Update Nintendo Switch Games: A Simple Guide

Nov 3, 2025 by Admin 45 views

Hey guys! Keeping your Nintendo Switch games up to date is super important for a smooth and fun gaming experience. Updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and sometimes even new content! Nobody wants to miss out on that, right? So, let's dive into how you can easily update your games on the Nintendo Switch. Trust me; it's a piece of cake!

Why Keep Your Games Updated?

Before we get into the how, let's talk about the why. Why should you bother updating your games anyway? Well, there are several compelling reasons:

Bug Fixes: Game developers are constantly working to squash those pesky bugs that can ruin your gameplay. Updates often include fixes that address glitches, crashes, and other technical issues. Imagine being in the middle of an epic boss battle only for the game to crash – yeah, updates help prevent that nightmare!
Performance Improvements: Updates aren't just about fixing what's broken; they also enhance the overall performance of the game. This can mean smoother frame rates, reduced loading times, and an all-around more enjoyable experience. Who wouldn't want their game to run better?
New Content: Sometimes, updates bring exciting new features, levels, characters, or items to the game. These additions can breathe new life into your favorite titles and keep you coming back for more. Think of it as a free expansion pack!
Security Patches: In rare cases, game updates might include security patches that protect your console from potential vulnerabilities. Keeping your games updated helps ensure the safety and security of your Nintendo Switch.
Online Play Compatibility: For games with online multiplayer modes, updates are often necessary to maintain compatibility with other players. If you don't update your game, you might not be able to join your friends online. Nobody wants to be left out of the fun!

So, as you can see, keeping your games updated is essential for a great gaming experience. Now that we've covered the why, let's move on to the how.

Automatic Updates: The Easy Way

The Nintendo Switch is designed to make updating your games as easy as possible. By default, the console is set to automatically download and install updates whenever they're available. This means that you usually don't have to do anything at all! The Switch will take care of everything in the background, so you can focus on gaming.

However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to ensure that automatic updates work correctly:

Internet Connection: Your Nintendo Switch needs to be connected to the internet to download updates. Make sure you're connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. A weak or unreliable connection can interrupt the download process and prevent updates from installing.
Sufficient Storage Space: The Switch needs enough free storage space to download and install updates. If your console is running low on space, you might need to delete some games or other content to make room for the updates. Consider investing in a microSD card to expand your storage capacity.
Automatic Downloads Enabled: Make sure that automatic downloads are enabled in your system settings. To check this, go to System Settings > System > Automatic Software Downloads and ensure that the option is turned on. If it's turned off, the Switch won't automatically download updates.
Game Not in Use: The Nintendo Switch won't download updates for a game while you're actively playing it. So, if you're always playing the same game, it might not get updated automatically. Make sure to close the game and let the console sit idle for a while to allow the update to download and install.

If you meet all these conditions, your games should update automatically without any intervention from you. But what if you want to check for updates manually?

Manual Updates: Taking Control

Sometimes, you might want to manually check for updates to ensure that you have the latest version of a game. This is especially useful if you haven't played a particular game in a while or if you suspect that an update might be available but hasn't been downloaded automatically.

Here's how to manually update your games on the Nintendo Switch:

Highlight the Game: On the Nintendo Switch home screen, use the joystick or directional buttons to highlight the game you want to update. Don't open the game; just select it on the home screen.
Press the + or - Button: With the game highlighted, press the + or - button on your Joy-Con or Pro Controller. This will open the game's options menu.
Select "Software Update": In the options menu, scroll down and select "Software Update." This will take you to the update options.
Choose "Via the Internet": Select "Via the Internet" to check for updates online. The Switch will connect to the internet and search for any available updates for the game.
Download and Install: If an update is found, the Switch will prompt you to download and install it. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. The download time will vary depending on the size of the update and the speed of your internet connection.

That's it! Your game will now be updated to the latest version. You can repeat these steps for any other games you want to update manually.

