Speed Up Nintendo Switch Game Updates: Easy Guide

Hey guys! Ever get frustrated waiting for your favorite Nintendo Switch games to update? You're not alone! It's a common issue, but the good news is, there are several ways to boost your download speeds and get back to gaming faster. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore various tips and tricks to help you optimize your Nintendo Switch's update process. So, let's dive in and get those games updated quicker!

Understanding Factors Affecting Update Speed

Before we jump into the solutions, it's essential to understand what factors influence your Nintendo Switch's download speeds. Think of it like this: many things can affect how quickly a game updates, just like how traffic can affect your commute. By understanding these factors, you can better troubleshoot and implement the right solutions. Let’s break down the main culprits:

• Internet Connection Speed: This is the big one! Your internet plan's download speed is the foundation of your update speed. If you have a slower internet plan, updates will naturally take longer. Think of it like trying to fill a swimming pool with a garden hose versus a fire hose. The faster your internet speed, the quicker the updates will download. You might want to check your current internet speed by running a speed test online. There are plenty of free services available, such as Speedtest by Ookla, that can give you a clear picture of your download and upload speeds. If you consistently see speeds lower than what you're paying for, it might be time to contact your internet service provider (ISP) to discuss your options. Maybe upgrading to a faster plan is the solution, or perhaps there's an issue with your current service that they can resolve.
• Wi-Fi Signal Strength: A weak Wi-Fi signal can significantly slow down your download speeds. Imagine trying to have a conversation with someone in a noisy room – the message might get lost or garbled. Similarly, a weak Wi-Fi signal can cause data packets to be lost or corrupted during the download process, leading to delays. Ensure your Nintendo Switch has a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection. Try moving your Switch closer to your router, or vice versa, to improve the signal strength. Obstacles like walls and furniture can interfere with the Wi-Fi signal, so minimizing these obstructions can help. You can also use the Nintendo Switch's built-in internet connection test to check your signal strength. If you consistently have a weak signal, consider using a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh Wi-Fi system to improve coverage throughout your home.
• Network Congestion: Just like rush hour on the highway, network congestion can slow things down. If many devices are using your internet connection simultaneously, they're all competing for bandwidth. This can lead to slower download speeds for your Nintendo Switch. The more devices actively using the internet at the same time, the slower your update might be. Try to minimize the number of devices using the internet while your Switch is updating. This might mean pausing downloads on other devices, streaming less video content, or temporarily disconnecting devices you're not actively using. Scheduling your updates for off-peak hours, like late at night or early in the morning, when fewer people are likely to be online, can also help reduce network congestion and speed up your downloads.
• Nintendo eShop Server Load: Sometimes, the issue isn't on your end – it's on Nintendo's. If many people are trying to download updates simultaneously, the Nintendo eShop servers can become overloaded. This can lead to slower download speeds or even connection errors. Think of it like trying to enter a crowded concert venue – there's only so much space, and everyone is trying to get in at once. High traffic to the Nintendo eShop can sometimes cause slower download speeds. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do about this except wait and try again later. Nintendo typically works to address server issues as quickly as possible, but during peak times, such as when a major new game is released, you might experience slower download speeds. Checking Nintendo's network maintenance information can sometimes give you an idea of potential server issues.
• Background Processes on the Switch: Your Nintendo Switch might be running other processes in the background that consume bandwidth and processing power. These background processes can interfere with the update download, slowing it down. Background downloads or other running applications can impact update speed. Closing any unnecessary applications and pausing other downloads can free up resources and potentially speed up your game updates. You can usually check what's running in the background by pressing the Home button and looking at the icons at the bottom of the screen. If you see any games or applications running that you're not actively using, close them to free up resources.

Proven Methods to Speed Up Nintendo Switch Game Updates

Now that we've covered the factors that can affect update speeds, let's get into the practical solutions. These methods are designed to address the common issues we just discussed and help you get your games updated faster. Think of these as your toolkit for optimizing your Nintendo Switch's update process. We'll start with the simplest solutions and move towards the more technical ones, so you can try them one by one and see what works best for you.

1. Close Unnecessary Applications

Just like your computer or phone, your Nintendo Switch can run multiple applications simultaneously. However, these background processes can consume valuable system resources, including bandwidth and processing power, which can slow down your game updates. Closing unused applications frees up resources for faster downloads.

To close an application on your Nintendo Switch, simply press the Home button to return to the main menu. Then, highlight the application you want to close, press the X button on your Joy-Con or Pro Controller, and select "Close." This will completely shut down the application, freeing up resources for your game update. Make sure to close any games or applications that you're not actively using before starting a download. This simple step can often make a noticeable difference in your update speed.

2. Bring Your Switch Closer to Your Router

Wi-Fi signals can weaken as they travel through walls, floors, and other obstacles. The further your Nintendo Switch is from your router, the weaker the Wi-Fi signal it receives, and the slower your download speeds will be. A stronger Wi-Fi signal means faster downloads.

