Cheap Nintendo Digital Games: A Guide To Saving Money

Hey guys! Are you a Nintendo fan looking to expand your game library without emptying your wallet? You're in the right place! Buying digital games for your Nintendo Switch, 3DS, or Wii U can sometimes feel like a pricey endeavor. But don't worry, there are plenty of legitimate and clever ways to snag those digital titles for less. This guide will walk you through all the best strategies to save money on Nintendo digital games. From keeping an eye on sales to leveraging discounts and exploring alternative regions, we'll cover everything you need to know. So, grab your Joy-Cons and let's dive in!

1. The Nintendo eShop: Your First Stop for Deals

The Nintendo eShop is the primary marketplace for digital games on Nintendo consoles, and it should be your first stop when searching for deals. Nintendo frequently runs sales and promotions on a wide selection of games, offering significant discounts for a limited time. To make the most of the eShop, it’s essential to develop a few key habits. First, check the eShop regularly. Nintendo updates its sale offerings weekly, typically on Thursdays. Make it a routine to browse the eShop's deals section to see if any games on your wishlist are currently discounted. Also, many websites and online communities dedicated to gaming will post news about the latest eShop sales, so keep an eye on those resources as well. Another great tip is to create a Nintendo Account and add games to your Wish List. When a game on your Wish List goes on sale, Nintendo will send you an email notification, ensuring you never miss out on a potential saving. Don't underestimate the power of patience! Sometimes, the game you're after might not be on sale right now, but it could be in the future. Keep an eye on it, and you might be pleasantly surprised. Keep an eye out for special events or seasonal sales, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday sales. These events often bring the deepest discounts of the year, making them perfect for stocking up on digital games.

2. Nintendo Switch Online: Perks Beyond Multiplayer

Nintendo Switch Online is more than just a service for playing games online with friends. It also offers some fantastic perks that can help you save money on Nintendo digital games. One of the most attractive benefits is access to a library of classic NES and SNES games. For a monthly or annual fee, you can play a growing collection of retro titles, providing hours of entertainment without the need to purchase each game individually. This is an excellent way to experience classic games or discover titles you may have missed. Furthermore, Nintendo Switch Online subscribers have exclusive access to special offers and deals on select digital games. Keep an eye on the Nintendo eShop for subscriber-only discounts, which can sometimes be substantial. In addition to classic games and exclusive discounts, Nintendo Switch Online also offers a unique program called Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. This premium tier includes all the benefits of the standard Nintendo Switch Online membership, plus access to a library of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games. These titles are often considered some of the best games ever made, and being able to play them on your Nintendo Switch is a significant value. Another perk of the Expansion Pack is access to DLC for select games, such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This can save you money compared to purchasing the DLC separately. Subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online, especially the Expansion Pack, is a cost-effective way to enjoy a wide range of games and content on your Nintendo Switch.

3. Physical vs. Digital: Weighing the Pros and Cons

One of the crucial decisions you'll face when buying games is whether to go physical or digital. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on your individual preferences and priorities. Physical games offer the advantage of ownership. You have a physical cartridge that you can lend to friends, trade in, or resell later. This can be a significant advantage if you're someone who likes to recoup some of your investment by selling games you've finished. Physical games also don't take up storage space on your console's internal memory or microSD card. This can be a significant consideration if you have a smaller storage capacity. On the other hand, Nintendo digital games offer convenience. Once you've purchased a digital game, it's always available on your console, ready to play whenever you want. You don't have to worry about carrying around cartridges or swapping them in and out. Digital games also often have smaller file sizes than physical games, meaning they take up less storage space. The key to making an informed decision is to consider your priorities. If you value ownership and the ability to resell games, physical games might be the better choice. However, if you prioritize convenience and don't mind the lack of physical ownership, digital games could be a better fit. Ultimately, the best approach is to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that aligns with your needs and preferences.

