The Nintendo Switch is already one of the most beloved gaming consoles of all time, and there are a bunch of games to honor that. When you’re looking to buy one of the best games on PC, whether that’s a classic or more recent offering, from Steam, and you don’t know where to look, this list is here to help you find the best PC games that are currently on the market.
But should you buy Nintendo Switch digital games? This article will take a look at the main pros and cons of digital versus hard copies, and should help answer the question of whether going digital is the best option for you.
The Increasing Popularity of Digital Switch Games
Before we dive into the pros and cons of digital gaming, keep in mind that the gaming industry as a whole continues to lean towards digital. According to a report by Statista, 91% of all video game sales in 2022 were digital downloads across all platforms.
“Players want an option to download, and digital allows them to do that and play a game instantly without having to leave their home or wait for a delivery.”
Thanks to the Nintendo eShop’s smart interface and regular sales, all that’s even more enticing for Nintendo Switch owners. But, you’d wonder, is digital better for you anyway?
Why You Might Want to Consider Buying Switch Digital Games
Digital games have a wide range of pros that make them very attractive to a lot of gamers. Here are some of the highlights:
1. Convenience and Immediate Access
The most obvious benefit of purchasing digital Switch games is how easy it is. A digital purchase doesn’t involve a trip to a store, or even online, and you don’t have to wait for the delivery person. Just visit the Nintendo eShop, purchase the game, and moments later, you’re ready to play.
- This immediate access is especially useful for those midnight drops.
- Transitioning from game to game is fast and easy since all games are stored on your console’s memory or microSD card — no swapping cartridges needed.
2. No Risk of Losing Your Game
Physical copies can be lost, damaged, or stolen. Digital games, by contrast, are:
- Linked to your Nintendo account.
- Re-downloadable to a different device if your console is damaged or lost (as long as you use the same account).
This offers extra security and peace of mind, especially for parents of young kids prone to misplacing cartridges.
3. Regular Digital Deals and Offers
Nintendo frequently hosts eShop sales with steep discounts on popular titles.
- Events like Black Friday or digital-only sales can offer significant savings.
- In some cases, digital copies are cheaper than boxed versions.
4. Environmental Impact
For eco-conscious gamers, going digital reduces your carbon footprint:
- No plastic cases or cartridges.
- No emissions from shipping physical products.
The Negatives of Digital Switch Games
While digital games have their benefits, here are some notable drawbacks:
1. Limited Storage Space
- The Nintendo Switch ships with only 32GB of internal storage.
- Larger titles like Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will fill it quickly.
- You can expand storage with a microSD card (up to 2TB), but that comes at an extra cost.
2. No Trade-In or Resale Value
- Digital games cannot be traded, sold, or gifted once purchased.
- Gamers who rely on reselling games to recoup costs may find digital purchases less economical.
- If you rarely revisit games, physical copies may be better for your wallet.
3. Reliance on the Internet and DRM Concerns
- Digital games require internet authentication for use on other consoles.
- A spotty internet connection or Nintendo server outage may prevent access to your games.
- Digital libraries are subject to Nintendo’s terms; if the eShop is ever discontinued, re-downloading games may become impossible.
4. Higher Costs at Launch
- Physical copies are often discounted at big-box retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or Target.
- Digital games tend to stay at full price on the eShop longer, especially first-party titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Animal Crossing.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Switch Digital Games?
Can digital games be worth it? Depends on your gaming preferences and habits. Digital games are ideal for:
- Regular players who want fast access to games directly on their console.
- Gamers who live in remote areas without easy access to retail outlets.
- Eco-conscious players are looking to minimize packaging waste.
- Security-minded users who dislike dealing with physical copies.
However, digital games may not be right for:
- Gamers who prefer physical cartridges.
- Players who trade or resell games after finishing them.
- Bargain hunters who rely on retail discounts for savings.
How to Navigate the Best (of Both) Worlds
Still unsure? There’s no reason you can’t enjoy both formats! Here’s a hybrid strategy:
- Buy multiplayer or replayable games digitally — titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Splatoon 3 benefit from quick access.
- Buy single-player or short games physically, such as Fire Emblem Engage, so you can finish and resell them.
This lets you enjoy the convenience of digital while retaining the flexibility and value of physical games.
Final Thoughts
Because they are cloud-based, digital Switch games can’t be lost or stolen and are always available whenever and wherever you need them, making them ideal for many gamers.
But if you care about upfront cost and potential resale value, physical is still a great option.
In the end, it’s all about what you value most:
- Ownership
- Access (convenience)
- Cost
