Should I buy Switch games digital or physical for best value & storage?

The Great Debate: Digital vs. Physical Switch Games

For every Nintendo Switch owner, a recurring question arises when purchasing new titles: should I opt for the convenience of digital downloads or embrace the tangible charm of physical game cartridges? This isn’t just a matter of preference; it significantly impacts long-term value, storage management, and your overall gaming experience. Let’s dive deep into the pros and cons of each format to help you make an informed decision.

Physical Games: The Tangible Appeal

There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with owning a physical game. The crisp box art, the miniature cartridge, and the ability to display your collection are all part of the appeal. But beyond aesthetics, physical games offer practical benefits.

• Resale Value: One of the biggest advantages is the ability to sell or trade your games once you’re done with them. This can significantly offset the initial purchase cost, making expensive titles more palatable.
• Collecting: Many gamers love to curate a physical library. It’s a testament to their gaming journey and can hold sentimental value.
• No Downloads, Less Storage Headache (Initially): While some games require patches, the bulk of the game data is on the cartridge, saving precious internal storage space on your Switch or microSD card. You also don’t need to wait for lengthy downloads.
• Lending & Sharing: Physical cartridges can be easily lent to friends or family, allowing them to experience games without an additional purchase.

However, physical games aren’t without their drawbacks. Cartridges can be lost or damaged, they take up physical space, and you’ll need to remember to swap them out every time you want to play a different game.

Digital Games: The Convenience Factor

The Nintendo eShop offers a vast library of games, available for purchase and download instantly. This format prioritizes convenience and accessibility.

• Instant Access & No Swapping: Once downloaded, your games are always available on your Switch. No need to carry a case full of cartridges or fumble with tiny cards – just select and play.
• Frequent Sales: The eShop regularly features significant discounts on a wide array of titles, sometimes offering prices far below their physical counterparts.
• Less Physical Clutter: For minimalists, digital games mean no boxes, no shelves, and a cleaner gaming setup.
• Always Available: As long as the eShop exists and you have your account details, you can re-download any game you’ve purchased, even if you delete it to free up space.

The downsides include the complete lack of resale value, the reliance on your Nintendo account (meaning games aren’t truly ‘owned’ in the traditional sense), and the necessity of a large microSD card to store your ever-growing digital library, as game sizes can be substantial.

Value Proposition: Short-Term vs. Long-Term

When considering ‘best value,’ it’s crucial to look beyond the initial purchase price.

• Physical Game Value: While new physical games might initially cost more, their potential resale value means your net cost can be significantly lower over time. Buying used physical games also offers great upfront savings.
• Digital Game Value: Digital games often see steeper discounts during sales events, making them cheaper to acquire if you’re patient. However, without resale potential, that initial saving is your final cost. Furthermore, if you plan to play a game only once, the inability to recoup some cost through selling makes the digital version potentially less valuable in the long run.

For many, the ‘best value’ will depend on how long they intend to keep and play a game, and their willingness to engage with the used game market.

Storage Solutions: Cartridges vs. SD Cards

Storage is a critical aspect, whether you’re dealing with physical or digital media.

• Physical Storage: Each cartridge itself stores the game data. Your main concern is organizing the cartridges themselves, perhaps in a small case or on a shelf. The internal memory of your Switch is still used for save data and updates, but the core game file is external.
• Digital Storage: Digital games reside entirely on your Switch’s internal memory (32GB, of which a portion is taken by the OS) or, more practically, on a microSD card. Given that many AAA Switch titles can range from 5GB to 20GB+, a large capacity microSD card (e.g., 128GB, 256GB, or even 512GB) is almost essential for digital-only gamers. This is an additional cost to factor in.

Consider the physical space your game boxes will occupy versus the digital space on an SD card. One requires shelf room, the other requires an initial investment in expandable storage.

The Collector’s Dilemma and Hybrid Approach

For serious collectors, the allure of physical game boxes is often irresistible. Displaying a curated collection offers a sense of pride and accomplishment that digital libraries simply can’t replicate. It’s a tangible history of your gaming preferences.

However, many gamers find themselves adopting a hybrid approach. They might buy their most anticipated or beloved titles physically for collection and potential resale, while opting for digital versions of smaller indie games, titles they find on deep discount during eShop sales, or games they know they’ll play casually and then move on from without concern for resale. This strategy allows players to leverage the benefits of both formats, optimizing for value, convenience, and storage according to each game’s individual merits.

Conclusion: Your Gaming, Your Choice

Ultimately, there’s no single ‘best’ answer; the ideal choice between digital and physical Switch games hinges entirely on your personal priorities. If you value the ability to resell games, enjoy collecting, and don’t mind swapping cartridges, physical is likely your preferred route. If convenience, instant access, and a clutter-free environment are paramount, and you’re prepared to invest in a large microSD card, then digital will serve you well.

Many gamers find a balanced approach works best, allowing them to enjoy the best of both worlds. Consider your budget, your playstyle, and how you envision your gaming library evolving over time to make the decision that’s right for you.