point balance and redeem them, go to your account settings in the eShop. Choose the amount of funds you want to add to your account. Nintendo offers several options, so you can choose the one that best fits the game you want to buy. Once you've added funds to your account, they're ready to use for purchasing games. Adding funds to your Nintendo Account is quick and easy. With multiple options available, you can choose the method that suits you best.
Purchasing and Downloading Games
Okay, you’ve got funds in your account – now for the fun part: buying and downloading games! Once you’ve found the game you want to buy in the Nintendo eShop, select the game and scroll down to the purchase options. You’ll see the price of the game listed, along with any available discounts. If you’re happy with the price, select Purchase. You'll be prompted to confirm your purchase. Double-check the details to make sure you’re buying the correct game. Once you confirm, the game will be charged to your Nintendo Account balance.
After the purchase is complete, the game will automatically start downloading to your Nintendo Switch. You can check the download progress on the HOME Menu. The download time will depend on the size of the game and your internet connection speed. Larger games will obviously take longer to download. While the game is downloading, you can still use your Nintendo Switch for other activities, such as playing other games or browsing the internet. Once the download is complete, the game icon will appear on the HOME Menu. Simply select the icon to launch the game and start playing. If you run into any issues during the download process, such as a slow download speed or an error message, try restarting your Nintendo Switch and your internet router. This often resolves minor technical glitches.
For some games, you may need to download additional content, such as updates or DLC (downloadable content). These updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, or new features. DLC adds extra content to the game, such as new levels, characters, or items. Make sure to download any available updates or DLC to get the most out of your game. Purchasing and downloading games on your Nintendo Switch is a straightforward process. With a few simple steps, you can have a new game ready to play in no time. So, go ahead and treat yourself to something new!
Managing Your Digital Game Library
Now that you're a pro at buying digital games, let's talk about managing your digital game library. As you accumulate more and more games, it's important to keep things organized. The Nintendo Switch makes it easy to manage your digital game library. All your downloaded games are stored on the system memory or on a microSD card if you've expanded your storage. To view your game library, simply go to the HOME Menu on your Nintendo Switch. All your installed games will be displayed as icons. You can rearrange the icons to customize the order in which they appear.
To free up space on your Nintendo Switch, you can archive games that you're not currently playing. Archiving a game removes it from the HOME Menu but keeps the save data intact. You can re-download the game at any time from the Nintendo eShop. To archive a game, select the game icon on the HOME Menu, press the + or - button on your Joy-Con, and select Manage Software. Then, choose Archive. If you're running out of storage space, consider purchasing a microSD card to expand your Nintendo Switch's storage capacity. This will allow you to download more games without having to worry about running out of room. When you insert a microSD card into your Nintendo Switch, you'll be prompted to move your downloaded games to the card. This process is simple and straightforward.
You can also redownload games that you've previously purchased from the Nintendo eShop. To do this, go to the eShop, select your profile icon in the top-right corner, and choose Redownload. This will display a list of all the games you've purchased but haven't currently downloaded. Simply select the game you want to redownload, and it will start downloading to your Nintendo Switch. Managing your digital game library is essential for keeping your Nintendo Switch organized and ensuring you have enough storage space for all your games. With a few simple steps, you can keep your game library tidy and accessible.
Enjoy Your New Games!
And there you have it! You're now fully equipped to buy Nintendo Switch games online like a pro. From setting up your account to navigating the eShop and managing your game library, you’ve got all the knowledge you need. So go ahead, explore the vast world of digital games on your Nintendo Switch and discover your next favorite title. Happy gaming, folks! Enjoy every adventure, every challenge, and every moment of fun that your new games bring. The world of Nintendo awaits!