Buy Nintendo Switch Games: EShop Guide

Hey guys! Want to expand your game library on your Nintendo Switch? Buying digital games from the Nintendo eShop is super convenient. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, making sure you don't miss any awesome titles. So, grab your Switch, and let’s dive in!

Accessing the Nintendo eShop

First things first, you need to know how to get to the eShop. Power on your Nintendo Switch and make sure you're connected to the internet. On the home screen, you'll see a bunch of icons. Look for the orange shopping bag icon; that's your gateway to the Nintendo eShop. Tap it, and you'll be transported to a digital wonderland filled with games!

Before you get too excited, make sure you have a Nintendo Account linked to your user profile. If you don't have one, the eShop will prompt you to create one. Creating an account is free, and it’s essential for making purchases and downloading games. Just follow the on-screen instructions, and you'll be set up in no time. Once you're logged in, you're ready to start browsing and buying!

Navigating the eShop is pretty straightforward. You can browse through various sections like "Featured Downloads," "Great Deals," "Coming Soon," and "Search." The search function is particularly handy if you know exactly what game you're looking for. Otherwise, take your time to explore the different categories and discover hidden gems. Nintendo often highlights new releases and special promotions, so keep an eye out for those. And don’t forget to check the "Deals" section; you might snag a fantastic game at a discounted price! The eShop also provides game details, including trailers, screenshots, user reviews, and file sizes. Be sure to check the file size so you know how much space it will take up on your Nintendo Switch. If you need to free up space, you can always archive or delete games you no longer play to make room for new ones.

Finding the Game You Want

Okay, so you're in the eShop, now what? Time to find the game you're after! As mentioned earlier, you can use the "Search" function if you know the exact title. Just type it in, and the eShop will pull up the results. Alternatively, you can browse through the various categories and filters. Looking for an action-packed adventure? Head to the "Adventure" category. More into puzzle games? The "Puzzle" section has got you covered. You can also filter by genre, price, user rating, and release date, making it easier to narrow down your options.

When you find a game that piques your interest, click on its icon to view more details. This will take you to the game's product page, where you can see screenshots, watch trailers, read descriptions, and check user reviews. User reviews are super helpful for getting an idea of whether a game is worth your hard-earned cash. Pay attention to the overall rating and read a few reviews to get a sense of what other players think. Also, be sure to check the game's file size, which indicates how much storage space it will take up on your Nintendo Switch. If you're running low on space, you might need to archive or delete some games to make room for the new one.

Another great way to discover new games is by checking out the "Best Sellers" and "Great Deals" sections. These sections highlight popular games and discounted titles, respectively. Nintendo also regularly updates the eShop with new releases and special promotions, so it's always worth taking a look to see what's new. And don't forget to browse through the indie game section; you might stumble upon some unique and innovative titles that you wouldn't find anywhere else.

Purchasing the Game

Alright, you've found the perfect game! Time to make it yours. On the game's product page, you'll see a "Proceed to Purchase" button. Click it to start the purchasing process. The eShop offers several payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and Nintendo eShop gift cards. If you're using a credit or debit card, you'll need to enter your card information, including the card number, expiration date, and security code. Make sure the information is accurate to avoid any issues with the transaction.

Alternatively, you can redeem a Nintendo eShop gift card if you have one. These gift cards can be purchased at various retailers, such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. To redeem a gift card, simply enter the 16-digit code on the back of the card. The amount on the gift card will be added to your Nintendo eShop balance, which you can then use to purchase games. If you don't have enough funds in your eShop balance to cover the full price of the game, you can combine it with a credit or debit card to pay the remaining balance.

Before you finalize the purchase, double-check the game's price and make sure you have enough funds available. The eShop will also show you any applicable taxes or fees. Once you're ready, click the "Purchase" button to complete the transaction. After the purchase is successful, you'll receive a confirmation message, and the game will start downloading automatically. The download speed will depend on your internet connection, so be patient. You can check the download progress on the Nintendo Switch home screen. Once the download is complete, the game icon will appear on the home screen, and you can start playing!

