Buying Nintendo Switch Games Online: A Simple Guide

So, you've got a Nintendo Switch and you're ready to dive into some awesome games? That’s fantastic! One of the easiest ways to expand your gaming library is by buying games online. It's super convenient, saves you a trip to the store, and often comes with some sweet deals. Let's walk through everything you need to know about buying Nintendo Switch games online, making sure you get the best experience possible.

Why Buy Digital Games on Your Nintendo Switch?

First off, let's talk about why buying digital games is such a popular choice. Convenience is king! Imagine you’re chilling at home, and suddenly you get a craving for a new adventure. Instead of heading out to a store, you can simply fire up your Switch, browse the Nintendo eShop, and download a game within minutes. No physical copies to keep track of, no cartridges to swap – just pure, instant gaming gratification.

Another great reason is portability. Your entire game library is stored on your Switch or a microSD card. This means you can carry dozens, even hundreds, of games with you wherever you go. Perfect for long trips, commutes, or just when you want to switch between games without fumbling around with cartridges.

And let's not forget about deals and discounts. The Nintendo eShop regularly offers sales on digital games, sometimes with discounts that are hard to beat. You can snag some amazing titles for a fraction of their original price if you keep an eye out. Plus, Nintendo often has special promotions and bundles that are exclusive to the eShop, giving you even more reasons to go digital.

Finally, there’s the environmental aspect. By buying digital, you're reducing the need for physical manufacturing and shipping, which helps lower your carbon footprint. So, you can enjoy your games and feel good about being a little bit eco-friendly. Who wouldn’t want that, right?

Setting Up Your Nintendo Account

Before you can start buying games, you’ll need a Nintendo Account. Think of it as your key to the Nintendo online world. If you already have one, great! If not, it's a breeze to set up. Here’s how:

1. Head to the Nintendo Account website: Grab your phone or computer and go to the official Nintendo Account website. You can easily find it by searching "Nintendo Account" on Google.
2. Sign Up: Click on the "Sign Up" button. You'll see a few options – you can sign up using your email address, or link your account to your Google, Facebook, or Twitter account for extra convenience. Choose whichever method you prefer.
3. Enter Your Details: Fill in the required information, such as your date of birth, country, and email address. Make sure to use a valid email address because Nintendo will send a verification email to it.
4. Verify Your Email: Check your email inbox for the verification email from Nintendo. Click on the link in the email to verify your account. This step is crucial to activate your account.
5. Set Up Security: Once your account is verified, it's a good idea to set up two-step verification. This adds an extra layer of security to your account, protecting it from unauthorized access. You can do this in the account settings.

With your Nintendo Account set up, you're now ready to link it to your Nintendo Switch. Turn on your Switch and go to System Settings > User > Link Nintendo Account. Follow the on-screen instructions, and you'll be all set to access the eShop and start buying games.

Navigating the Nintendo eShop

The Nintendo eShop is your digital storefront for all things Nintendo. It's where you'll find games, demos, and other cool content for your Switch. Navigating the eShop is pretty straightforward, but let's go over some tips to make your experience even smoother.

When you open the eShop, you'll see a variety of sections, including:

• Featured: This section highlights new releases, popular games, and special promotions. It's a great place to start if you're not sure what you're looking for.
• Recent Releases: Here you'll find all the latest games that have been added to the eShop. Perfect for staying up-to-date with the newest titles.
• Great Deals: This is where you can find games that are currently on sale. Always worth checking out to snag a bargain!
• Search: If you know exactly what you're looking for, use the search function to quickly find specific games or developers.
• Wish List: Add games to your Wish List to keep track of titles you're interested in. You'll also get notified when games on your Wish List go on sale.

To browse games, you can scroll through the various sections or use the search function. When you find a game that looks interesting, click on it to see more details. You'll find information like the game's description, screenshots, trailers, user reviews, and price. Take your time to read through the details and watch the trailers to get a good sense of whether the game is right for you.

One cool trick is to check the user reviews. While not always perfect, they can give you valuable insights into the game's quality and whether other players enjoyed it. Just remember to take them with a grain of salt, as everyone's taste is different.

Payment Methods: How to Pay for Your Games

Okay, so you’ve found a game you want to buy. Now, how do you actually pay for it? The Nintendo eShop supports several payment methods, making it easy to complete your purchase. Here are the main options:

• Credit and Debit Cards: The most common method. You can use Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Simply enter your card details when prompted, and the purchase will be processed securely.
• PayPal: If you prefer using PayPal, you can link your PayPal account to your Nintendo Account. This is a convenient option if you already have funds in your PayPal account or if you prefer not to enter your credit card details directly.
• Nintendo eShop Gift Cards: These are a great option if you want to give someone a gift or if you prefer to manage your spending more carefully. You can buy eShop gift cards at various retailers, both online and in physical stores. Simply redeem the code on the back of the card in the eShop to add the funds to your account.

