Stop Nintendo Switch Game Updates: A Quick Guide

Nov 3, 2025 by Admin 49 views

Hey there, fellow Nintendo Switch gamers! Are you tired of those automatic game updates interrupting your gameplay or eating up your precious data? You're not alone! Many of us face this issue, especially when we're on the go or trying to conserve bandwidth. Fortunately, there are ways to manage and even stop game updates on your Nintendo Switch. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to regain control over your console's update behavior, ensuring you can game on your terms.

Why Stop Game Updates?

Before diving into the how-to, let's quickly touch on why you might want to stop game updates in the first place. There are several valid reasons:

Data Conservation: If you have a limited data plan or are using a mobile hotspot, automatic updates can quickly eat through your data allowance. Pausing updates allows you to control when and how much data is used.
Avoiding Interruptions: Imagine you're in the middle of an intense boss battle, and suddenly, your game pauses to install an update. Frustrating, right? Stopping automatic updates ensures uninterrupted gameplay.
Preserving Older Game Versions: Sometimes, updates aren't always improvements. You might prefer an older version of a game due to personal preference or because a new update introduces bugs or unwanted changes. Blocking updates lets you stick with the version you enjoy.
Managing Storage Space: Game updates can take up significant storage space on your Nintendo Switch. By controlling when updates occur, you can better manage your console's storage and avoid running out of space.

Now that we've covered the why, let's get into the how.

Method 1: Disable Automatic Downloads

The simplest way to prevent your Nintendo Switch from automatically downloading game updates is to disable the automatic download feature. Here’s how you do it:

Open System Settings: From the Nintendo Switch home menu, navigate to the System Settings icon (the gear icon) and select it.
Navigate to System: Scroll down the left-hand menu until you find the System option. Select it.
Adjust Automatic Software Downloads: In the System settings, look for the Automatic Software Downloads option. By default, it’s likely set to “On.”
Turn Off Automatic Downloads: Select Automatic Software Downloads and switch it to “Off.”

By turning off this setting, your Nintendo Switch will no longer automatically download updates for your games. This means you'll have to manually initiate updates when you want them. Keep in mind that this will stop all automatic downloads, including system updates, so you'll need to manually check for those as well to keep your console running smoothly.

Remember, disabling automatic downloads puts you in the driver's seat. You decide when and what gets updated. This is particularly useful if you are trying to conserve data or avoid interruptions during gameplay. However, it also means you need to be proactive in checking for updates periodically to ensure you're not missing out on important bug fixes or new features. Make it a habit to check for updates every few weeks, or whenever you plan to play a game online, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.

Method 2: Airplane Mode

Another effective way to stop game updates is to use Airplane Mode. When Airplane Mode is enabled, your Nintendo Switch disconnects from all wireless networks, preventing it from downloading any data, including game updates. This method is particularly useful when you want to ensure no updates occur while you're playing offline.

Access Quick Settings: While in the home menu or even in-game, hold down the Home button for a few seconds. This will bring up the Quick Settings menu.
Enable Airplane Mode: In the Quick Settings menu, you'll see an Airplane Mode option. Select it to turn it on. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons will disappear, indicating that wireless communication is disabled.

Alternatively, you can also enable Airplane Mode through the System Settings:

Open System Settings: From the Nintendo Switch home menu, navigate to the System Settings icon and select it.
Navigate to Airplane Mode: Scroll down the left-hand menu until you find the Airplane Mode option. Select it.
Turn On Airplane Mode: Choose Turn On to enable Airplane Mode.

With Airplane Mode enabled, your Nintendo Switch will not be able to connect to the internet, and thus, no game updates will be downloaded. This is a foolproof way to prevent updates while you're on the go or simply want to avoid any interruptions. Keep in mind that while Airplane Mode is on, you won't be able to play online games or use any features that require an internet connection.

Using Airplane Mode is a bit of an all-or-nothing approach. It's perfect for situations where you absolutely need to prevent any internet activity on your Switch. For example, if you're traveling and want to avoid roaming charges, or if you're playing a single-player game and want to ensure nothing interrupts your session. Just remember to turn it off when you need to access online features or download updates manually. It's a simple yet powerful tool in your quest to control your Switch's update behavior.

Method 3: Manage Individual Game Updates

Sometimes, you might want to update some games but not others. The Nintendo Switch allows you to manage updates for individual games, giving you more granular control over which games get updated and when. This is particularly useful if you want to keep your favorite games up-to-date while avoiding updates for games you rarely play or prefer in their current version.

Go to the Home Menu: Start from the Nintendo Switch home menu, where all your games are displayed.
Select the Game: Find the game you want to manage updates for. Instead of launching the game, press the + or - button on your Joy-Con or Pro Controller.
Access Software Update Options: A menu will appear. Scroll down to Software Update and select it.
Choose Your Update Option: You'll see a few options:
- Via the Internet: This will check for and download the latest update for the game.
- Via Local Users: This allows you to update the game by receiving the update from another Nintendo Switch console on the same local network. This is useful if you have multiple Switches and want to avoid downloading the same update multiple times from the internet.

If you want to prevent a game from updating, simply don't select either of these options. The game will remain in its current version until you manually choose to update it. This method allows you to pick and choose which games receive updates, giving you the flexibility to customize your gaming experience.

Managing individual game updates is a bit more hands-on, but it offers the most control over your game library. It's ideal for gamers who have specific preferences about which games they want to keep updated. Perhaps you're waiting for reviews on a new update before installing it, or maybe you prefer the older version of a game for certain reasons. Whatever your reasons, this method empowers you to make those decisions. Just remember to periodically check for updates for your favorite games to ensure you're not missing out on important improvements or new content. This approach strikes a balance between convenience and control, allowing you to tailor your update strategy to your individual gaming needs.

Method 4: Delaying Updates

Another approach, though not a complete stop, is delaying updates. The Nintendo Switch typically downloads updates in the background, but it won't install them until you close the game. This gives you a window of opportunity to delay the update if you're in the middle of a gaming session. Here’s how it works:

Nintendo Switch Downloads Update: When an update is available, the Nintendo Switch will automatically download it in the background while you're playing another game or while the console is in sleep mode.
Prompt to Install: The next time you launch the game, the Nintendo Switch will prompt you to install the update before you can play. You'll typically see a message like,