Buying Nintendo Switch Games Online: A Simple Guide

So, you've got your Nintendo Switch and you're ready to dive into some awesome games, but you're wondering about the best way to buy them online? Don't worry, guys! It's super easy and convenient. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about purchasing digital games for your Nintendo Switch, from setting up your account to exploring the Nintendo eShop and understanding alternative online retailers. Get ready to expand your game library from the comfort of your couch!

Setting Up Your Nintendo Account

Before you can start buying games online, you'll need a Nintendo Account. Think of it as your key to the digital Nintendo world.

Why is this important, you ask? Well, your Nintendo Account is what connects your game purchases to your Switch. It also allows you to access online services, download demos, and stay updated on the latest Nintendo news. Creating an account is straightforward. You can do it directly on your Nintendo Switch or through the Nintendo website. If you're doing it on the Switch, just go to System Settings, then User, and follow the prompts to create a new account or link an existing one. Alternatively, head to the Nintendo website on your computer or smartphone and sign up there. You'll need to provide some basic information like your email address, date of birth, and region. Make sure to use a valid email address because Nintendo will send a verification email to confirm your account.

A pro tip here: enable two-factor authentication for added security. This means that even if someone knows your password, they won't be able to access your account without a unique code sent to your phone or email. Once your account is set up, you're ready to link it to your Nintendo Switch. This is a crucial step because it's what ties your digital purchases to your console. Go back to the User settings on your Switch, select your profile, and choose "Link Nintendo Account." Enter your login credentials, and you're good to go. Now that your account is set up and linked, you can explore the Nintendo eShop and start browsing for games.

Navigating the Nintendo eShop

The Nintendo eShop is your digital storefront for all things Nintendo Switch. It's where you can buy and download digital games, demos, and even DLC (downloadable content) to enhance your gaming experience. Think of it like the App Store or Google Play Store, but specifically for your Switch. Accessing the eShop is simple. From the Nintendo Switch home screen, look for the orange shopping bag icon labeled "Nintendo eShop" and tap on it. Once you're in, you'll see a variety of sections to explore. The eShop is organized into several categories to help you find what you're looking for. There's a section for new releases, where you can find the latest and greatest games hitting the Switch. There's also a section for bestsellers, which shows you what other players are enjoying. If you're on a budget, check out the deals section for discounted games. You can also browse by genre, such as action, adventure, puzzle, or RPG, to find games that match your interests.

A cool feature of the eShop is the search bar, which allows you to quickly find specific games or developers. If you know exactly what you want, just type it in, and the eShop will do the rest. When you find a game that interests you, tap on it to see more details. You'll find information such as the game's description, screenshots, trailers, user reviews, and file size. Pay attention to the file size, as you'll need to make sure you have enough storage space on your Switch to download the game. If you're not ready to buy a game right away, you can add it to your Wish List. This allows you to keep track of games you're interested in and get notified when they go on sale. Managing your Wish List is easy. Just go to your account settings in the eShop, and you'll find a list of all the games you've added. From there, you can remove games or move them to your shopping cart when you're ready to buy. The Nintendo eShop is constantly updated with new games, demos, and deals, so it's worth checking in regularly to see what's new.

Payment Methods and Purchasing Games

Okay, so you've found a game you want to buy on the Nintendo eShop. Now it's time to make the purchase. Nintendo offers several convenient payment methods to make it easy for you. You can use a credit card, a debit card, or a Nintendo eShop Card. Credit and debit cards are straightforward. Simply enter your card information when prompted, and the eShop will process the payment. Make sure the billing address matches the address associated with your card to avoid any issues. Nintendo eShop Cards are prepaid cards that you can buy at most major retailers, such as Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. They come in various denominations, like $10, $20, $35, and $50. To redeem an eShop Card, simply scratch off the back to reveal the code and enter it in the eShop. The funds will be added to your Nintendo Account balance, which you can then use to purchase games.