A Quick Tip

If you have multiple games that you want to update, you can repeat the manual update process for each one. However, there's a faster way to update all your games at once:

Go to System Settings: From the Nintendo Switch home screen, select "System Settings."
Select "System": Scroll down and select "System."
Select "Automatic Software Downloads": Ensure that "Automatic Software Downloads" is enabled.
Return to the Home Screen: Go back to the home screen and leave your Nintendo Switch in sleep mode (press the power button once). The console will automatically check for and download updates for all your games in the background.

This is a convenient way to keep all your games up to date without having to manually check each one individually.

Troubleshooting Update Issues

Sometimes, things don't go as smoothly as planned, and you might encounter issues while updating your games. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

Update Won't Download: If the update won't download, check your internet connection. Make sure you're connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and that your internet is working correctly. You can also try restarting your Nintendo Switch and trying again.
Not Enough Storage Space: If you don't have enough storage space, the update won't download. Delete some games or other content to free up space. You can also invest in a microSD card to expand your storage capacity.
Update Stuck at a Certain Percentage: If the update gets stuck at a certain percentage, try restarting your Nintendo Switch. If that doesn't work, try deleting the game and reinstalling it. This will force the console to download the latest version of the game.
Error Code Appears: If you see an error code, search for the code on the Nintendo support website. The website provides detailed information about error codes and how to fix them.

If you've tried all these solutions and you're still having trouble, contact Nintendo support for assistance. They can provide more specific troubleshooting steps and help you resolve the issue.

Managing Storage Space for Updates

Managing storage on your Nintendo Switch is super important, especially with game updates constantly rolling out. Here’s a deeper look at how to keep your storage in check.

Checking Your Storage

First, let's see how much space you're working with:

Go to System Settings: Start from the home screen.
Select Data Management: Scroll down until you find this option.
Check System Memory/microSD Card: Here, you’ll see a breakdown of how much space is used and what's still free on both your system memory and any microSD card you have installed.

Understanding your storage situation is the first step in managing it effectively.

Deleting Games and Software

When space gets tight, you might need to part ways with some games or software. Don't worry; deleting a game doesn't mean you lose it forever! As long as you purchased it from the Nintendo eShop, you can redownload it anytime.

Archiving vs. Deleting: Before diving in, know the difference. Archiving removes the game from your system but leaves the icon on the home screen. This is great if you want quick access to redownloading it. Deleting, on the other hand, removes everything.

Here’s how to delete or archive:

Highlight the Game: On the home screen, select the game you want to manage.
Press + or - Button: This opens the options menu.
Select Manage Software: Then, choose either Archive or Delete. Follow the prompts to complete the process.

Using a microSD Card

If you’re serious about your Switch gaming, a microSD card is a must-have. It massively expands your storage and is relatively inexpensive. Here’s what to consider:

Compatibility: The Switch supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards. For larger game libraries, a microSDXC card with at least 64GB is recommended. 128GB or 256GB cards are even better if you download a lot of games.
Transferring Data: You can move games and data from your system memory to the microSD card. Go to System Settings > Data Management > Move Data Between System / microSD Card.

Tips for Efficient Storage Management

Regularly Review Your Games: Get into the habit of checking your storage and deleting games you no longer play.
Prioritize Physical Copies: If you have the option, buy physical copies of games. This saves storage space on your Switch.
Cloud Saves: Make sure your save data is backed up to the cloud (Nintendo Switch Online subscription required). This ensures you don't lose your progress if you delete a game.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Updating your games on the Nintendo Switch is a breeze, whether you let the console do it automatically or take matters into your own hands. By keeping your games up to date, you'll enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable gaming experience with fewer bugs, better performance, and access to new content. And remember, managing your storage effectively ensures you always have room for the latest updates and games. Happy gaming, everyone! Make sure to stay safe and have fun! And always remember to keep everything updated.