So Can You Actually Convert Physical Switch Games to Digital?
The short answer is – not directly. But essentially yes – if you rebuy the digital version, you can transfer over your save file from the physical copy. So with a bit of effort, you can convert a physical game to digital while retaining your progress. Let‘s dive deeper into how it all works!
Physical vs Digital Games – What‘s Actually Different?
When you insert a physical Switch game card, what you‘re actually plugging into the console is a small, custom flash memory card that contains the game data. Nintendo uses ultra-reliable, non-volatile NAND flash memory – basically the same tech as high-end SD cards like you‘d use to expand the Switch‘s storage.
In contrast, downloaded digital titles are stored internally in the Switch system memory or microSD card you have inserted. So digital games rely entirely on the Switch itself to store and read back the necessary data.
Here‘s a quick comparison of other differences:
| Physical Games | Digital Games | |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | You own the game card | Purchased license to download & play |
| Sharing | Can share/sell cartridge | Can only play on account that purchased |
| Display | Game card must be inserted to play | Downloaded title appears on Home screen |
So in summary – physical game data is stored externally on a plug-in card, while digital is stored internally and tied more strictly to your account.
Size and Storage Capacity
The maximum storage space on a Switch game card is 32GB, though most games come on smaller 8-16GB cards. The Switch‘s internal memory is 32GB, with support for microSD cards up to 2TB. A 2TB card can store over 300 average sized digital games!
Here‘s how the storage stacks up:
| Format | Storage Capacity |
|---|---|
| Physical Game Card | Up to 32GB |
| Switch Internal Memory | 32GB |
| Supported microSD card | Up to 2TB |
So you can see digital has vastly more flexibility in storage capacity. A small physical card stores what it stores – that‘s it!
Game Card Durability
In packing game data onto physical modules, Nintendo uses some seriously resilient technology – even beyond that of SD cards. While SD cards are rated for about 10 years, Switch game cards have an estimated life span of 10-20 years with proper care.
To put that into context, that‘s over 50,000 hours of cumulative game time! And a game card will likely last as long as your Switch console does. Pretty impressive stuff.
Nintendo applies a special anti-corrosion finish to all game cards using plasma deposition. This protects the sensitive contacts from degradation over time. Cards are also semi-rigid with precision resistance to bending, unlike flimsy SD cards.
All in all, you won‘t find a more durable portable memory format than Switch game cards! Just be sure not to touch the contacts and store in a safe location. Nintendo really built these things to last.
Game Save Data – The Most Critical Factor
Now this is where things get really good regarding converting physical to digital games.
Save data is stored separately from game data on Switch game cards.
Instead, your precious save files with hours of gameplay progress are securely kept on the Switch‘s internal user storage area. These are tied to your user profile, not the game card.
That means you can do a complete swap between physical and digital formats while retaining your saves!
Here‘s a quick walkthrough:
- You have Zelda: Breath of the Wild physical version and are 80 hours into your adventure
- You buy the digital version of Zelda from the eShop
- Your save file is untouched in user storage as you download the full digital title
- When opening the newly downloaded game, it checks and loads your existing save data!
So as long as you rebuy the exact same game digitally, you can jump formats while continuing right where you left off. This works flawlessly in most cases thanks to Nintendo‘s foresight with separate save game management.
The only exception is some games with built-in battery saves rather than console save data won‘t transfer over properly. But the huge majority of Switch titles will make the digital jump with your saves intact!
Risks and Downsides
Okay let‘s balance this out with an honest look at any downsides or risks:
Redownloading Issues – If you ever need to redownload a digital game you purchased, there is a small chance of corruption or download failure. Online connectivity issues can also disrupt the download. Physical game cards have the complete data ready to play every time.
Lose Your Console – If your Switch console dies and won‘t power on, any digital games installed could be lost if unable to recover storage data. Physical game cards retain data regardless of console issues. But this is a pretty rare worst-case!
So while minor, there are some small reliability trade-offs going all-digital. Though modern safeguards make any data loss almost negligible if you utilize cloud backup features.
For most gamers, the benefits will far outweigh these unlikely issues. But worth considering as you build your perfect game library!
Digital Licenses – One Final Positive
On the positive side, purchasing digital Switch titles gives you a universal license. This means that game can be downloaded and played on any console as long as you sign into your Nintendo Account that bought it!
That‘s a great feature for households with multiple Switches. Buy one digital copy, share across consoles!
Converting Physical to Digital – Your Call!
At the end of the day, whether to stick all-physical, dive all-digital, or blend both formats comes down to personal preference. But the ability to fluidly jump between the two while carrying over your precious save games is a huge advantage exclusive to the Switch.
Hopefully breaking down all the key differences helps provide a detailed overview for making the best choice to maximize your Switch gaming experience! Let me know if you have any other questions.