A great thing about eShop Cards is that they make a perfect gift for Nintendo fans. They're also a good option if you don't want to use a credit or debit card online. Once you've chosen your payment method, you're ready to complete the purchase. Before you do, double-check the game's price and make sure you have enough funds in your account or on your card. After you confirm the purchase, the game will start downloading automatically. The download speed will depend on your internet connection, so be patient. You can check the progress of the download on the home screen of your Switch. Once the download is complete, the game icon will appear on your home screen, and you can start playing. Nintendo also offers a digital pre-order option for upcoming games. This allows you to buy a game before it's released and have it automatically download to your Switch on launch day. That way, you can start playing as soon as the game is available.

Exploring Alternative Online Retailers

While the Nintendo eShop is the official source for digital Nintendo Switch games, you can also find games at other online retailers. These retailers often offer discounts or special promotions that you might not find on the eShop. Some popular online retailers that sell digital Nintendo Switch games include Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop. These retailers typically sell digital codes that you can redeem on the Nintendo eShop. The process is simple. You buy the code from the retailer, and they'll email it to you. Then, you enter the code in the eShop to download the game.

One advantage of buying from alternative retailers is that you can sometimes find better deals. They might offer a discount on a new game or include a bonus, such as extra in-game content. It's always worth checking these retailers to see if you can save some money. However, be careful when buying from third-party sellers on websites like eBay or Craigslist. There's a risk of buying a fake or used code, which won't work on the eShop. Stick to reputable retailers to avoid any scams. Another option is to buy physical game cartridges from online retailers. While this isn't technically buying games online, it's still a convenient way to expand your game library without going to a physical store. You can find a wide selection of physical games on Amazon, Best Buy, and other online retailers. Just make sure to check the game's region compatibility to ensure it will work on your Nintendo Switch. Whether you prefer digital or physical games, there are plenty of options available to you online. Just do your research and choose the method that works best for you.

Managing Your Digital Game Library

Once you've downloaded a few games, you'll want to keep your digital game library organized. The Nintendo Switch makes it easy to manage your games and storage space. You can view all of your downloaded games on the home screen of your Switch. The games are displayed as icons, and you can rearrange them to your liking. To move a game icon, simply tap and hold on it, then drag it to the desired location. You can also create groups of games to keep things even more organized. For example, you could create a group for your favorite games or a group for games you haven't played yet.

Storage space is an important consideration when managing your digital game library. The Nintendo Switch has a limited amount of internal storage, so you might need to expand it with a microSD card. You can insert a microSD card into the slot on the back of the Switch to add more storage space. This will allow you to download more games without running out of room. To check your storage space, go to System Settings, then Data Management, and then Manage Save Data/Screenshots. This will show you how much space you have available on your system memory and your microSD card. If you're running low on storage space, you can archive games that you're not currently playing. Archiving a game removes it from your home screen but keeps the save data intact. You can re-download the game at any time from the eShop. To archive a game, tap and hold on its icon, then select "Manage Software" and "Archive Software." This will free up storage space without deleting your progress. Managing your digital game library is an ongoing process. As you download more games, you'll want to keep them organized and make sure you have enough storage space. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your digital game library in tip-top shape.

Staying Safe While Buying Online

Buying games online is generally safe, but it's always a good idea to take some precautions to protect your personal and financial information. Only buy games from reputable sources, such as the Nintendo eShop, Amazon, Best Buy, or GameStop. Avoid buying from third-party sellers on websites like eBay or Craigslist, as there's a risk of scams. When you're entering your payment information online, make sure the website is secure. Look for the padlock icon in the address bar and make sure the URL starts with "https." This indicates that the website is using encryption to protect your data.

Another important tip is to use a strong password for your Nintendo Account. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information, such as your birthday or pet's name. It's also a good idea to enable two-factor authentication for your Nintendo Account. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a unique code from your phone or email whenever you log in. Be wary of phishing emails or websites that try to trick you into giving up your personal information. Nintendo will never ask you for your password or credit card information via email. If you receive a suspicious email, don't click on any links or attachments. Instead, contact Nintendo support to verify the email's authenticity. By following these safety tips, you can protect yourself from fraud and enjoy a safe online shopping experience. Buying Nintendo Switch games online is a convenient and easy way to expand your game library. With a little bit of knowledge and caution, you can find great deals and enjoy hours of entertainment on your Nintendo Switch. Happy gaming, guys!