Play Switch Games Offline: How to Play Downloaded Games

Set the Switch as the primary console

4 min. read

Updated onSeptember 12, 2024

updated onSeptember 12, 2024

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Nintendo Switch allows you to play games offline as long as the game supports the functionality, it has been downloaded, and you are using the primary console. Besides, you can play offline if the game is loaded from the cartridge.

How do I play Nintendo Switch games offline?

To play Switch games offline, connect your console to the Nintendo account, set it as the primary console, open the Nintendo eShop, install the game(s), download any pending OS updates, launch the game, and it should now run without a glitch.

What can I do if I can’t play Switch games offline?

Before we start with the slightly complex solutions, perform these quick checks:

1. Re-enable the airplane mode

Enabling flight mode also helps withSplatoon 3 connection issues.

2. Re-register the console as primary

2.1 De-register the console

2.2 Re-register the console

Once done, all you have to do to re-register the console is link the Nintendo account and then use it to access the Nintendo eShop. The device is then automatically set as the primary console.

To verify, go to your user profile in the Nintendo eShop, scroll down on the right, and make sure it reads,This console is registered as your primary console.

Also, you may now download the cloud backup files if subscribed toNintendo Switch Onlineand can then play the downloaded Nintendo Switch games offline.

3. Redownload the games

Now, when you launch the game on Nintendo Switch, which is already set as the primary console, it should run fine without checking for an Internet connection. Remember, if a game doesn’t run offline, it’s likely that an update is pending, and the error message should clearly highlight that.

Some of the best Nintendo Switch games confirmed to work offline by us areHollow Knight,Divinity: Original Sin 2,Zelda BOTW,Mario Cart 8 Deluxe, andMinecraft, amongst others. Some of these can be directly loaded from the cartridge, while you can download others from the eShop.

Also, if you are interested, check out thebest Nintendo Switch online games. Besides, for a more exciting experience, use aseamless Nintendo Switch emulatorand play games on your PC.

Before you go, you should know that there’s aNintendo eShop not available in regionerror that will prevent you from downloading anything, but it can be easily fixed.

For any queries or to share how you managed to play Nintendo Switch games offline, drop a comment below.

Play Switch Games Offline: How to Play Downloaded Games#

What can I do if I can’t play Switch games offline?#

1. Re-enable the airplane mode#

2. Re-register the console as primary#

3. Redownload the games#

Play Switch Games Offline: How to Play Downloaded Games

What can I do if I can’t play Switch games offline?

1. Re-enable the airplane mode

2. Re-register the console as primary

3. Redownload the games