Do Physical Games Save Space On Switch

Physical games do save space on your Switch console, as they store game data on the cartridge instead of your internal storage.

Ever wondered about that nagging storage notification on your Nintendo Switch? We all have! Many players ponder the question; do physical games save space on switch and the answer is quite simple. Physical game cartridges actually store the game data. This means you avoid the need to download a digital copy to your console.

This can be a huge relief for anyone dealing with limited internal storage. Choosing physical games frees up precious room for other games or saved data.

Do Physical Games Save Space on Switch?

Okay, let’s talk about Nintendo Switch games! We all love playing them, but sometimes our Switch starts to feel like it’s running out of room. That’s when the big question pops up: do those little physical game cartridges actually help save space compared to downloading games? It’s a good question, and the answer is a bit more complex than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ We’re going to dive deep into this topic and explore all the ins and outs to help you understand how physical and digital games impact your Nintendo Switch storage.

The Core Difference: Physical vs. Digital Games

The key to understanding space usage lies in the difference between physical and digital games. Physical games come on small cartridges that you insert directly into your Nintendo Switch. Digital games, on the other hand, are downloaded and stored directly on your Switch’s internal memory or on a microSD card.

How Physical Games Work

When you pop a physical game cartridge into your Nintendo Switch, the game data isn’t completely loaded onto your system’s memory. Think of the cartridge as a key that allows your Switch to access the game. The game runs directly from the cartridge itself. Some game data is indeed copied to your console for better performance. These typically include things like save data, game updates, and downloadable content (DLC). However, the bulk of the game itself remains on the cartridge.

How Digital Games Work

Digital games, in contrast, require you to download the entire game onto your Switch. This means all the game files, including everything necessary for running the game, has to be saved on your system’s storage or your microSD card. This can quickly fill up your Switch’s storage space, especially with the many large game titles available.

The Initial Space Advantage of Physical Games

The most obvious advantage of physical games is that they take up minimal space on your Switch’s internal storage or microSD card. Since the game itself primarily lives on the cartridge, you’re not using up a significant amount of space for the core game data. This initial difference can be huge. For example, a game like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” can take up over 14GB of space as a digital download. But, if you have it on a cartridge, the majority of this is on the cartridge and not on your device.

Here’s a simple comparison:

Game Updates and DLC: Where Things Get Tricky

It’s not quite as straightforward as saying physical games always use less space. Modern games often receive updates and sometimes have additional downloadable content (DLC). These things, whether you have a physical or digital copy of the game, still have to be downloaded and stored on your Switch. Let’s break down how this affects physical games:

Game Updates

Game developers frequently release updates to fix bugs, add new features, or improve game performance. These updates are mandatory for both physical and digital copies of a game. So, even if you have a physical cartridge, you’ll still need to download these updates and they will still occupy space on your Switch’s memory or microSD card. The size of these updates can range from a few megabytes to several gigabytes, depending on the game and the changes being made.

Downloadable Content (DLC)

Many games also have DLC, which adds extra content, such as new characters, levels, or storylines. Like game updates, DLC has to be downloaded and stored on your Switch, regardless of whether you own a physical or a digital game. The size of DLC can vary dramatically, from very small packs of extra items to large expansions that significantly add to the game experience. If you plan on purchasing DLCs, it’s essential to keep this extra storage space use in mind.

How Much Space Do Physical Game Updates and DLC Use?

So, you have a physical game – how much space are we actually talking about when we consider updates and DLC? This can vary widely based on the specific title. Here are some approximate examples, remember these can change as developers update games and release new DLC:

• Small Updates: Some smaller updates may only be around 100MB to 500MB.
• Medium Updates: Many updates can fall into the 500MB to 2GB range.
• Large Updates: Some major updates can be as big as 4GB or even more.
• Small DLC: Minor DLCs like item packs might be around 200MB to 1GB
• Medium DLC: A good amount of DLC expansions can be around 2GB to 5GB.
• Large DLC: Some expansions, especially for large games, can be 5GB to 10GB or even more.

