Play Switch Games Offline: How to Play Downloaded Games

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:

• Ensure the device you are using is set as the primary console and that it has the same profile as the one used to download the game. Also, install any pending game or console updates.
• Verify that the game supports offline functionality. For most downloaded titles, you can play offline in single-player mode.

1. Re-enable the airplane mode

1. Press the Home button on the console, and go to the Settings.
2. Choose Flight Mode from the navigation pane, then select the Flight Mode entry on the right, and press A to turn it off.
3. Now, again, press A to enable Flight Mode, and check whether you can play Nintendo Switch games offline.

Enabling flight mode also helps with Splatoon 3 connection issues.

2. Re-register the console as primary

2.1 De-register the console

1. Close all active games on the Nintendo Switch console.
2. Go to Nintendo eShop.
3. When asked Who is using the Nintendo eShop, select your account from the list.
4. Select your user profile from the top-right corner.
5. Go to the right, scroll down, and select the Deregister option.
6. Again, choose Deregister in the confirmation prompt.
7. If required, enter the password to verify your identity and complete the deregistration.

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 to Nintendo Switch Online and can then play the downloaded Nintendo Switch games offline.

3. Redownload the games

1. Highlight the game on the main menu, and press the + button on the console.
2. In the Data Management tab, select Delete Software on the right.
3. Choose the appropriate response in case a confirmation prompt appears.
4. Now, open the console’s System Settings, go to System from the navigation pane, and select Formatting Options.
5. Choose Clear Cache.
6. Select Reset in the confirmation prompt.
7. Finally, reboot the console and reinstall the game from the Nintendo eShop.

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 are Hollow Knight, Divinity: Original Sin 2, Zelda BOTW, Mario Cart 8 Deluxe, and Minecraft, 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 the best Nintendo Switch online games. Besides, for a more exciting experience, use a seamless Nintendo Switch emulator and play games on your PC.

Before you go, you should know that there’s a Nintendo eShop not available in region error 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.