What Does "Full Game Download, Game Card Not Included" Mean?
If you are a Nintendo Switch owner, you may have come across some games that have a physical box but no game card inside. Instead, they have a download code that you can use to redeem and download the game from the Nintendo eShop. This practice is also known as "Full Game Download, Game Card Not Included".
But why do some games use this method instead of having a physical cartridge that you can insert into your console? What are the pros and cons of buying a physical box with no game card? How do you redeem a download code from a physical box? And what are some alternatives to buying a physical box with no game card? In this article, we will answer these questions and more.
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Pros and Cons of Buying a Physical Box with No Game Card
Buying a physical box with no game card may seem like a strange choice for some gamers, but there are some reasons why some publishers and developers opt for this option. Here are some of the pros and cons of buying a physical box with no game card:
Pro: Retail Representation and Convenience
One of the main reasons why some games have a physical box with no game card is to have retail representation and convenience. Having a physical box allows the game to be displayed on store shelves, which can increase its visibility and awareness among potential customers. It also allows gamers who prefer to buy their games physically to have an option to do so, even if they don't get an actual cartridge.
Con: Wasting Plastic and Breaking the Distinction Between Physical and Digital Media
One of the main criticisms of buying a physical box with no game card is that it wastes plastic and breaks the distinction between physical and digital media. Buying an empty box with a code is not really buying a physical copy of the game, but rather buying a digital copy with extra packaging. This can be seen as environmentally unfriendly and misleading for some gamers who expect to get an actual cartridge when they buy a physical box.
How to Redeem a Download Code from a Physical Box
If you decide to buy a physical box with no game card, you will need to redeem the download code that comes inside the box to get your game. Here are the steps to do so:
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Full game downloads that are rated E, E10+, T, or M by ESRB
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Step 1: Launch the Nintendo eShop and Select the Account
Select Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu to launch the Nintendo eShop. Select the account you want to redeem the content on.
Step 2: Enter the Code and Select the Game
Select Enter Code on the left side of the screen. Enter the 16-character download code and select OK. Select which game you want from the Eligible Products list. Please keep in mind that you will Step 3: Review the Information and Redeem the Game
Review the information on the screen and select Redeem to confirm. The game will start downloading to your Nintendo Switch console. You can check the download progress on the HOME Menu or the Nintendo eShop. Once the download is complete, you can start playing your game.
Alternatives to Buying a Physical Box with No Game Card
If you are not a fan of buying a physical box with no game card, you may be wondering what are some alternatives to get your game. Here are some options you can consider:
Option 1: Buy the Game Digitally from the eShop or Other Online Platforms
The most obvious alternative to buying a physical box with no game card is to buy the game digitally from the Nintendo eShop or other online platforms, such as Amazon or Best Buy. This way, you can save money and space by not buying an empty box, and you can also enjoy the benefits of digital games, such as instant access, portability, and cloud saves. However, you will also need to have enough storage space on your console or microSD card, and you will not be able to resell or share your game with others.
Option 2: Buy the Game Physically from Another Region or Platform that Has a Game Card
Another alternative to buying a physical box with no game card is to buy the game physically from another region or platform that has a game card. For example, some games that have no game card in North America may have a game card in Europe or Japan, or vice versa. You can also check if the game is available on other platforms, such as PlayStation or Xbox, that may have a physical disc instead of a code. However, you will need to make sure that your console is compatible with the region or platform of the game, and that you can access the online features and updates of the game.
Conclusion and FAQs
Buying a physical box with no game card is a practice that some games use to have retail representation and convenience, but it also has some drawbacks, such as wasting plastic and breaking the distinction between physical and digital media. If you decide to buy a physical box with no game card, you will need to redeem the download code from the Nintendo eShop to get your game. Alternatively, you can buy the game digitally from the eShop or other online platforms, or buy the game physically from another region or platform that has a game card.
Here are some FAQs that may help you understand this topic better:
FAQ 1: What are some examples of games that have a physical box with no game card?
Some examples of games that have a physical box with no game card are Fortnite: The Last Laugh Bundle, Overwatch: Legendary Edition, Resident Evil Triple Pack, Spyro Reignited Trilogy, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, and more.
FAQ 2: What are the benefits of buying a game digitally instead of physically?
Some of the benefits of buying a game digitally instead of physically are:
You can save money and space by not buying an empty box.
You can access your game instantly without having to insert a cartridge or disc.
You can carry your game with you wherever you go without having to worry about losing or damaging it.
You can back up your save data on the cloud if you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
FAQ 3: What are the drawbacks of buying a game physically from another region or platform?
Some of the drawbacks of buying a game physically from another region or platform are:
You may need to pay extra for shipping and import fees.
You may encounter compatibility issues with your console or online services.
You may not be able to access all the features and updates of the game.
You may face language barriers or censorship issues depending on the region.
FAQ 4: How can I check if a game has a game card or not before buying it?
One way to check if a game has a game card or not before buying it is to look at the box art. If it has a banner that says "Full Game Download" or "Download Required", then it means that it has no game card inside. You can also check online reviews or forums for more information.
FAQ 5: How can I share or resell a game that has no game card?
If you buy a physical box with no game card, you will not be able to share or resell your game with others, as the download code is tied to your Nintendo account and can only be used once. The only thing you can do is to give away or sell the empty box, which may not have much value or demand. If you want to share or resell your game, you may be better off buying a game that has a game card, as you can lend or trade it with others.
I hope this article has helped you understand what "Full Game Download, Game Card Not Included" means and how to deal with it. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading! 44f88ac181