How to Download Games On Nintendo Switch (Plus Troubleshooting) (Updated for 2026)

Wondering how to download games on Nintendo Switch? Downloading games allows you to access more of your library at once and play certain games offline. It’s easy to get started, but you might run into a couple of technical speed bumps. This guide covers the download process, plus some easy troubleshooting tips. 

How to Download Games On Nintendo Switch

Learning how to download games on Nintendo Switch is easy and just takes a few taps. If you’re tired of carrying around physical game cards or worry about losing them, you can download games directly to your console instead. 

First, double-check that your console is connected to the Internet. Next, open the Nintendo eShop on your Switch — the yellow shopping bag icon at the bottom of your home screen. You may already know what game you want to download. If so, use the “Search/Browse” option in the shop to find the game you want. 

Otherwise, you can spend some time browsing the eShop for something that looks fun. It features curated charts and collections that list popular games, seasonal picks and trending titles, which can be helpful if you want something tried and tested. You can also browse Bestsellers to see what other players are downloading right now or check out New Releases to find the latest titles as soon as they launch.

For a more tailored search, you can browse by genre. From RPGs to farm simulators, you can quickly narrow down options that match your interests. Check out the “Games With Demos” filter on the search tab to see games that offer a free trial version.

After you find the game you want, click the “Proceed to Purchase” button or the “Download Demo” button. Complete the checkout process if necessary, and then your Switch should prompt you to start the download. 

How to Download a Switch Game With a Code

Are you wondering how to download games on Nintendo Switch using a prepaid code? It’s super easy when you know where to look. Keep your code card handy and open the Nintendo eShop on your console. 

On the side menu in the eShop, scroll down to the “Enter Code” option at the bottom. Type in your code in the boxes provided and follow the steps on the screen to start your download. 

Pro tip: you can also use the “Enter Code” page to activate a prepaid Nintendo Switch Online membership. However, if you want to manage or cancel an existing membership, go to the Nintendo Switch Online app on your console and select “Membership Options and Support.”

Why Won’t a Game Download?

What if you learn how to download games on Nintendo Switch, but your download won’t go through? The most common reason games won’t download on Nintendo Switch is inadequate available memory. If there isn’t enough space on your device for the game’s file size, your Switch will automatically pause the download. 

So, if a download isn’t working on your device, start by checking your available memory. Go to the settings app on your Switch and scroll down to “Data Management.” This tab will show you how much free space you have on your device and your microSD card if you have one installed. 

Keep in mind that most Switch consoles don’t have much onboard storage. The default memory size is 32GB. So, you can quickly run out of space even if you only have a couple of games installed. For example, Zelda: Breath of the Wild is over 14GB, almost half of the base Switch storage. BOTW’s sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, set a new file size record for the Switch, clocking in at 16.3GB! 

How to Free Up Space On Nintendo Switch 

What can you do if your Switch is out of storage or doesn’t have enough for your download? You have a few options. First, take a look at the games you have installed. Are there any you don’t play anymore? Consider archiving those. 

The archive feature removes software from your device but leaves the app’s icon in your library. If you ever want to play it again, tap the icon to download it back to your device. You can also enable the “auto-archive” feature, which will automatically archive games you haven’t played in a while. 

Screenshots and videos can also take up loads of storage space on your Switch. Select the “Manage Screenshots and Videos” option in the “Data Management” settings tab to see how much space this content is using. You can also move, delete or archive screenshots and videos from that menu. 

Before deleting anything, you may want to save your favorite screenshots and video clips externally. The Nintendo Switch lets you transfer media to a computer using a USB-C cable, making it easy to back up content without extra hardware. You can also move screenshots and videos to a microSD card, then insert it into a PC to copy everything over. This way, you can free up storage space without losing memorable gameplay moments.

If you don’t already have a microSD card installed on your Switch, it’s worth investing in one. These are an easy and affordable way to significantly increase your console’s onboard memory. For example, you can get an officially licensed 128GB MicroSD card for about $35 on Amazon. 

