Update Nintendo Switch Games: A Quick & Easy Guide

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How to Update Nintendo Switch Games: A Quick & Easy Guide

Hey guys! Keeping your Nintendo Switch games updated is super important. Not only do updates often bring sweet new content, but they also patch up those pesky bugs and glitches that can ruin your gameplay. Plus, updates ensure compatibility with Nintendo's online services, letting you battle your friends (or foes!) across the globe. So, let's dive into how to keep your game library fresh and ready to roll!

Why Updating Your Games Matters

Before we jump into the how, let’s quickly cover the why. Game updates are more than just adding new skins or characters (though, let's be honest, that's a big part of the appeal!). Here’s a few key reasons why you should always keep your games updated:

  • Bug Fixes: No game is perfect at launch. Developers constantly work to squash bugs that can cause everything from minor annoyances to game-breaking crashes. Updates deliver these fixes, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
  • New Content: Who doesn’t love free stuff? Updates often include new levels, characters, items, and features that keep the game feeling fresh and exciting long after you've completed the main storyline. Think of it as the developers constantly adding sprinkles to your favorite ice cream!
  • Performance Improvements: Updates can optimize the game's performance, leading to better frame rates, faster loading times, and overall improved stability. This is especially crucial for demanding games that push the Switch's hardware to its limits.
  • Online Compatibility: Many Nintendo Switch games rely on online services for multiplayer modes, leaderboards, and other features. Updates ensure that your game is compatible with these services, allowing you to play with friends and compete with other players online without any hiccups. If you're planning to jump into some Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Splatoon 2 online battles, you'll definitely want to make sure your game is up-to-date.
  • Security Patches: Although less common, game updates can also include security patches that protect your Switch from potential vulnerabilities. Keeping your games updated helps ensure the overall security of your console.

Checking for Updates: The Automatic Way

The Nintendo Switch is pretty smart about updates. By default, it's set to automatically download and install updates whenever they're available, as long as your console is connected to the internet. This is the easiest way to keep your games current, as you don't have to lift a finger (well, maybe just to turn on your Switch!). Here’s how to make sure automatic updates are enabled:

  1. Go to System Settings: From the Nintendo Switch home menu, select the "System Settings" icon. It looks like a little gear.
  2. Navigate to System: Scroll down in the left-hand menu and select "System."
  3. Check Auto-Update Software: On the right-hand side, look for the "Auto-Update Software" option. Make sure it's set to "On." If it's off, simply select it to turn it on. When enabled, your Nintendo Switch will automatically download game updates when it's connected to the internet and in sleep mode. This is usually the most convenient way to keep your games up to date, as you won't have to manually check for updates yourself.

With automatic updates enabled, your Nintendo Switch will handle most of the work for you. However, there may be times when you want to manually check for updates, especially if you haven't played a particular game in a while or if you're experiencing issues that you suspect might be resolved with an update. Manual updates are also useful if you want to ensure that you have the latest version of a game before starting a new play session.

Manually Updating Your Games: Step-by-Step

Sometimes, you might want to take matters into your own hands. Maybe you just bought a new game, or you haven't played a particular title in ages. Manually checking for updates is a breeze. Here's how:

  1. Highlight the Game Icon: On the Nintendo Switch home menu, find the game you want to update and highlight its icon. Don't open the game; just select the icon.
  2. Press the Plus (+) or Minus (-) Button: With the game icon highlighted, press either the Plus (+) or Minus (-) button on your Joy-Con or Pro Controller. This will bring up a menu of options specific to that game.
  3. Select "Software Update": In the menu that appears, scroll down and select "Software Update." This will take you to a submenu with update options.
  4. Choose "Via the Internet": Select "Via the Internet." The Nintendo Switch will then connect to the internet and check for any available updates for the game. If an update is found, it will automatically download and install it. The download speed will depend on your internet connection. Ensure your Nintendo Switch remains connected to the internet throughout the process. Once the update is complete, you're good to go! You can launch the game and enjoy the latest features and improvements.

Troubleshooting Update Issues

Occasionally, you might run into snags while updating your games. Don't worry; these problems are usually easy to fix. Here are a few common issues and their solutions:

  • Internet Connection Problems: The most common culprit is a poor or unstable internet connection. Make sure your Switch is connected to a strong Wi-Fi network. Try restarting your router or moving closer to it to improve the signal strength. You can also try using a wired internet connection if you have a USB-to-Ethernet adapter.
  • Insufficient Storage Space: Game updates can be quite large, so make sure you have enough free space on your Nintendo Switch's internal storage or microSD card. If you're running low on space, you can delete old games or transfer them to a microSD card.
  • Server Issues: Sometimes, Nintendo's servers might be temporarily down for maintenance or experiencing high traffic. In this case, the best thing to do is wait a few hours and try again later. You can check Nintendo's official website or social media channels for updates on server status.
  • Corrupted Data: In rare cases, corrupted game data can prevent updates from installing correctly. If this happens, you can try deleting the game and redownloading it from the Nintendo eShop. This will ensure that you have a clean, uncorrupted copy of the game.

Managing Download Speeds

Nobody likes waiting forever for a download to finish. Here are a few tips to speed things up:

  • Close Other Applications: Make sure no other applications are running on your Nintendo Switch while you're downloading updates. This will free up system resources and bandwidth, allowing the update to download faster.
  • Pause and Resume the Download: Sometimes, pausing and resuming the download can help to kickstart it and improve the download speed. This is especially useful if the download seems to be stuck or progressing very slowly.
  • Use a Wired Connection: If possible, use a wired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi. A wired connection is generally more stable and faster than Wi-Fi, which can significantly reduce download times. You'll need a USB-to-Ethernet adapter for this.
  • Download During Off-Peak Hours: Try downloading updates during off-peak hours, such as late at night or early in the morning. During these times, there is less network congestion, which can result in faster download speeds.
  • Move Closer to Your Router: If you're using Wi-Fi, try moving your Nintendo Switch closer to your wireless router. The closer you are to the router, the stronger the Wi-Fi signal will be, which can improve download speeds.

Keeping Your System Updated

Don't forget about the system updates! These updates are just as important as game updates, as they can improve the overall performance and stability of your Nintendo Switch. System updates also introduce new features and enhancements, such as improved user interface elements and expanded functionality.

To check for system updates, go to System Settings > System > System Update. Your Switch will automatically check for any available updates and prompt you to install them. It's a good idea to check for system updates regularly to ensure that your console is running the latest and greatest software.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Keeping your Nintendo Switch games updated is a breeze, whether you prefer the automatic route or like to take control manually. Remember, updates are your friends – they bring bug fixes, new content, performance improvements, and online compatibility. Now go forth and game on, with the confidence that your Switch is always running at its best! Happy gaming, everyone!