As you can see, these updates and DLC files can start adding up quickly, and a physical game may eventually require several gigabytes of storage space for these extra features. This is why it’s important to check your system’s available storage often and ensure you have enough space for these updates. Also, it’s essential to keep your game data organized to avoid any potential storage issues.

The Space Battle: Physical Games vs. Digital Games with Updates and DLC

Let’s recap how storage usage plays out when you consider updates and DLC. In short, physical games do initially offer a much better space saving solution. However, as we’ve seen, the gap can narrow depending on how much extra content you add to them. With a physical game, you have the base game on the cartridge, while a digital game uses storage for the whole game. Then both types of games use up the Switch’s memory or microSD card for save data, updates, and any DLC you download.

It is important to note that a digital copy of a game might require a larger download initially, while a physical copy will have a constant need for updates and additional content. So, the key difference is when the space is taken up, rather than whether it is. That is, with physical games, you can often put off the download of updates and DLC until you plan to use them, allowing you to keep your storage clearer for longer.

Other Factors to Consider

Besides the space, there are other things to think about when deciding whether to buy physical or digital games:

Price

Physical and digital games can often have different prices. Sometimes physical copies can be found cheaper, especially if you buy them used or on sale. Digital games, especially first-party Nintendo titles, are rarely discounted from their initial cost.

Resale Value

Physical games can be resold or traded, allowing you to get some of your money back after you’re finished with them. This is an advantage that digital games do not have. Once you buy a digital game, you usually cannot sell it.

Convenience

Digital games are very convenient, as you can purchase and download them from your Switch at any time. You don’t have to worry about losing or damaging physical cartridges. However, physical games can also be convenient if you have a large collection and like displaying the cases.

Lending and Sharing

Physical games can be lent to friends, making it easier to share and play together. Digital games are linked to your Nintendo account, making sharing more difficult. Nintendo does offer a family plan for its online service that can be shared among multiple accounts. However, this feature does not allow you to play a game that you own with another account in the way you can with physical games.

Tips for Managing Space on Your Nintendo Switch

Whether you primarily buy physical games or prefer the digital option, there are a few ways you can manage space on your Nintendo Switch:

• Use a microSD Card: If you plan on having a lot of digital games (or physical games with updates and DLC) a microSD card is a must. They are relatively affordable and can increase your storage space significantly.

• Delete Unplayed Games: If you don’t play a game anymore, you can delete it to free up space. Don’t worry, you can always redownload digital games you have purchased. If you have a physical copy, deleting will remove any update or DLC data and save data, but the actual physical game won’t be affected.

• Archive Games: If you are not ready to delete a game, the Switch also allows you to “archive” games. This will remove the game data but retain the save data, so you can redownload the game and pick up where you left off.

• Regularly Check Storage: You should regularly check your system storage to see how much space you have left. Knowing when you are running low will help you make decisions about what games to buy.

Making the Right Choice for Your Switch

So, do physical games save space on Switch? The short answer is: yes, they save space for the main game files, but not for updates and DLC. The best way to think about this is that physical games move the location where most of the game data is stored, but all other downloads are handled in the same way as a digital version. If space is your main concern, physical games are a good starting point. However, you should also be aware of how frequently you purchase updates and DLC, as the extra space these occupy will add up over time. The choice between physical and digital should really depend on your personal preferences, playing habits, and how you want to manage your game library. Consider all factors, such as the price, resale value, and convenience when making your decision.

Ultimately, there’s no single “best” option. It’s about knowing how your Switch’s storage works and choosing what fits your needs and gaming style.

The Benefits of Physical Games on Nintendo Switch! #nintendoswitch

Final Thoughts

Physical games offer a clear advantage. They don’t take up valuable storage space on your Nintendo Switch system’s internal memory or SD card. This leaves more room for digital downloads and updates.

Therefore, yes, physical cartridges help you manage your available storage. This is key for users who enjoy downloading many games alongside physical copies. So, do physical games save space on switch? The answer is definitively yes.