Nintendo Switch: Play Games Without A Cartridge

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Nintendo Switch: Play Games Without a Cartridge

So, you've got a Nintendo Switch, and you're itching to dive into some awesome games, but maybe you're wondering, "Hey, can I play games without needing those little game cards all the time?" Well, the answer is a resounding YES! In this article, we're going to break down exactly how you can enjoy your favorite Nintendo Switch titles without ever having to fumble with a physical game cartridge.

Embracing the Digital Realm: Downloading Games from the Nintendo eShop

The primary way to play games on your Nintendo Switch without using game cards is by downloading them directly from the Nintendo eShop. Think of the eShop as your digital storefront for all things Nintendo. It's super convenient, and once you get the hang of it, you might never go back to physical cartridges (well, almost never!).

Getting Started with the Nintendo eShop

First things first, you'll need to make sure your Nintendo Switch is connected to the internet. Here’s how:

  1. Go to System Settings from the home menu.
  2. Select Internet.
  3. Choose your Wi-Fi network and enter the password if prompted.

Once you’re connected, you’re ready to access the eShop.

Navigating the Nintendo eShop

  1. From the home menu, select the Nintendo eShop icon. It looks like a little shopping bag with the Nintendo logo on it.
  2. Choose the user account you want to use. (If you only have one account, it will automatically select it.)

Now you're in! The eShop is pretty user-friendly. You'll see options to:

  • Search: If you know the name of the game you want, just type it in.
  • Browse: Check out new releases, best sellers, games on sale, and more.
  • Redeem Code: If you have a download code (perhaps from a gift card or a special promotion), you can enter it here.

Purchasing and Downloading Games

Once you've found a game you want to buy, select it to see more details. You'll see screenshots, trailers, a description, and the all-important price.

  1. If you're ready to buy, click on Purchase. You'll be prompted to link a Nintendo Account if you haven't already.
  2. You can pay using a credit card, PayPal, or a Nintendo eShop gift card.
  3. Once the purchase is complete, the game will start downloading automatically. You can see the progress on the home menu.

The download time will depend on your internet speed and the size of the game. Some games are relatively small and will download in minutes, while others can take hours. While it's downloading, you can still use your Switch to play other games or browse the internet.

Benefits of Digital Downloads

  • Convenience: No need to carry around game cards or worry about losing them.
  • Instant Access: Once the game is downloaded, it's ready to play. No need to swap cartridges.
  • Sales and Deals: The eShop often has exclusive sales and discounts on digital games.
  • Pre-loading: You can pre-load upcoming games, so they're ready to play the moment they're released.

Nintendo Switch Online: Your Gateway to Classic Games

Another fantastic way to play games without physical cartridges is by subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online. This service not only lets you play online multiplayer games, but it also gives you access to a library of classic NES and SNES games.

What is Nintendo Switch Online?

Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that enhances your Nintendo Switch experience. It offers several key features:

  • Online Play: Play games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with friends and other players around the world.
  • NES and SNES Games: Access a growing library of classic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) games.
  • Save Data Cloud Backup: Back up your game save data to the cloud, so you don't lose your progress if something happens to your Switch.
  • Smartphone App: Use the Nintendo Switch Online app for voice chat and other features in supported games.
  • Exclusive Offers: Get access to exclusive deals and promotions.

How to Subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online

  1. Go to the Nintendo eShop on your Switch.
  2. Select Nintendo Switch Online from the menu on the left.
  3. Choose a subscription plan. You can opt for an individual plan or a family plan (which covers up to eight accounts).
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase.

Enjoying Classic Games

Once you're a subscriber, you can download the NES and SNES apps from the eShop. These apps give you access to a curated library of classic games, including titles like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Super Metroid, and many more.

The games are emulated on your Switch, so they play just like they did on the original consoles. You can even play with friends online in some games.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

For an even greater selection of retro games, consider the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. This premium tier includes everything in the standard Nintendo Switch Online subscription, plus:

  • Nintendo 64 Games: Play a selection of Nintendo 64 classics like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Mario Kart 64.
  • Sega Genesis Games: Enjoy a library of Sega Genesis games, including titles like Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Streets of Rage 2, and Ecco the Dolphin.
  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC: If you own Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you get access to the Happy Home Paradise DLC at no extra cost.

The Expansion Pack is a bit more expensive than the standard subscription, but if you're a fan of retro games, it's well worth the investment.

Other Options: Demos and Free-to-Play Games

Besides purchasing digital games and subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online, there are a couple of other ways to play games on your Switch without using game cards:

Demos

Many games on the Nintendo eShop offer free demos. These demos allow you to try out a portion of the game before you buy it. It's a great way to see if you like a game before committing to a purchase.

To find demos, simply search for games in the eShop and look for the "Download Demo" option.

Free-to-Play Games

The Nintendo eShop also has a selection of free-to-play games. These games are free to download and play, but they often have optional in-game purchases. Some popular free-to-play games on the Switch include Fortnite, Warframe, and Pokémon Quest.

These games can provide hours of entertainment without costing you a dime (unless you decide to make in-game purchases, of course).

Managing Your Digital Game Library

As you download more and more digital games, you'll want to keep your game library organized. Here are a few tips:

Archiving Games

If you're running out of storage space on your Switch, you can archive games that you're not currently playing. Archiving removes the game data from your system, but it keeps the game icon on your home menu. When you want to play the game again, you can simply re-download it from the eShop.

To archive a game:

  1. From the home menu, highlight the game you want to archive.
  2. Press the + or - button on your Joy-Con.
  3. Select Manage Software.
  4. Choose Archive Software.

Using a MicroSD Card

The Nintendo Switch has 32GB of internal storage (only about 25GB of which is actually usable), which can fill up quickly. To expand your storage, you can use a microSD card. The Switch supports microSD cards up to 2TB in size.

To install a microSD card:

  1. Turn off your Switch.
  2. Open the kickstand on the back of the console.
  3. Insert the microSD card into the slot under the kickstand.

Once the microSD card is installed, you can choose to download new games directly to it. You can also move games from the internal storage to the microSD card in the System Settings.

Organizing Your Home Menu

As your game library grows, you might want to organize your home menu to make it easier to find the games you want to play. You can create groups of games and arrange them in any order you like.

To create a group:

  1. From the home menu, scroll all the way to the right and select All Software.
  2. Press the L button to display the group options.
  3. Choose Create New Group.
  4. Select the games you want to include in the group.
  5. Give the group a name.

Conclusion: Embrace the Cartridge-Free Life

So, there you have it, guys! Playing games on your Nintendo Switch without game cards is not only possible, but it's also incredibly convenient. Whether you're downloading games from the eShop, subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online, or trying out free demos, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your favorite games without ever having to touch a physical cartridge. Embrace the digital revolution and enjoy the freedom of a cartridge-free gaming experience! Happy gaming!