Since its release in 2017, the Nintendo Switch has marked a new era of hybrid consoles. As we wait for Switch 2’s launch in 2024, new users are still wondering whether the Switch comes with games.
Keep reading to discover what games a Nintendo Switch comes with. We’ll also cover the best game bundles and everything you get in a new console.
Does Nintendo Switch Come With Games?
No, Nintendo Switch doesn’t come with games, so players must get these games separately. However, you can find bundle packages where retailers sell the Switch console with one or two games. Getting a game collection on the Switch is easy, even without spending money.
During sales deals, you can get Nintendo Switch games from the eShop for as low as $2. Additionally, with a subscription like the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, players can enjoy classic games for only $10 per person a year.
Discover how much a used Nintendo Switch costs.
What Comes With a Nintendo Switch?
A Nintendo Switch comes with a console, left and right joy-con, and a pair of joy-con straps. It also includes a joy-con grip accessory, an HDMI cable, an AC adapter, and a Nintendo Switch dock. There are eight items, excluding the manuals and other paperwork.
However, the items may vary depending on the Nintendo Switch model you buy. For instance, the Nintendo Switch Lite doesn’t have a dock because it was designed as a portable console and can’t output to the TV.
Also, depending on the retail outlet, you might get a bundle offer with additional accessories.
Read the Nintendo FAQS about the OLED model to see what comes with it.
Do You Need to Buy Games for Nintendo Switch?
No, you don’t need to buy games for Nintendo Switch. You can access Nintendo free-to-play games from the Switch system or get a Nintendo game bundle when purchasing your console. However, you may have to buy some exclusive versions of games that aren’t free to download.
These are the 3 options to start playing on the Nintendo Switch:
- Buy a Nintendo Switch + Game Bundle
- Download Free Games
- Buy physical or digital games.
We’ll discuss each option in detail below.
Looking for child-friendly games? These are the top 9 best Switch games for 3-year-olds.
5 Best Nintendo Switch + Games Bundles
Here are 5 of the best Switch + game bundles available on Amazon:
1. Nintendo Switch OLED: Super Smash Bro
Price: $349.99
The Super Smash Bro bundle is available for Nintendo Switch OLED. It includes a download code redeemable at the Nintendo eShop.
With this purchase, you get three play modes- handheld, TV, and tabletop- detachable joy-con controllers, and three months of online Switch membership.
Sonic The Hedgehog, a popular Sega character, appears in Super Smash Bro. This makes some gamers wonder, “Does Nintendo own Sega?“
2. Nintendo Switch Pokemon Bundle
Price: $799
The Pokemon Bundle is an excellent option for Pokemon fanatics of all ages. The switch system includes Pokemon etchings at the back of the screen, and the joy-con clips are color-coordinated to match the theme.
It also includes a Pokeball Plus (which works as a joy-con) and download codes. Additionally, you’ll get a Pikachu and Evee theme dock matching the controllers.
Related Post: Are Nintendo Switch Games Region-Locked?
3. Nintendo Switch Monster Hunter Rise
Price: $359.99
The Monster Hunter Rise deluxe edition is a Nintendo Switch system inspired by the monster Magnamalo from the action RPG monster title. It features metallic artwork on the console, joy-con controllers, and the Switch dock.
The system also includes a digital code for Monster Hunter Rise Deluxe kit and extra in-game content. It is a good option for retro game lovers.
4. Nintendo Switch Mario Choose One
Price: $399.99
This Switch system is ideal for Mario Kart fans. The bundle includes the Switch dock in black and red joy-con controllers.
You can choose either New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, or Super Mario Odyssey. There are also additional Super Mario Bros. Movie sticker sheets.
5. Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle
Price: $299.99
The Mario Kart 8 game bundle has neon red and blue joy-con controllers. It includes the download codes for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game and a free 3-month individual Switch Online membership.
The game has three play modes: handheld, tabletop, and TV. There is a roster of 42 characters in the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Thanks to the free membership, 12 people can play together.
You also get access to a 100+ library of class Super NES, NES, and Game Boy games and more. This is great since the original Nintendo Switch system doesn’t have games.
How to Access Free Games on Nintendo Switch
Important! To access the eShop, you must have a Nintendo account. Go to “accounts.nintendo.com“ and choose “Create a Nintendo Account.”
Here are steps for accessing free games on Nintendo Switch via the eShop:
Step 1: Go to “Nintendo eShop” & Select Your Profile.
Step 2: Open “Search” > Filtered Search”
Step 3: Scroll to “Price Range > Free Download” and Press “Search”
Step 4: Select a Game and Choose “Free Download”
Step 5: Confirm by Selecting “Free Download”
Step 6: Return to the Main Menu to See the Download Status
Make sure you know how many games a Nintendo Switch can hold to maximize the number of games you’ll download.
How to Buy Games for the Nintendo Switch
You can buy games for the Nintendo Switch from the eShop or physical games from the nearest retail store or Amazon. Some retail shops like GameStop include previously owned titles and accessories. Both digital and physical games have the same performance and quality.
Tip! If you’re a collector, go for physical games since they can have a higher retail value when Nintendo removes the titles from its eShop.
Here are steps to buy games from the Nintendo eShop:
Step 1: Press the “Home” Button & Choose “Nintendo eShop”
Step 2: Select Your Profile & Choose “Search / Browse”
Unfortunately, The Sims is not coming to Nintendo Switch yet. But there are other simulation games that you can enjoy while waiting for its release. Find out more details about those games in this article.
Step 3: Search for the Game Title You’d Like to Purchase
Step 4: Click the Game and Select “Proceed to Purchase”
Step 5: Choose a Payment Method
You can use a Nintendo eShop card to make purchases.
Step 6: Pick an Amount and Follow the On-Screen Instructions
Extra funds will be added to your Nintendo eShop account for future purchases.
Step 7: Confirm by Selecting “Add Funds and Purchase”
Once the game is downloaded, it appears on your home screen. After each purchase, you earn gold points/coins, which you can use for future purchases.
You can also purchase games by getting a digital code to download the game like this Switch digital code to buy Legend of Zelda or this other code to buy Hyrule Warriors Age of Calamity.
Looking for more games to download? Check out the best visual novels on Switch!
Nintendo Switch Doesn’t Come With Games
The unfortunate answer is none for those asking what games a Nintendo Switch comes with. However, players can get free games from the eShop or purchase Nintendo Switch + Game bundles.
The Switch system includes a dock, console, joy-con grips, a pair of joy-con straps, an AC adapter, and a cable. Nintendo Switch also comes with two controllers. To play two players on the Nintendo Switch, each player gets one joy-con (controller). This option is only available for select games.
