Like most video games, Nintendo Switch games usually cost money to purchase. The price can vary depending on the game, its size, and its features. Some games are available for free, but most require payment to access the full content. The cost of a Nintendo Switch game can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. You can typically find games at a discounted price during sales and promotions. Additionally, many retailers offer used game sections where you can save money by purchasing pre-owned games.
Digital Game Purchases
Purchasing digital games for the Nintendo Switch is a convenient option that allows you to download and play games without the need for physical cartridges. Digital game purchases can be made through the Nintendo eShop, an online marketplace that offers a wide variety of games for purchase.
Here’s how to purchase digital games through the Nintendo eShop:
- Create a Nintendo Account and link it to your Nintendo Switch console.
- Access the Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo Switch console.
- Browse the available games and select the one you want to buy.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the purchase.
One of the main advantages of purchasing digital games is that you can access them instantly after purchase. You don’t have to wait for a physical cartridge to arrive in the mail or travel to a store to pick one up.
However, it’s important to note that digital games are typically more expensive than their physical counterparts. This is because Nintendo charges a licensing fee to retailers for selling physical copies of games. As such, retailers often pass on this cost to consumers by marking up the price of physical games.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to purchase digital or physical games is a personal one. Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh the factors involved before making a decision.
| Digital Game Purchases | Physical Game Purchases |
|---|---|
| Convenient and instant | Less expensive |
| No need for physical storage | Can be resold or traded |
| Typically more expensive | Require physical storage space |
Physical Game Cartridges
Nintendo Switch cartridges are required for physical copies of games. These cartridges come in a variety of sizes, with the smallest being 64 MB and the largest being 32 GB.
- Advantages of physical game cartridges include:
- Ability to resell or lend
- Faster load times than digital games in some cases
- Disadvantages of physical game cartridges include:
- Can be lost or damaged
- Required to switch games, unlike digital games
Free-to-Play Games
In addition to paid games, the Nintendo Switch also offers a growing library of free-to-play games. These games are typically supported by in-game purchases, which allow players to purchase additional content or cosmetics. Some popular free-to-play games on the Switch include:
- Fortnite
- Warframe
- Apex Legends
- Brawlhalla
- Rocket League
| Game | Genre | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fortnite | Battle Royale | June 12, 2018 |
| Warframe | Action RPG | November 20, 2013 |
| Apex Legends | Battle Royale | February 4, 2019 |
| Brawlhalla | Fighting | October 17, 2017 |
| Rocket League | Sports | July 7, 2015 |
Subscription Services
In addition to purchasing games outright, Nintendo also offers a subscription service called Nintendo Switch Online. This service costs $19.99 per year or $4.99 per month and provides access to online multiplayer gaming, cloud saves, and a library of classic NES and SNES games.
Benefits of Nintendo Switch Online
- Access to online multiplayer gaming
- Cloud saves
- Library of classic NES and SNES games
- Exclusive discounts and offers
Things to Consider
While Nintendo Switch Online provides several benefits, there are a few things to consider before subscribing:
- The service is required for online multiplayer gaming in most games.
- The library of classic games is limited and may not include all of your favorites.
- The discounts and offers are not always substantial.
Is Nintendo Switch Online Worth It?
Whether or not Nintendo Switch Online is worth it depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you plan on playing online multiplayer games or want access to the library of classic games, then the service may be worth the cost. However, if you don’t plan on using these features, then you may not need to subscribe.
| Feature | Nintendo Switch Online | Nintendo Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Online multiplayer gaming | Yes | Limited |
| Cloud saves | Yes | No |
| Library of classic games | Yes | No |
| Exclusive discounts and offers | Yes | No |
| Cost | $19.99 per year or $4.99 per month | N/A |
So there you have it! Nintendo Switch games aren’t free, but they’re not as expensive as you might think. Of course, prices will vary depending on the game, but you can usually find something to fit your budget. Thanks for reading! Be sure to check back later for more Nintendo Switch goodness. In the meantime, have fun gaming!