Switch App Won’t Download Even With Space Free

What if you have plenty of free space on your Switch, but a game still won’t download? There are a few possible causes. First, make sure you are connected to the Internet. Your Switch will automatically pause downloads if you lose your connection. 

Next, make sure you don’t have a game or app running, such as the Nintendo eShop. Your Switch can only use one Internet-connected app at the same time. So, if you’re using the Internet to play Animal Crossing, your console won’t be able to download another game simultaneously. 

To resolve this issue, simply save your game and close it for a few minutes while the download runs. If the download still isn’t starting, it’s worth running a quick connection test on your Switch. Head to System Settings, select Internet, then choose Test Connection to see whether your console is properly connected and getting a stable signal. 

If the test shows weak speeds or a failed connection, try restarting your Wi-Fi router and modem, then reconnect your Switch to the network. You can also improve downloads by moving the console closer to your router or avoiding crowded Wi-Fi networks, which can slow downloads or cause them to stall.

Can You Play Downloaded Games Offline On Switch?

One reason you might want to know how to download games on Nintendo Switch is so you can play them offline. Unfortunately, downloading a game doesn’t always guarantee it will be playable without Internet access. 

Some games require an Internet connection for basic functions like time sync or multiplayer. As a result, the game can’t run offline. Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Fortnite are two popular examples. 

The main benefit of downloading a game on your Switch is removing the need for a physical game card. You can play any downloaded game, even if a physical game is in your card slot. It’s a convenient way of making your game library more accessible. 

Plus, many games will run offline. As a general rule, any game with multiplayer features probably needs an Internet connection. Single-player titles, like Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, run just fine offline since they don’t have online play features. 

Another thing to keep in mind is how Nintendo’s primary console system works. Each Nintendo Account can designate one Switch as its primary console, and on that device, any user profile can play your downloaded games without an internet connection.

This makes offline play simple on the primary Switch, even when multiple people share the console. On any additional, non-primary Switch you log into, the system will need to connect to the Internet to verify that you own the game before it launches. This distinction is especially important for households with more than one Switch that share digital games across multiple consoles.

FAQs on Downloading Games on Nintendo Switch

Do you still have questions about downloading games on Nintendo Switch? The following FAQs cover some of the most common concerns.

Is It Better to Get Switch Games Digital or Physical?

Whether digital or physical Switch games are better depends on how you like to play. Digital games are convenient since you don’t need to swap cartridges and can access your entire library from your console. Physical games, on the other hand, don’t take up internal storage and can be resold or shared with friends, making them a good option if you prefer owning a tangible copy or want more flexibility later on.

Is 128 GB Enough for Switch Games?

For many players, 128 GB is enough for Nintendo Switch games, especially if you mostly play smaller indie titles or rotate through a handful of games at a time. Larger first-party and third-party games can take up several gigabytes each, so storage can fill up faster if you download a lot of titles. If you plan to build a large digital library, regularly download updates or save gameplay videos, you may eventually need a higher capacity microSD card.

Do You Own a Game if You Buy It Digitally?

When you buy a game digitally on Nintendo Switch, you don’t own a physical copy, but you do own the license to download and play the game. This license lets you re-download the game if you delete it or switch consoles, as long as the game remains available on the eShop. While digital purchases are not available for resale or trading, they offer the convenience of instant access without needing a game card.

Can You Play Nintendo Switch on a Plane?

Yes — you can play Nintendo Switch on a plane, as long as the games are downloaded to your console ahead of time. If the Switch you’re using is set as your primary console, your downloaded games will work offline without any issues. On a non-primary console, you may need an Internet connection to verify game ownership before playing, so it’s best to check your settings and open your games once before your flight.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Switch

Learning how to download games on Nintendo Switch unlocks a whole new capability for your console. By downloading games, you can access more of your game library compared to using physical game cards. It also gives you access to many of your favorite games offline.

Original Publish Date 11/15/2023 – Updated 1/27/2026