4. Hunting for Deals: Online Retailers and Marketplaces

Beyond the Nintendo eShop, numerous online retailers and marketplaces offer Nintendo digital games at discounted prices. These platforms can be a great source of savings, especially if you're patient and willing to do some hunting. One of the best places to start is by checking the websites of major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop. These retailers often run sales and promotions on digital games, sometimes offering prices that are lower than those on the eShop. Another useful resource is online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist. However, use caution when buying digital games from these sources, as there is a risk of scams or purchasing illegitimate codes. Only buy from reputable sellers with positive feedback, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Many websites and online forums dedicated to gaming track and share deals on digital games. These resources can save you time and effort by highlighting the best deals currently available. One popular strategy is to sign up for email newsletters from retailers and gaming websites. This will ensure that you're among the first to know about new sales and promotions. By taking advantage of these resources, you can significantly increase your chances of finding great deals on Nintendo digital games.

5. Regional Differences: Exploring Other eShops

The Nintendo eShop is available in multiple regions around the world, and prices for Nintendo digital games can vary from one region to another. Exploring other eShops can sometimes lead to significant savings, but it's essential to understand the potential risks and challenges involved. To access a different regional eShop, you'll need to create a Nintendo Account associated with that region. This can be done by changing the region setting in your Nintendo Account profile. However, be aware that changing your region may affect your ability to access certain content or services. It's essential to research the game you're interested in and compare prices across different regions. Some games may be significantly cheaper in certain regions due to currency exchange rates or regional pricing policies. However, be aware that some games may not be available in all regions due to licensing restrictions. Another potential issue is language support. Some games may only be available in certain languages in specific regions. Before purchasing a game from a different region, make sure it supports your preferred language. Keep in mind that Nintendo's terms of service prohibit the use of VPNs or other methods to circumvent regional restrictions. Doing so could result in your account being banned. While exploring other eShops can be a way to save money, it's essential to do your research and understand the potential risks and challenges involved. Only purchase games from legitimate sources, and be aware of any regional restrictions or language limitations.

6. Patience is a Virtue: Waiting for Sales and Price Drops

Patience is a valuable asset when it comes to saving money on Nintendo digital games. Games often go on sale or experience price drops over time, so waiting for the right moment can result in significant savings. One of the best times to buy games is during seasonal sales events, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday sales. These events typically offer the deepest discounts of the year, making them perfect for stocking up on digital games. Another strategy is to keep an eye on price tracking websites. These websites monitor prices for games over time and can alert you when a game reaches a certain price point. This can help you identify the best time to buy a game you've been waiting for. It's also important to remember that games often experience price drops as they get older. If you're not in a hurry to play a particular game, waiting a few months or even a year can often result in significant savings. While it can be tempting to buy games as soon as they're released, exercising patience can often lead to better deals. By waiting for sales, price drops, and seasonal events, you can significantly reduce the cost of building your digital game library.

7. Rewards Programs: Earning Points and Discounts

Nintendo offers various rewards programs that can help you earn points and discounts on Nintendo digital games. Taking advantage of these programs is a simple way to save money on your purchases. One of the most well-known programs is My Nintendo. By completing various tasks, such as playing games, visiting the eShop, and participating in online activities, you can earn My Nintendo points. These points can then be redeemed for rewards, such as discounts on digital games, themes, and other digital content. Another way to earn rewards is by purchasing digital games directly from the Nintendo eShop. Nintendo often offers bonus points for purchasing select games, which can then be redeemed for future discounts. Keep an eye on the eShop for these special offers. Some retailers also offer rewards programs that can be used to purchase Nintendo digital games. For example, GameStop's PowerUp Rewards program allows you to earn points for every purchase you make, which can then be redeemed for discounts on games and accessories. By participating in Nintendo's rewards programs and taking advantage of retailer loyalty programs, you can significantly reduce the cost of building your digital game library. Make sure to link your Nintendo Account to any relevant rewards programs to maximize your earnings.

Conclusion: Gaming on a Budget

So there you have it, folks! With these strategies in your arsenal, you're well-equipped to save money on Nintendo digital games. Remember to regularly check the eShop, explore alternative regions, weigh physical versus digital, and take advantage of rewards programs. Happy gaming, and may your digital library grow without breaking the bank!