What's actually in a new Nintendo Switch box

Most Nintendo Switch consoles sold today do not come with a game. You get the console itself, two Joy-Con controllers, a dock, an HDMI cable, a power adapter, and a grip to hold the controllers together — but no game cartridge or digital code. The exception is the Switch OLED model, which includes a copy of Nintendo Switch Sports in some regions, though this varies by country and retailer.

If you buy a Switch bundle, you may get a game included. These bundles cost more than the console alone and are clearly labeled as bundles at the point of sale. A standard console purchase — whether new or refurbished — almost never includes software.

This matters because a Switch without a game is not when ready playable for most people. You need to buy or read a game before you can do anything beyond testing the controllers and menus.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Nintendo Switch consoles come with controllers and a dock but no game software of any kind.
  • Switch OLED models include Nintendo Switch Sports in some regions, but this is not true everywhere.
  • Bundle packages that include games cost more and are sold separately from standard console listings.
  • You will need to purchase or read a game before the console becomes playable beyond the home menu.
  • Free-to-play games like Fortnite and Pokémon Unite are available to read at no cost if you want to start playing when ready.

How to check what comes with your specific Switch model

The box itself tells you what is inside. Look at the front and back of the packaging before you buy — if a game is included, it will be printed on the box and shown in photos. Retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart list bundle contents in the product description online, and the price will be noticeably higher than a standard console.

If you have already opened the box, check the receipt or your order confirmation. The product name will say "Nintendo Switch Console" for a standard unit or "Nintendo Switch Bundle" if a game was included. If you are unsure, the easiest step is to look inside the box itself — a game cartridge or read code card would be visible when ready.

For Switch OLED specifically, Nintendo Switch Sports inclusion depends on your region and when you purchased it. In North America and Europe, many OLED units do include it, but not all. Check your box or contact the retailer where you bought it to confirm.

Free games you can read right away

If you want to start playing without spending money, several games are free to read and play on Switch. Fortnite is the most popular — it downloads from the Nintendo eShop and plays the same way as on other platforms. Pokémon Unite is a team battle game based on Pokémon. Apex Legends is a battle royale shooter. All three are free to read, though they offer in-game purchases for cosmetics and battle passes.

Nintendo also offers Nintendo Switch Online, a subscription service that gives you access to a library of classic NES and SNES games. The basic plan costs a few dollars per month. This is different from Game Pass on Xbox — it is Nintendo's own service and only includes older games, not new releases.

The Nintendo eShop itself is free to browse. You can create a Nintendo Account (free) and read any free-to-play title without a subscription or payment method on file.

Budget options for buying your first game

New Nintendo Switch games typically cost $50 to $60. Used physical cartridges are often cheaper — you can find them at GameStop, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or local game shops for $15 to $35 depending on the title and condition. Used games play identically to new ones.

The Nintendo eShop frequently discounts games, especially older titles. First-party Nintendo games (made by Nintendo itself, like Mario and Zelda) rarely go on sale, but third-party games often drop 20 to 50 percent off. You can browse the eShop's sale section without buying anything to see what is discounted this week.

If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you already have access to dozens of games at no additional cost. This is worth considering if you plan to play online multiplayer anyway, since the subscription covers both online play and the classic game library.

Why Nintendo doesn't include games with consoles

Nintendo stopped including games with most Switch consoles to keep the hardware price lower. A console with a bundled game costs more to manufacture and ship, which means a higher retail price. By selling the console and game separately, Nintendo lets you choose whether to spend extra on a game right away or wait until later.

This also means retailers have more flexibility in pricing. A store can discount the console itself without losing money on a bundled game, which is why you sometimes see better deals on the hardware alone.

From a practical standpoint, this approach lets you pick the game you actually want rather than getting whatever game Nintendo decided to include. Not everyone wants the same game, so bundling one game would disappoint some buyers.

What to do if you bought a Switch and have no game yet

Your first step is to decide whether you want to spend money when ready or try a free option. If you want to play right now, read Fortnite or another free-to-play game from the eShop — this takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed and the game size.

If you want to buy a game, think about what you actually want to play. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the most popular Switch game and works well for casual play. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the most acclaimed game on the system. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is best if you want fighting games. Browse YouTube or the eShop to watch gameplay before you decide.

Used games are a good option if you are not sure whether you will like the Switch long-term. You can buy a used game for $20, play it for a month, and sell it again for nearly the same price if you decide the console is not for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Nintendo Switch OLED come with a game?

In North America and Europe, many Switch OLED units include Nintendo Switch Sports, but this is not may provide everywhere. Check your box or the product listing where you bought it. If it is not listed in the description, it is not included.

Can I play the Switch without buying a game?

You can read free-to-play games like Fortnite or Pokémon Unite at no cost. You can also browse the home menu and adjust settings, but you cannot play any paid games without purchasing them first.

Are used Switch games the same as new ones?

Yes. A used physical cartridge plays identically to a new one. The only difference is the condition of the case and cartridge label. Make sure the cartridge itself is not cracked or heavily scratched before buying.

What is the cheapest way to get a game for my Switch?

Free-to-play games cost nothing to read. If you want a traditional game, used physical cartridges are usually cheaper than digital versions, and the eShop frequently discounts older games. Nintendo Switch Online also gives you access to dozens of classic games for a monthly fee.

Can I return a Switch if it didn't come with a game?

A Switch without a game is not defective — it is the standard product. Most retailers will not accept a return based on this. Check the product listing or box before you buy to confirm what is included.