To add a payment method to your Nintendo Account, go to the eShop on your Switch, click on your profile icon in the top right corner, and select "Account Information." From there, you can add or update your payment methods. It's a good idea to keep your payment information up-to-date to avoid any issues when making a purchase. Also, consider enabling purchase notifications. These will send an email to your registered email address whenever a purchase is made on your account, helping you keep track of your spending and detect any unauthorized activity.

Downloading and Installing Your Games

Alright, you've bought your game – fantastic! Now comes the fun part: downloading and installing it. The process is pretty straightforward, but here’s what you need to know.

Once you've completed your purchase, the game will automatically start downloading to your Nintendo Switch. You'll see a download icon on the home screen, indicating the progress of the download. The download speed will depend on your internet connection, so make sure you have a stable and fast connection for the quickest download times. Nobody wants to wait forever to start playing! You can also pause and resume downloads if needed.

If you don't have enough space on your Switch's internal storage, you can download the game to a microSD card. To do this, make sure you have a microSD card inserted into your Switch. You can then go to System Settings > Data Management > Manage Save Data/Screenshots and Videos > Move Data Between System / microSD Card to move existing games or set the microSD card as the default download location.

Once the download is complete, the game icon will appear on your home screen. Simply select the icon to launch the game and start playing! Easy peasy, right? If you ever need to redownload a game, you can do so from the eShop. Just go to your profile icon in the top right corner, select "Redownload," and you'll see a list of all the games you've purchased. Click on the download icon next to the game you want to redownload, and it will start downloading again.

Managing Storage Space

Let's face it, games are getting bigger, and the Nintendo Switch's internal storage can fill up pretty quickly. Managing your storage space is crucial to ensure you can keep downloading new games without constantly running into errors. Here’s how to keep things tidy:

• Check Your Storage: Regularly check your Switch's storage to see how much space you have left. Go to System Settings > Data Management to see a breakdown of your storage usage.
• Use a MicroSD Card: Investing in a microSD card is a must if you plan on buying a lot of digital games. You can get microSD cards with varying storage capacities, from 64GB to 512GB or even more. Choose one that suits your needs and budget.
• Archive Games: If you have games that you don't play often but don't want to delete, you can archive them. Archiving removes the game data from your Switch but keeps the game icon on your home screen. When you want to play the game again, simply click on the icon to redownload it.
• Delete Unwanted Games: If you're really tight on space, you might need to delete some games that you no longer play. To do this, go to System Settings > Data Management, select the game you want to delete, and choose "Delete Software."

By following these tips, you can keep your storage space under control and avoid the frustration of running out of room for new games. A well-managed storage means more gaming, less fuss!

Tips for Finding Deals and Discounts

Who doesn’t love a good deal? Saving money on your favorite games is always a win. Here are some tips to help you find deals and discounts on the Nintendo eShop:

• Check the "Great Deals" Section: As mentioned earlier, the eShop has a dedicated section for games that are currently on sale. Make it a habit to check this section regularly to see what’s on offer.
• Follow Nintendo on Social Media: Nintendo often announces sales and promotions on their social media channels. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to stay in the loop.
• Sign Up for Nintendo's Newsletter: By signing up for Nintendo's newsletter, you'll receive emails about new releases, promotions, and special offers. It's a great way to stay informed about upcoming deals.
• Use Websites and Apps: There are several websites and apps that track game prices and notify you when games go on sale. Some popular options include Deku Deals and PriceCharting. These tools can help you find the best prices and avoid missing out on great deals.
• Check for Bundles and Special Editions: Sometimes, Nintendo offers bundles that include multiple games or a game bundled with DLC at a discounted price. Keep an eye out for these bundles, as they can offer significant savings.

By using these tips, you can become a savvy shopper and snag some amazing deals on Nintendo Switch games. Happy gaming and happy saving!

Conclusion

Buying Nintendo Switch games online is a convenient and rewarding experience. With a Nintendo Account, a stable internet connection, and a few helpful tips, you can easily build your digital game library and enjoy countless hours of gaming fun. From setting up your account to navigating the eShop and managing your storage, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to make the most of your online gaming experience. So go ahead, explore the eShop, find your next favorite game, and dive into a world of adventure right from the comfort of your home. Happy gaming, friends!