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The Ultimate Guide to Downloading the Best Nintendo Switch Games

  • August 2, 2024
  • 7 min read
The Ultimate Guide to Downloading the Best Nintendo Switch Games

The Nintendo Switch has revolutionized gaming with its hybrid design, allowing for both portable play and traditional home console experiences. For gamers looking to explore its vast array of options, understanding how to download games onto the Nintendo Switch is essential. Whether you’re a long-time gaming enthusiast or a newcomer, this guide will help you navigate the process of building your game library with the top Nintendo Switch games available. From action-packed adventures to whimsical puzzles, let’s dive into how you can access these games with ease.

Top Nintendo Switch Games:

Popular Titles

The Nintendo Switch boasts a diverse range of games that cater to all types of players. Among the popular titles that have captivated audiences worldwide are “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “Animal Crossing: New Horizons”. “Breath of the Wild” offers an expansive open world and a groundbreaking approach to exploration and gameplay in the iconic Zelda series.

On the other hand, “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” provides a relaxing escape to a customizable island where players can craft, gather, and interact with charming animal residents. Other popular games include “Super Mario Odyssey”, a platforming adventure with innovative mechanics and vibrant worlds, and “Splatoon 2”, which delivers fast-paced ink-shooting action in a colorful competitive setting.

Must-Play Games

In addition to the popular hits, certain games on the Nintendo Switch are considered must-plays for any gaming enthusiast. “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” is a top choice for family and friends, offering fun, competitive racing with a beloved cast of Nintendo characters. For RPG fans, “Fire Emblem: Three Houses” presents strategic combat and deep storytelling that will engross players for hours.

Adventure seekers should not miss “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate”, which features characters from various gaming franchises in epic multiplayer battles. Lastly, for those who enjoy puzzles and narrative-driven games, “The Witness” and “Undertale” provide unique challenges and compelling stories that are sure to impress.

How to Download Games on Nintendo Switch?

Accessing the eShop

Downloading games on the Nintendo Switch is primarily done through the Nintendo eShop, the console’s digital marketplace. To access the eShop, you’ll first need to ensure your Switch is connected to the internet. Once online, navigate to the home screen and select the eShop icon — it looks like a shopping bag. This will direct you to the eShop, where you can browse or search for thousands of games, from the latest releases to indie gems. Before purchasing games, you need to have a Nintendo account linked to your Switch console. If you haven’t set this up, the eShop will guide you through the necessary steps to create and link your account.

Searching for Games

Finding games on the eShop is straightforward. Once in the eShop, you can use the search bar at the top of the screen to enter the name of a specific game you are looking for. Alternatively, you can browse games by categories such as ‘Recent Releases’, ‘Current Offers’, ‘Best Sellers’, and ‘Coming Soon’. Each category is designed to help users find games that suit their tastes and preferences. Regular visits to the eShop are recommended, as Nintendo often updates the game categories with new and exciting titles, ensuring that users never miss out on potentially great games.

Purchasing and Downloading Games

Once you find a game you wish to purchase, select it to view details like price, required storage space, and game information. On the game’s page, you can proceed by selecting ‘Purchase’ or ‘Download’. If the game isn’t free, you’ll be prompted to enter your payment information or redeem a Nintendo eShop card code. After confirming your payment details, the download will commence automatically. The game’s icon will appear on your Switch home screen with a progress bar indicating the download status. Once the download is complete, the game is ready to play. Just select the icon from the home screen, and dive straight into your new adventure!

Downloading games on your Nintendo Switch is not only easy but also offers a convenient way to access a broad array of titles catered towards all playstyles and ages. As the game library continues to expand, the eShop remains an essential tool for all Nintendo Switch owners looking to enhance their gaming experience. Remember to check the eShop regularly for sales and promotions, which provide great opportunities to explore new games at discounted prices.

Managing Your Game Library:

Managing Your Nintedo Switch Game Library

Managing your game library on the Nintendo Switch is a straightforward process that enhances your gaming experience by keeping your content organized and up-to-date. Whether you are dealing with a plethora of games or just a few favorites, knowing how to effectively manage your library is essential.

Organizing Games

Organizing your games on the Nintendo Switch can greatly improve your ability to access your favorite titles quickly and efficiently. The Switch’s user interface allows you to manually rearrange the order of the game icons on the home screen. You can do this by selecting a game icon, pressing the ‘A’ button, and then moving it to your preferred location using the directional buttons. Additionally, you can create folders to categorize your games by genre, play frequency, or any other system that suits your preference. This can be particularly useful as your library grows, helping you to keep track of all your games and ensuring that you can always find what you’re looking for without hassle.

Deleting Games

There may come a time when you need to delete games from your Nintendo Switch to free up storage space or simply declutter your library. To delete a game, navigate to the home screen and highlight the game you want to remove. Press the ‘+’ or ‘-‘ button on your controller to open the options menu. From there, select ‘Manage Software’ followed by ‘Delete Software’. It’s important to note that deleting a game does not remove it permanently from your Nintendo account. You can always re-download any game you’ve purchased digitally from the Nintendo eShop at no additional cost. This feature is particularly useful for managing storage without losing access to your games permanently.

Updating Games

Keeping your games updated is crucial for having the best gaming experience on your Nintendo Switch. Updates can provide important fixes, new features, or additional content. To update a game, ensure your Switch is connected to the internet. From the home screen, highlight the game you want to update and press the ‘+’ or ‘-‘ button to access the options menu. Select ‘Software Update’, followed by ‘Via the Internet’.

The system will then check for available updates and automatically download them. Alternatively, the Switch can be set to automatically update your games when it is connected to the internet. To enable automatic updates, go to ‘System Settings’, scroll down to ‘System’, and turn ‘Auto-Update Software’ on. This ensures that all your games are always up to date without your constant supervision.

By effectively managing your library—organizing, deleting, and updating your games—you not only ensure a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience but also take full advantage of what the Nintendo Switch has to offer. Whether you are gaming on the go or at home, these steps help maintain your console’s performance and your overall satisfaction with your game collection.

Conclusion

To fully enjoy the rich, diverse game library on your Nintendo Switch, learning how to download games directly to your console is essential. Not only does it provide access to a vast array of titles, from indie gems to blockbuster hits, but it also allows you the convenience of playing your favorite games anytime and anywhere. Embrace the digital age of gaming; start downloading today and transform your Nintendo Switch into an ultimate entertainment hub. Whether you’re looking for adventure, puzzles, action, or a mix of genres, the Nintendo Switch has something for everyone. Happy gaming!

About Author

Amanda Shelton

Amanda Shelton is an experienced tech journalist who has been exploring the tech landscape for over a decade. Her work, featured in Wired, TechCrunch, and The Verge, covers the latest in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and consumer electronics. With a background in computer science and a knack for making complex topics accessible, Amanda is a trusted voice in the tech community.