Have you ever wondered if you can play downloaded Switch games offline? This is a common question from Nintendo users, with most desiring to enjoy their gameplay without an internet connection.
In this article, you’ll discover whether you can play downloaded Nintendo Switch games offline. Read through to learn how to play Switch games offline and the Nintendo games you can enjoy without WiFi.
Can You Play Downloaded Switch Games Without Internet?
Yes, you can play downloaded Switch games offline by purchasing and downloading offline games from the Nintendo eShop. However, you won’t enjoy online modes like game updates, while other versions like Fortnite and Rocket League are strictly online.
It’s worth noting that when playing offline Switch games, your Nintendo user profile should be the console’s primary account. This way, you can save the game. on the console and access it even without the internet.
There are various benefits to enjoy when playing without the internet, including multiplayer games with players near you. You can also save your game’s progress and access it when playing online.
8 Nintendo Switch Games You Can Play Offline
Here are 8 of the Nintendo Switch games you can download and play offline.
- The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom.
This is a Nintendo sequel game, mostly reputable as the best single-player Switch game. You get to decide on your path in the mysterious floating skies while you try to harness power to protect a kingdom. - Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
Released in 2022, the game involves a proper 3D adventure. It involves an exploration of the “Forgotten Land” while Kirby tries to find his way back home. -
Brawlhalla.
This free-fighting game includes playing against a computer or other 8 local players. The 2D game version also involves playing ranked matches in the single-player mode.
- Ninjala.
The Switch game allows you to enjoy practice and training gameplays while offline. Ninjala involves a Battle Royale mode where you can battle your friends one-on-one and a four-vs-four version if you want a team battle. - Hollow Knight.
The Indie version lets you enjoy its challenging and atmospheric game style without the internet. This includes its colorful combat system, character design, and story. - Animal Crossing.
The game is a life-simulation version in which you create your island paradise. Unlike the previous mentions, it is nonviolent but adventurous. It involves exploring colorful lands as you build your island paradise.
Looking for Switch games that a child can play offline? These are the 9 of the best Switch games for 3-year-olds. - Stardew-Valley.
This Nintendo game is simple to interact with. It is an excellent option to relax after a long day. This is through creating your dream farm or learning to live with various domestic animals.
We have a list of the best eight-player games on Switch if you want to play with your friends.
How to Play Switch Games Offline
Here are the steps for playing Switch games offline:
Step 1: Turn on Nintendo & Ensure It Is Your Primary Console
If not, log into your console using your primary account.
Step 2: Connect to WiFi to Download Your Preferred Game
If you have a Nintendo subscription, you can head to the eShop and download your game of choice.
Step 3: Check the Games You Downloaded on Your “Home Screen”
Step 4: Select Your Game & Start Playing
Want to download multiple offline games? Discover how many games a Switch can hold.
How Long Can You Play Digital Switch Games Offline?
You can play Nintendo Switch games offline for 7 days with an active membership. Connect to the internet every 7 days to keep your membership active. You lose your ability to play games offline once you cut your Nintendo membership.
Another thing worth noting is that failing to verify your membership after 7 days will prevent you from playing offline Switch games. However, your game data and progress will remain saved on your console until you verify your membership.
While you can play a game offline, you won’t access updates and patches that can improve the game’s performance, fix bugs, or add new content. You must connect your Switch to the internet from time to time to update your games.
Find out more about playing Switch games offline from Nintendo Support.
Why Can’t You Play Downloaded Games Offline?
You can’t play downloaded Switch games offline because you’re not using a primary console. Cloud games and games that require Nintendo Switch membership verification, like NES and SuperNES, need an internet connection, so you can’t play them offline.
To make the Switch your primary console, deregister your Nintendo account from your original console. Head to the Nintendo eShop and select the console you want to deregister. Then, scroll down to “Primary Console > Deregister”.
This will let you use your Nintendo account for a new primary console.
Finally, log into the console where you can’t play games offline using your Nintendo account. The first Nintendo Switch you use to sign in to your account will become your primary console automatically.
Discover more about setting your Nintendo account as your primary console from Nintendo Support.
Tips To Enjoy Nintendo Switch Offline
There are several ways you can better immerse yourself in fantastic gaming adventures without relying on an internet connection.
Here are tips on how to play Switch games:
- Try the Local Multiplayer Mode.
You can play against nearby Nintendo users without an internet connection using Switch’s Local Multiplayer Mode. For instance, Brawlhalla, a game you can play offline, allows up to 8 local users. - Pre-download the Latest Nintendo Switch Firmware.
You’ll seamlessly enjoy games offline when using the latest Switch firmware. Ensure you have enough storage space when updating your games and console software. - Download Games on an SD Card or USB Drive.
An SD card lets you save offline game data. However, using an SD card makes it take longer to load games. - Use Nintendo as a Handheld Device.
Using a portable device, you can play downloaded Switch games offline from any location. This is achievable by folding out the kickstand, which is more convenient and portable. - Turn Off Voice Chat.
This keeps your background activity private while you play against nearby Nintendo players. - Use the GameCube Controller App on Android/iOS.
The GameCube controller allows you to connect Nintendo with a smartphone. This enables you to control and play the Switch games from your Android/iOS gadget instead of the Joy-con devices.
It’s Possible to Play Switch Games Offline
You can play downloaded Switch games offline as long you have downloaded the game from the Nintendo eShop. You also need an active Nintendo membership to access offline games. You must also go online every 7 days to confirm your membership.
If you’re unsure what Nintendo Switch games you can download and play offline, we’ve got an extensive list that you can check out!
