Most Nintendo Switch models come with no games at all

The Nintendo Switch console itself — the tablet, the dock, the controllers — arrives empty. You get the hardware and nothing to play on it. Nintendo stopped bundling games with the Switch years ago, so you will need to buy or read games separately, whether you choose the standard model, the OLED version, or the Switch Lite.

The one exception is the Switch Sports bundle, which includes a physical copy of Nintendo Switch Sports (a collection of motion-controlled games like tennis and bowling). This bundle costs more than the console alone, and Nintendo does not always keep it in stock. Most people buy the console by itself and then choose their own games.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite all ship with no games included — you buy games separately as physical cartridges or digital downloads.
  • Nintendo Switch Sports is the only bundle that includes a game, and it costs extra compared to buying the console alone.
  • Physical games are cartridges you insert into the console; digital games read to the internal storage or a microSD card.
  • Nintendo Switch Online (a paid subscription) gives you access to a library of classic NES and SNES games, but does not include modern Nintendo titles.
  • Popular games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey are sold separately and can cost $40 to $60 each.

Physical cartridges versus digital downloads

When you buy a game for Switch, you choose between a physical cartridge (a small card you insert into the console) or a digital version (a file you read and store on the device). Physical cartridges cost the same or slightly less, take up no storage space on the console, and you can resell or trade them. Digital games read when ready if you have internet, take up storage space, and you cannot sell them — they stay tied to your account.

The Switch has 32 GB of built-in storage, but the operating system uses about 13 GB, leaving roughly 19 GB for games. A single large game can use 10 to 15 GB, so if you plan to read multiple games, you will need a microSD card (usually $10 to $30 for 128 GB or 256 GB). Physical cartridges avoid this problem entirely.

Popular games you can buy separately

The most common games people buy for Switch are Nintendo's own titles: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (an open-world adventure), Super Mario Odyssey (a 3D platformer), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (a racing game), and Animal Crossing: New Horizons (a life simulation game where you decorate an island). These games typically cost $50 to $60 new, though older titles sometimes drop in price.

Third-party publishers also make games for Switch: The Witcher 3, Doom, Fortnite, and Minecraft are all available. Indie developers publish smaller games that often cost $10 to $30. The Nintendo eShop (the digital store built into the console) lists thousands of titles, and you can browse by price, genre, or rating.

Nintendo Switch Online and classic games

Nintendo Switch Online is a paid subscription service ($20 per year for the basic plan, or $50 per year for the Expansion Pack). It does not give you access to modern Nintendo games like Mario or Zelda. Instead, it gives you a library of classic NES and SNES games from the 1980s and 1990s — titles like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong Country. You can play these games as long as your subscription is active.

The Expansion Pack tier adds Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, plus access to DLC (extra content) for certain modern games. Neither tier includes new releases. If you want to play current Nintendo games, you still buy them separately.

Where to buy games and what to expect on price

You can buy physical cartridges at retailers like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon. Digital games are purchased through the Nintendo eShop, which you access directly on the console or through a web browser. Prices vary: new Nintendo first-party games (made by Nintendo itself) usually stay at $50 to $60 for years. Third-party games and indie titles have wider price ranges, from $5 to $50.

Used physical games are often cheaper than new ones — you can find them at GameStop, local used game stores, or online marketplaces. Digital games rarely go on sale, though the eShop does run periodic discounts. If you are budget-conscious, buying used physical cartridges is usually the most affordable route.

Storage and what happens when you run out of space

If you read games and fill up the Switch's 32 GB storage, you can still play games you have already downloaded. You cannot read new games until you delete something or add a microSD card. Deleting a game frees up space but does not delete your save file — you can re-read the game later and pick up where you left off (as long as your account is on the console).

A microSD card (inserted into a slot on the back of the console) expands storage cheaply. A 128 GB card costs around $15 to $20 and holds roughly 100 smaller games or 10 to 15 large ones. A 256 GB card costs $25 to $35 and is the practical limit — the Switch does not support larger cards reliably.

Free-to-play games and demos

Some games are free to read and play: Fortnite, Pokémon Unite, and Splatoon 3 (the online multiplayer shooter) all have free versions. Free-to-play games usually make money through cosmetics (skins, emotes) or battle passes (seasonal content bundles), not by blocking gameplay. You do not have to pay to play, but you can if you want cosmetic items.

The Nintendo eShop also offers free demos for many games — you can read and try them before buying. Demos are usually limited (a certain number of levels or a time limit), but they let you see if you like a game before spending money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to play games I buy?

No. You need Switch Online only to play online multiplayer or to access the classic game library. Single-player games work without a subscription. Online multiplayer (Mario Kart, Splatoon, Pokémon Sword and Shield raids) requires an active subscription.

Can I play games from other systems on a Switch?

No. Switch games are exclusive to Switch. You cannot play PlayStation, Xbox, or PC games on a Switch console. Some games are available on multiple platforms, but you buy separate copies for each system.

What happens if I buy a digital game and then sell my Switch?

The game stays tied to your Nintendo account. If you move your account to a new Switch, you can re-read the game. If you sell the console without transferring your account, the new owner cannot play your games unless they log in with your account.

Are physical games region-locked?

No. A physical game cartridge from any region plays on any Switch console. Digital games are also not region-locked — you can read a game from any region's eShop if you have an account in that region.

How much storage does a typical game use?

It varies widely. Small indie games use 1 to 3 GB. Mid-sized games use 5 to 10 GB. Large games like The Witcher 3 or Doom use 12 to 15 GB. Check the eShop listing before downloading to see the exact size.