Try moving your Nintendo Switch closer to your Wi-Fi router while downloading updates. This can significantly improve the signal strength and result in faster download speeds. If you're using your Switch in docked mode, you might consider temporarily moving the dock closer to the router during updates. If you're playing in handheld mode, simply bring the Switch closer to the router. Experiment with different locations to find the spot with the strongest signal. You can check the Wi-Fi signal strength in the Nintendo Switch's system settings under Internet > Connection Test.

3. Use a Wired Internet Connection (LAN Adapter)

For the most stable and fastest internet connection, a wired connection is always the best option. Wi-Fi signals are susceptible to interference and can fluctuate in strength, while a wired connection provides a direct and consistent connection to your router. A wired connection offers a more stable and faster connection than Wi-Fi.

To use a wired internet connection with your Nintendo Switch, you'll need a USB LAN adapter. This adapter plugs into one of the USB ports on your Switch dock and provides an Ethernet port for connecting a network cable. Simply plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the LAN adapter and the other end into your router. Once connected, your Switch will automatically use the wired connection. This is a particularly effective solution if you consistently experience slow download speeds over Wi-Fi. A wired connection can provide a significant speed boost, especially for large game updates.

4. Restart Your Nintendo Switch

Sometimes, a simple restart is all it takes to resolve technical issues. Restarting your Nintendo Switch can clear temporary files, refresh system processes, and resolve minor software glitches that might be affecting download speeds. Restarting your Switch can resolve temporary software glitches.

To restart your Nintendo Switch, press and hold the power button on the console for three seconds. Then, select "Power Options" and choose "Restart." This will perform a soft reset of the console, which is usually sufficient to resolve most minor issues. If you're still experiencing slow download speeds after restarting, you can try a full power cycle by turning the Switch off completely and unplugging it from the power outlet for a few minutes before plugging it back in and turning it on. This can help clear any remaining temporary files and fully reset the system.

5. Restart Your Router

Just like your Nintendo Switch, your router can also benefit from a restart. Routers can sometimes experience temporary glitches or become overloaded, which can affect internet speeds. Restarting your router can clear its memory, refresh its connections, and resolve any minor issues that might be causing slow download speeds. A router restart can resolve connectivity issues.

To restart your router, simply unplug it from the power outlet for about 30 seconds. Then, plug it back in and wait for it to power on completely. This process usually takes a few minutes. Once your router is back online, try downloading the update again on your Nintendo Switch. Restarting your router is a simple but effective troubleshooting step that can often improve internet speeds and resolve connectivity issues.

6. Change Your DNS Settings

DNS (Domain Name System) servers translate domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses, which computers use to communicate with each other. Sometimes, the default DNS servers provided by your internet service provider (ISP) can be slow or unreliable. Switching to a different DNS server, such as Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS, can sometimes improve your internet speed and download speeds on your Nintendo Switch. Using faster DNS servers can improve download speeds.

To change your DNS settings on your Nintendo Switch, go to System Settings > Internet > Internet Settings. Select your Wi-Fi network and then choose "Change Settings." Scroll down to the DNS settings and change them from "Automatic" to "Manual." Then, enter the primary and secondary DNS server addresses for the DNS server you want to use. For Google DNS, the primary DNS server is 8.8.8.8, and the secondary DNS server is 8.8.4.4. For Cloudflare DNS, the primary DNS server is 1.1.1.1, and the secondary DNS server is 1.0.0.1. Save your changes and try downloading the update again. Experimenting with different DNS servers can help you find the one that provides the best performance for your connection.

7. Update During Off-Peak Hours

As we discussed earlier, network congestion can significantly impact download speeds. During peak hours, when many people are online, internet speeds can slow down. Downloading updates during off-peak hours, such as late at night or early in the morning, when fewer people are using the internet, can help you avoid congestion and achieve faster download speeds. Download during off-peak hours to avoid network congestion.

Try scheduling your Nintendo Switch game updates to download overnight or early in the morning when internet traffic is typically lower. This can make a noticeable difference in your download speeds, especially for large game updates. If you have the option to put your Switch into sleep mode while downloading, it will continue to download updates in the background, allowing you to take advantage of off-peak hours even while you're not actively using the console.

8. Manage Other Devices on Your Network

As we mentioned before, multiple devices using the internet simultaneously can compete for bandwidth and slow down your download speeds. Streaming videos, downloading files, or playing online games on other devices while your Nintendo Switch is updating can significantly impact the update speed. Limit other devices' internet usage during updates.

To maximize your Nintendo Switch's download speed, try to minimize the number of other devices using the internet while the update is in progress. Pause any downloads on other devices, avoid streaming video content, and limit online gaming activity. This will free up bandwidth and allow your Switch to download the update faster. You can also use your router's Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize traffic to your Nintendo Switch, ensuring that it receives the necessary bandwidth for updates.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! By understanding the factors that affect your Nintendo Switch's update speeds and implementing these tips and tricks, you can significantly speed up your downloads and get back to gaming sooner. Remember, a combination of these methods might be necessary to achieve the best results. From checking your internet connection and Wi-Fi signal to managing network congestion and optimizing your DNS settings, there are many ways to improve your Nintendo Switch's update process. Happy gaming, guys!