Downloading and Installing the Game

Once you've purchased the game, the download will usually start automatically. You can monitor the progress on your Switch's home screen. Keep in mind that download speeds depend on your internet connection. So, if it's taking a while, don't panic! Make sure your Switch is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network to ensure the fastest download speeds.

If the download doesn't start automatically, don't worry. Just go to your user profile icon on the home screen, select "Redownload," and you'll find a list of all the games you've purchased. Simply select the game you want to download, and the process will begin. Once the download is complete, the game icon will appear on your home screen, ready for you to launch and enjoy.

While the game is downloading, you can still use your Nintendo Switch for other activities, such as playing other games or browsing the internet. The download will continue in the background, so you don't have to wait for it to finish before doing anything else. However, keep in mind that playing online games or streaming videos might slow down the download speed. Once the game is installed, you can launch it from the home screen and start playing. Be sure to check the game's settings to customize your experience, such as adjusting the volume, brightness, and control scheme. And don't forget to save your progress regularly to avoid losing any data.

Managing Your Downloads and Storage

It's essential to manage your downloads and storage on your Nintendo Switch, especially if you have a lot of digital games. The Switch has limited internal storage, so you might need to expand it with a microSD card. You can insert a microSD card into the slot located under the kickstand on the back of the console. A larger microSD card will allow you to store more games, screenshots, and videos.

To check your storage space, go to "System Settings" on the home screen, then select "Data Management." This will show you how much space is available on your console's internal storage and on your microSD card (if you have one). You can also see a breakdown of which games and applications are taking up the most space. If you're running low on space, you can archive games that you're not currently playing. Archiving a game removes it from your console but keeps the save data intact. You can redownload the game at any time without losing your progress.

To archive a game, go to "System Settings," then "Data Management," and select the game you want to archive. Then, choose the "Archive Software" option. The game icon will disappear from the home screen, but you can still find it in the eShop under your account's redownload list. When you want to play the game again, simply redownload it from the eShop. Managing your downloads is also important, especially if you have a slow internet connection. You can pause or cancel downloads in the "Download Management" section of the System Settings. This can be useful if you want to prioritize certain downloads or if you need to free up bandwidth for other activities.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. If you encounter any issues while buying or downloading games on the Nintendo eShop, don't worry! Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• Download Errors: If your download gets interrupted or you see an error message, try restarting your Nintendo Switch and your internet router. Make sure your Switch is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and that there are no obstructions blocking the signal. If the problem persists, try clearing the cache in the System Settings or contacting Nintendo Support for assistance.
• Payment Issues: If you're having trouble making a purchase, double-check your credit card or debit card information to ensure it's accurate and up-to-date. Make sure you have sufficient funds available and that your bank hasn't blocked the transaction. You can also try using a different payment method, such as a Nintendo eShop gift card. If you continue to experience problems, contact your bank or Nintendo Support for help.
• Storage Space Issues: If you're running out of storage space, you can archive games that you're not currently playing or delete games that you no longer need. You can also expand your storage by inserting a microSD card into the console. If you're not sure how to manage your storage, consult the Nintendo Switch user manual or contact Nintendo Support for guidance.
• eShop Not Loading: If the eShop isn't loading, first ensure your internet connection is stable. Restarting your Nintendo Switch can often resolve temporary glitches. If the issue continues, check Nintendo's official website or social media for announcements about server maintenance or outages. If there are no known issues, contacting Nintendo Support might be necessary for further assistance.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Buying games on the Nintendo Switch eShop is a breeze once you get the hang of it. With this guide, you're now equipped to explore the vast digital library, discover new games, and expand your gaming horizons. Happy gaming, everyone! Remember to check back often for new releases and special deals. The Nintendo eShop is constantly evolving, so there's always something new to discover. Enjoy your gaming adventures on the Nintendo Switch!