Nintendo Switch Games: Ratings, Modes and Editions

Ratings, genres and who is playing

ESRB ratings run from E for Everyone and E10+ through T for Teen to M for Mature, and a rating-pending label means the final rating has not been assigned. They are worth reading, since the same console serves small children and adults. Genres in the listings range from Action Adventure and RPG to Sports and Shooter, and party and platform titles usually suit mixed-age groups better than shooters.

Play style matters as much as genre. Count how many people will play on one console and check that the game supports that many local players. Some games work best with detachable Joy-Con, others want a full controller, and some focus on online play, which usually needs an active online membership. Handheld-only Switch Lite owners should also confirm that a game does not require detached controllers.

Editions and the cards in the box

Edition names tell you what is included: Standard is the game alone, and Limited versions may add physical extras. Paired versions of one game, such as the Pikachu and Eevee editions of Let's Go, differ in some content, so choose the one you want. The game card is small and easy to lose, and a download-code listing differs from a boxed cartridge, so confirm which format the title says. Most Switch games also run on the Switch 2.

Questions about Nintendo Switch Games: Ratings, Modes and Editions

Do Switch games need extra storage?

Game cards play from the card itself, though updates and save data use the console's memory. Downloaded games use internal storage or a memory card, so check how much space large titles need before filling the console.

Can I play online with a Switch game?

Many games have online modes, but most need an online membership service on the console, apart from free-to-play titles. Check the game's description for online features before you rely on them.

Can I play a Switch game from another region?

Yes, Switch game cards are not region-locked, so an import plays on your console. Language options, voice tracks and online features may differ by release, so check the listing for the languages it supports.