So, you are interested in the Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch Lite and you want to know if Nintendo’s hybrid handheld-home console system comes packed with a game. I’m here to answer your query, right here, right now.
Most Nintendo Switch game consoles do not come packed with a game. Games are not standard inclusions with the Nintendo Switch.
There is, however, one caveat to this: Nintendo Switch Bundles.
►What is a Nintendo Switch Bundle?
A Nintendo Switch bundle includes the Nintendo witch system itself (along with all of the included wires and controllers needed to play) along with a game.
Games provided in a bundle are usually digital versions which means you will have to download the game if you want to play it.
If you want to know more about Nintendo Switch bundles, check out this handy guide I cooked up. I detail the various different Nintendo Switch bundles that have been available in the past, what comes included in each bundle, and tips-and-tricks to getting the best Nintendo Switch bundle deals.
But what if you did not buy a bundle? How are you supposed to get games for your Nintendo Switch console?
Well, it means you will have to procure games separately from your Nintendo Switch purchase.
And there are 2 primary ways to do so:
- Purchase physical games
- Purchase and download digital games.
Let me explain each of these for you.
Purchase Physical Games
Physical games are videogames that can be purchased at a store, that come inside a box, and have a physical game card.
What you will need to access physical Nintendo Switch games:
- An online retailer that stocks physical games
- Or, a nearby store that stocks physical games (such as Target, Walmart, GameStop, etc.)
- Money to purchase the game you want
Be aware that Nintendo Switch is only compatible with officially licensed games cards made specifically for the Nintendo Switch system.
This just means that you wouldn’t want to try and stuff old Nintendo DS or Nintendo 3DS game cards into your Nintendo Switch. It won’t work and may damage the game card or console itself.
Physical Nintendo Switch games, however, will easily slide into the game card slot on the Nintendo Switch system.
Once locked into place, the game’s icon will appear on the Nintendo Switch home screen and the game should be ready to play.
Keep in mind that some games may need to be updated by connecting to an internet while other games require a large amount of data to be downloaded before the game can be played. But most Nintendo Switch physical games are plug and play.
If you like to have physical versions of your games, buying Nintendo Switch physical copies will be right for you. It also doesn’t hurt that Nintendo Switch game boxes are nice and slim and do not take up too much space.
Purchase Digital Games
The second primary way of procuring Nintendo Switch games is by buying digital games from the Nintendo Switch eShop.
What you will need to access digital Nintendo Switch games:
- A Nintendo Switch system to access the eShop app
- A Nintendo Switch account (you can make one for free here)
- An internet connection (preferably stable and consistent internet connection)
- Funds added to your digital wallet
- Storage space available on your Nintendo Switch internal memory or external memory card
These games are digital versions that are downloaded from the internet and stored onto your Nintendo Switch internal memory or external memory card.
Unlike physical games, all digital games require storage space, so make sure you have enough space available before you download a game.
You can check how much storage a game takes by visiting its Nintendo Switch eShop page through the Nintendo Switch eShop app and then by scrolling down the game’s product page until you find the game’s “Required Space”.
Also, digital games cannot be played immediately like most physical games can unless you have super fast internet connection.
Small games might download in minutes but large games can take much longer. Your mileage may vary, depending on the game’s size and your internet connection, but be prepared to wait for the game to download and install before you start playing.
The upside of downloading games to your Nintendo Switch? You can have many games downloaded on your system at once, and the number of games is only limited by your storage space.
Buying digital Nintendo Switch games is the best way to carry around multiple games at one time.
►Do you need more Nintendo Switch storage?
Need more storage? You can always upgrade to a larger external memory card like I did.
Downloading Nintendo Switch games requires serious storage space. If you plan on going digital, you are going to need a hefty external memory card.
I originally started with a 128GB microSD card. This little thing lasted me for a solid year or so and I can’t say enough good things about it.
Check it out if you want a modest size increase. If you are looking for a huge increase in size, however, check out this 400GB microSD card.
I bought this to replace my 128GB microSD card and have not looked back since.
The 400GB microSD card is more than enough room and I have over 150 games downloaded to my Nintendo Switch at once with nearly 200GB free (you mileage may vary but you will be able to store a lot of games).
Visit this link if you are interested in the 128GB microSD capacity. Or, visit this link if you need the beefiest of storage space and decide to go with a 400GB microSD.
I can vouch for both and I have not had a problem with either.
►Conclusion
There you have it.
Most Nintendo Switch consoles do not come with a game unless it is a special bundle.
Also, the primary ways to procure Nintendo Switch games is by either purchasing digital or physical copies.
Keep this in mind if you are about to pick up a Nintendo Switch system for yourself or as a gift.
Happy gaming!
By Wally
(Screenshots taken by me. Images sourced from product pages on the Nintendo website. Logos, characters, and images are owned by their respective owners)
Image: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Nintendo Switch Bundle (Nintendo)
