How to Add Purchased Games to Your New Switch?
Congratulations on acquiring your new Nintendo Switch console! You’re probably excited to start playing your favorite games, but you may encounter a common issue: transferring games from your old Switch or adding new ones to the new console. Fear not, as this article aims to guide you through the process of adding purchased games to your new Switch. We’ll cover the easy steps to redownload digital games, transfer physical game data, and link accounts.
Redownloading Digital Games
Digital games purchased from the Nintendo eShop can be easily re-downloaded on your new Switch. Here’s how to do it:
- On your new Switch, sign in with the Nintendo Account associated with the game’s purchase.
- Launch the Nintendo eShop by finding the icon on the HOME screen.
- Click your user icon in the top-right corner to access settings.
- Select Shop Settings and then scroll down to Redownload.
- Browse and select the game you’d like to redownload, and click Start Redownload.
Linking Accounts
Linking your Nintendo Accounts will also allow you to play digitally purchased games on other compatible devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Here’s how to link your account:
- On your Switch, go to the Home screen and select the System Settings icon.
- Navigate to Users, Account, and Associate Account.
- Click Link Account, scan the QR code with the device you want to associate, or enter the passcode.
- Authenticate by entering your account information to complete the linking process.
Transferring Data from Old Switch
When transferring data from your old Switch, you can migrate your user data, purchased games, and game data to your new console using the following methods:
Method 1: Using Local Multiplayer
- Establish a local multiplayer session using the same Nintendo Account as the game’s purchase on both consoles.
- Begin playing the game on both consoles simultaneously.
- All game data will be mirrored on both consoles.
Method 2: Cloud Data Transfer
- Make sure your Nintendo Account is online and linked to your primary console.
- Transfer any cloud-saved game data to your new console under System Settings -> Data Management.
- Wait for the process to complete, which should take a few minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of data and your internet connection speed.
Troubleshooting Transfer Issues
If you experience issues during the transfer process, try the following steps:
- Restart your system and try again.
- Ensure your Nintendo Accounts and consoles are properly linked and online.
- If cloud data transfer fails, verify that your internet connection meets the minimum requirements and attempt the transfer again.
Additional Tips and Recommendations
- Always keep your new Switch and Nintendo Accounts synchronized to ensure seamless data sharing and access.
- Purchase games using the same Nintendo Account to avoid potential link issues.
- Update your Switch to the latest firmware to ensure compatibility and take advantage of new features.
Conclusion
Transferring purchased games to your new Switch is a simple process that can be achieved through redownloading, linking accounts, and transferring data from your old Switch. By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you can enjoy your favorite games across multiple devices and accounts without any hassle. Remember to keep your accounts and system up-to-date to ensure a smooth gaming experience.
References:
- Nintendo Switch Hardware and Software Guide
- Nintendo eShop Redownloading Guide
- Switch Online Support Center
Keywords: Nintendo Switch, how to add purchased games, redownload digital games, link accounts, transfer data, troubleshooting transfer issues