Should You Buy Physical or Digital Copies of Nintendo Switch Games?
If you‘re looking build a large Nintendo Switch game library, physical cartridges are usually the better value thanks to discounted prices, ability to resell, and lower storage needs. But digital downloads offer pure convenience. Read this detailed guide to understand the key factors in deciding the best format for your needs.
Physical Game Cartridges: The Pros
Resell and Trade-In Value
Finished with a game? Physical copies can be traded in at retailers like GameStop for cash or credit. Popular games hold decent resale value years after release. Sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace offer additional resale options.
According to PriceCharting.com, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sells used for around $40 two years after launch.
Discounted Prices
New physical games cost the same as digital $60 on release day. But their prices get discounted faster at retailers. Eager sellers undercut each other to clear old stock.
| Game | Physical Price | Digital Price |
| Super Mario Odyssey | $45 | $60 |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | $55 | $60 |
Amazon and Walmart regularly discount physical Nintendo Switch games between $10-$20 lower than digital copies on the Nintendo eShop.
Collectibility of Physical Copies
For fans who appreciate collecting and displaying games, physical copies are appealing. Building a showcase wall of iconic Nintendo Switch titles in boxes is satisfying.
Limited print physical releases become prized collector‘s items. A sealed launch copy of Super Mario Odyssey currently sells for over $300 on eBay.
No Need for Console Storage Space
Switch cartridges store the game data themselves – they don‘t install to your console storage. This leaves space free for game saves and digital-only games.
A 64GB Switch cartridge can fit up to 25GB of game data. Even The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild only uses 13.4GB on cartridge.
Downsides of Physical Games
- Risk of losing or damaging cartridges
- Must switch out cartridges to change games
- Can‘t play without the cartridge inserted
- No automatic downloads for new patches and content
Digital Games: The Pros
Full Portability With No Cartridges
Your entire game library travels easily because it lives on your console‘s SD card – no cartridges to carry or lose.
A 400GB microSD card can hold over 50 full Switch games digitally; you could fit around 8 in physical cases and carts.
Re-Download Lost or Damaged Games
Unlike fragile cartridges prone to damage, your digital purchases are securely linked to your Nintendo Account. Redownload for free if data is corrupted or Switch is lost/stolen.
Cloud saves also preserve your digital game progress online (for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers). So you won‘t lose 100 hours of Zelda progress.
Automatic Updates and DLC
Digital games automatically update with patches, expansions, and downloadable content. Physical requires manually applying updates.
Skyrim on cartridge shipped with 1.0. Physical buyers missed major VR and Survival Mode additions until updating manually.
Family Sharing Options
Your Nintendo Account can share its digital library with others. Set up to 8 additional "primary" Switch consoles to play your downloaded games remotely.
Buy one digital copy of Mario Kart 8, and a family of 4 Switches can all play together – even online multiplayer.
More Shelf Space at Home
Display cases full of game boxes take up room. A 1TB microSD card can hold your entire library in the palm of your hand.
Downsides of Digital Games
- No ability to resell or trade in games
- Need consistent internet connection
- Game prices don‘t decline as rapidly
- Eats up console storage space
- Can‘t share or lend to friends easily
Which Nintendo Franchises Are Must-Own Physical?
For longtime Nintendo fans, buying special editions and collections physically just feels right. These flagship series are worth owning forever in nostalgic cartridge form:
The Legend of Zelda
From the iconic gold Ocarina of Time cartridge to modern Breath of the Wild, Zelda evokes collecting passion. The series spans 36 years and 19 main entries.
Super Mario Bros.
Mario defined Nintendo for generations. Mario Odyssey and 3D platformers feel timeless in physical form. Over 247 million Mario games have sold to date.
Pokemon
Gotta catch ‘em all – literally. Collectors obsess over filling Pokedexes and shelves with each new generation‘s paired versions. And those classic box designs…
Metroid
Exploring Metroid Prime trilogy worlds is unforgettable. The series pioneered non-linear exploration gameplay with a rich sci-fi universe.
Super Smash Bros.
Nintendo‘s mascot brawler is beloved multiplayer perfection. Physical copies are prized for their trophies, controllers, and collectible crossover appeal.
Mixing Digital and Physical Libraries
For most gamers, the best approach is a compromise:
- Buy favorite Nintendo exclusives physically for lasting collectibility.
- Go digital-only for indie or short, casual games.
- Fill genre gaps in your library by buying digital deals.
This mixes convenience of digital with the satisfaction of physical ownership for must-own titles. Shelve your classics proudly while keeping a huge digital library handy.
Preserving Your Physical Cartridges
To safely maintain your physical Switch games:
- Store cartridges in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight in their cases
- Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe away dust or fingerprints from contacts
- Never blow into cartridge slots or use liquids – use canned air instead
- Check external pins for corrosion and clean if needed
- Be gentle inserting cartridges to avoid bending pins
Proper care will maintain accessibility for decades, preserving save data and nostalgic value.
Nintendo Switch Online Fills Gaps
A Nintendo Switch Online subscription provides classic NES and SNES titles to play. For just $20/year, you get streaming retro games without buying new ones.
Game rentals from Redbox kiosks or GameFly subscriptions also let you frequently rotate the physical games you‘re playing. You can enjoy variety alongside purchased games.
Digital Dominance and the Future
Per the Entertainment Retailers Association, digital game downloads on all consoles now significantly outsell physical:
| 2022 | 2021 | |
| Digital game sales | 92% | 83% |
| Physical game sales | 8% | 17% |
This massive shift shows the convenience of digital trumps physical for most modern gamers.
But Nintendo clinging to cartridges shows they still value collecting culture and portability too. The nice thing is you can enjoy both digital and physical game benefits if you choose.
The Verdict
For most Nintendo Switch owners, buying a mix of physical cartridges for favorite evergreen Nintendo titles supplemented with digital indie games and deals is ideal. This balances affordability, portability, convenience, and collecting according to your gaming preferences.
Whichever formats you choose, you have access to an incredible modern Nintendo library powered by innovative hybrid console technology. Enjoy your adventures however you decide to buy them!