Physical Vs Digital Nintendo Switch Games: Which Should You Buy?

Choosing between physical and digital Nintendo Switch games can be tough, right? It really boils down to what you value most as a gamer. Do you love the feel of holding a game cartridge, or are you all about the convenience of having your games always with you, ready to play? Let's break down the pros and cons to help you make the best decision. When you're thinking about buying Nintendo Switch games, you've essentially got two main routes to go down: physical cartridges or digital downloads. Both have their own set of perks and drawbacks, and the best choice really hinges on what kind of gamer you are and what you prioritize in your gaming experience.

Advantages of Physical Nintendo Switch Games

Collecting and Reselling: One of the biggest advantages of physical games is the ability to collect them. There's something satisfying about seeing a shelf full of your favorite games, isn't there? Plus, you can resell physical games once you're done with them, recouping some of your initial investment. Think about it – you finish a game, and instead of it just sitting on your Switch's memory, you can trade it in or sell it online to someone else who'll enjoy it. This can save you money in the long run, especially if you tend to buy a lot of games. This aspect is totally absent in the digital market. This also makes physical games a solid choice for gamers who are not willing to spend too much money on games. You can always get a physical game, play it, and then sell it to get another one. I usually go with this strategy when buying single-player games.

Tangible Ownership: There's also the sense of ownership that comes with physical games. You actually own the game, which means you can lend it to friends, take it to their place for multiplayer sessions, or even just admire the box art. It's a different feeling than simply having a digital license tied to your account. For some people, that tangible ownership is a big deal. They like having something physical to show for their purchase. The box art, the feel of the cartridge – it all adds to the experience. And that is why I love them.

No Need to Worry About Storage: Physical games don't take up space on your Switch's internal storage or microSD card. This is a huge plus if you have a smaller Switch or don't want to invest in additional storage. With digital games, you're constantly managing your storage, deleting games you're not playing to make room for new ones. With physical games, you just pop in the cartridge and you're good to go. This can be especially important if you have a lot of large games that take up a ton of space.

Great for Gifting: Physical games make great gifts. There's something special about giving someone a physical copy of a game, especially if it's one you know they'll love. It shows that you put thought into the gift, and it's something they can unwrap and hold in their hands. Digital games can be gifted too, but it's just not the same experience, is it? I usually choose physical games when gifting to close friends. The wrapping experience makes the gift so much better.

Disadvantages of Physical Nintendo Switch Games

Cartridge Chaos: Let's be real, those little cartridges are easy to lose. They're small, and if you're not careful, they can easily slip out of your pocket or get misplaced. And once they're gone, they're gone. You'll have to buy the game all over again. Plus, constantly swapping cartridges can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you're someone who likes to switch between games frequently. You gotta keep track of where you put each game. I have lost 3 nintendo switch cartridges in the past.

Wear and Tear: Physical games can get damaged. Scratches, spills, or even just normal wear and tear can render a cartridge unplayable. Digital games, on the other hand, are immune to physical damage. As long as you have a backup of your data, you can always re-download them. This is a big advantage for digital games, especially if you're someone who's prone to accidents. So, you really need to care about your game library.

Less Convenient for Travel: Carrying around a bunch of game cartridges when you're traveling can be a pain. They take up space, and you have to worry about losing them or getting them damaged. Digital games are much more convenient for travel, as you can have your entire library with you at all times without having to carry anything extra. All games are ready on the console. This makes it easier to choose the game you want to play without carrying them everywhere.

Can Be More Expensive: Physical games can sometimes be more expensive than their digital counterparts, especially if you're buying them new. Retailers often mark up physical games to cover their costs, whereas digital games can be sold at a lower price due to the lack of physical production and distribution costs. However, this isn't always the case, as physical games can also be found on sale or used for a lower price. Keep this in mind when choosing your games.

Advantages of Digital Nintendo Switch Games

Ultimate Convenience: The biggest advantage of digital games is the convenience factor. You can purchase and download games directly from the Nintendo eShop, and they're ready to play in minutes. No need to go to a store, no need to wait for shipping. Plus, you can have dozens of games stored on your Switch at all times, ready to play whenever you want. This is a huge plus for busy gamers who don't have a lot of time to go shopping or wait for deliveries. This can be a big advantage for most gamers.

Always Available: Digital games are always available, as long as you have an internet connection. You don't have to worry about stores being closed, games being out of stock, or anything like that. If you want a game, you can just download it and start playing. This is especially useful for impulse purchases or when you want to play a game that's hard to find in stores. With this, you don't have to worry about going to the store. This is perfect for playing games on the spot.

No Risk of Loss or Damage: As mentioned earlier, digital games can't be lost or damaged. As long as you have a backup of your data, you can always re-download them if something happens to your Switch. This is a big relief for people who are worried about losing their games or having them damaged by accidents. So, you don't have to worry about losing your games. You can always download them again when a problem occurs. I have lost several cartridges in the past. That's why I also love digital games.

Pre-Loading Games: Many digital games allow you to pre-load them before they're released. This means you can download the game to your Switch ahead of time, and it will be ready to play the moment it's released. This is a great way to avoid launch day download times and start playing your new game right away. This is an awesome feature. I usually use this feature when a game I'm anticipating comes out.

Disadvantages of Digital Nintendo Switch Games

Storage Limitations: Digital games take up space on your Switch's internal storage or microSD card. This can be a problem if you have a smaller Switch or don't want to invest in additional storage. You'll have to manage your storage carefully, deleting games you're not playing to make room for new ones. This can be a hassle, especially if you like to have a lot of games installed at once. In these scenarios, you need to purchase extra storage.

No Reselling or Lending: You can't resell or lend digital games. Once you've purchased a digital game, it's tied to your Nintendo account, and you can't transfer it to anyone else. This means you're stuck with the game forever, even if you don't like it or never play it again. This can be a significant drawback for people who like to recoup some of their money by selling used games. So, you can't get your money back after playing the game.

Account Dependency: Your digital games are tied to your Nintendo account. If something happens to your account, you could lose access to your games. This is a rare occurrence, but it's something to keep in mind. Make sure you keep your account information safe and secure, and consider backing up your data regularly. This is a critical element of digital games. If you forget your information, it can be a headache.

Pricey Without Deals: Digital games can sometimes be more expensive than physical games, especially if you're not taking advantage of sales or discounts. Nintendo rarely offers significant discounts on digital games, so you may end up paying more in the long run compared to buying physical games used or on sale. You need to wait for sales to get the games at a lower price.

The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

So, should you buy physical or digital Nintendo Switch games? There's no right or wrong answer – it really depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you value collecting, reselling, and tangible ownership, physical games are the way to go. If you prioritize convenience, accessibility, and not worrying about losing or damaging games, digital games are a better choice.

Consider these questions:

• How important is it to you to own a physical copy of the game?
• Do you plan on reselling the game after you're done with it?
• How much storage space do you have on your Switch?
• How often do you travel with your Switch?
• Do you prefer convenience or saving money?

By answering these questions, you can get a better sense of which type of game is right for you. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that makes you the happiest and allows you to enjoy your Nintendo Switch games to the fullest. So, go out there and game on, whatever your preference may be! Happy gaming, guys!