It is possible to download games from the Nintendo eShop directly to a USB storage device. The Nintendo Switch console supports USB storage devices for expanding its internal storage capacity. This feature allows you to download and store games, DLCs (Downloadable Content), and other digital content on your USB storage device instead of the console’s internal memory.
To download games to a USB storage device, you will need to follow a few steps:
1. Choose a compatible USB storage device: The Nintendo Switch supports USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 storage devices with a minimum capacity of 64GB and a maximum capacity of 2TB. It is recommended to use a USB 3.0 device for faster data transfer speeds.
2. Format the USB storage device: Before you can use the USB storage device with your Nintendo Switch, it needs to be formatted to a specific file system called “FAT32” or “exFAT.” Formatting erases all data on the device, so make sure to backup any important files before proceeding.
3. Connect the USB storage device to your Nintendo Switch: Insert the USB storage device into one of the available USB ports on your Nintendo Switch dock. If you are using a USB-C to USB adapter, you can connect the USB storage device directly to the console.
4. Set up the USB storage device: Once the USB storage device is connected, you will need to go to the System Settings on your Nintendo Switch. From there, navigate to the “Data Management” section and select “Manage Software” or “Manage DLC.”
5. Choose the USB storage device as the default download location: In the “Manage Software” or “Manage DLC” section, you will have the option to select the default download location for your games and content. Choose the USB storage device as the preferred location.
6. Download games from the Nintendo eShop: After setting up the USB storage device as the default download location, you can go to the Nintendo eShop and browse for games or DLCs you want to download. When you select a game, choose the “Download” option, and it will be downloaded directly to your USB storage device.
It is important to note that once you have downloaded a game to your USB storage device, it can only be played on the Nintendo Switch console that it was downloaded on. The game will not be playable on other Nintendo Switch consoles unless you transfer the data or use the same USB storage device on another console.
Using a USB storage device for downloading games can be beneficial if you have limited internal storage on your Nintendo Switch or if you prefer to have all your games stored in one place. It allows you to easily manage your game library and switch between downloaded games without the need to re-download them from the Nintendo eShop.
However, do keep in mind that using a USB storage device may result in slightly longer loading times compared to using the console’s internal memory. The speed of the USB storage device and its connection to the console can affect the overall performance.
Yes, you can download games from the Nintendo eShop directly to a USB storage device. By following the steps outlined above, you can expand your Nintendo Switch’s storage capacity and enjoy a larger library of downloaded games and content.