What Happens to Your Games if You Buy a New Switch?
If you’re planning to upgrade to a new Nintendo Switch, you might be wondering what happens to the games you’ve purchased with your current console. Luckily, Nintendo has made transferring your digital games to your new console a seamless and straightforward process.
The Good News: Your Digital Games Are Tied to Your Nintendo Account
To start, it’s important to note that digital games are tied to your Nintendo Account. This means that as long as you retain the same Nintendo Account used to purchase the games on your original Switch, you can easily transfer them to your new console.
How to Redownload Games on Your New Switch
To redownload your purchased games on your new Switch, simply follow these steps:
- Launch the Nintendo eShop on your new Switch and sign in to your Nintendo Account.
- Select the user icon on the top-right corner, then navigate to the redownload option.
- Here, you’ll see a list of previously purchased digital games, including those games that can be redownloaded. Select the ones you want to download or redownload.
Accessing and Redownloading Games with Multiple Switch Accounts
If you have multiple Nintendo Switch consoles linked to the same Nintendo Account, you can access and redownload games on any console associated with that account.
Tips for Redownloading Games
Here are some tips to keep in mind when redownloading games:
- Make sure your Nintendo Switch has sufficient storage space available.
- Ensure your console is in sleep mode or turned off with an active internet connection.
- Be patient – redownloading games might take some time, especially for larger titles.
What Happens to Save Data
When you download a game on your new Switch, your save data will automatically be transferred alongside the game. This includes any progress you’ve made, achievements, and progress in online multiplayer modes. So, you won’t have to worry about starting from scratch on your new console.
Comparison of Physical and Digital Game Ownership
If you still own physical copies of the games you want to move to your new Switch, you’ll need to start the game on your previous console before transferring it over. Alternatively, you could purchase a digital copy, which eliminates the need for storing physical games.
Here is a summary of the major differences between physical and digital game ownership:
| Characteristic | Physical Game Ownership | Digital Game Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Requirement | Physical storage space available | Requires internet connection, no physical storage needed |
| Transferability | Can play on other consoles, can be copied | Tied to Nintendo Account, game can be redownloaded on new console |
| Space Considerations | Required storage space may be limited by console or storage device size | Requires less storage space (no physical game needed), but internet connection required to download and play |
Conclusion
In conclusion, buying a new Nintendo Switch doesn’t mean you need to lose access to the games you’ve purchased in the past. With simple steps and a little bit of planning, you can easily transfer your digital games to your new console and continue to enjoy your gaming experience where you left off. This article highlights the benefits and differences between physical and digital game ownership, making your decision to buy a new Switch even more informed. With the ease of redownloading and transferring games between consoles, you can move forward with confidence, without worrying about leaving your collection behind.