Stop Nintendo Switch Game Updates: A Quick Guide

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Stop Nintendo Switch Game Updates: A Quick Guide

Hey everyone! Are you tired of those automatic game updates interrupting your gameplay on your Nintendo Switch? Maybe you're trying to conserve data, or perhaps you just want to finish your game without unexpected interruptions. Whatever the reason, you're in the right place! This guide will walk you through various methods to stop those pesky updates and keep you in control of your gaming experience.

Understanding Automatic Updates on Nintendo Switch

Before diving into the how-to, let's understand why your Nintendo Switch automatically updates games. The primary reason is to ensure you have the latest versions with bug fixes, new features, and optimized performance. Nintendo and game developers constantly release updates to improve the overall gaming experience, and these updates often include crucial patches that address glitches or security vulnerabilities. Keeping your games updated is generally a good practice, as it ensures you're getting the best and safest possible experience. However, there are situations where you might prefer to postpone or prevent these updates.

Automatic updates occur when your Nintendo Switch is connected to the internet. By default, the system is set to download and install updates for your games in the background. This ensures that the next time you launch a game, you're playing the most recent version. While convenient, this can be problematic if you have limited data, are in the middle of an intense gaming session, or simply don't want the interruption. For instance, if you're using a mobile hotspot or have a data cap on your home internet, automatic updates can quickly eat into your data allowance. Moreover, some players prefer to stick with a specific version of a game, especially if they're speedrunning or using certain glitches that may be patched out in later versions. Understanding these nuances will help you make informed decisions about managing updates on your Nintendo Switch. So, whether you're trying to save data, avoid interruptions, or maintain a specific game version, knowing how automatic updates work is the first step towards taking control.

Method 1: Disabling Automatic Downloads

The most straightforward method to stop game updates is by disabling automatic downloads in your Nintendo Switch settings. Here’s how you do it:

  1. Go to System Settings: From the Nintendo Switch home menu, navigate to the "System Settings" icon. It looks like a gear and is usually located at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Navigate to Internet: In the System Settings menu, scroll down and select "Internet". This will open the internet settings where you can manage your Wi-Fi connections and related options.
  3. Select Settings: On the Internet settings page, choose "Settings". This option allows you to configure various aspects of your internet connection, including automatic software downloads.
  4. Disable Auto-Update Software: Look for the option labeled "Auto-Update Software". By default, this setting is turned on. Select it to turn it off. A confirmation prompt may appear; confirm your choice to disable automatic updates. With this setting disabled, your Nintendo Switch will no longer automatically download updates for your games. This means you'll need to manually check for and install updates, giving you complete control over when and how your games are updated. Remember, disabling automatic updates means you'll need to stay vigilant about checking for updates yourself to ensure you're not missing out on important bug fixes or new features. However, if you prefer to manage your data usage or avoid interruptions, this method is a simple and effective way to take control of your gaming experience.

By following these steps, you prevent the system from automatically downloading updates. Keep in mind that this will apply to all games, so you'll need to manually update them if you want the latest versions.

Method 2: Airplane Mode

Another effective way to stop game updates is by using Airplane Mode. This method completely disconnects your Nintendo Switch from the internet, preventing any automatic downloads or updates. Here’s how to enable Airplane Mode:

  1. Access Quick Settings: While in the home menu or even in a game, hold down the "Home" button for a few seconds. This will bring up the Quick Settings menu on the right side of the screen.
  2. Enable Airplane Mode: In the Quick Settings menu, you'll see an option for "Airplane Mode". Select it to toggle it on. Alternatively, you can go through System Settings -> Airplane Mode -> Enable.

Once Airplane Mode is enabled, your Nintendo Switch will disconnect from all wireless networks, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This ensures that no updates can be downloaded, and you can play your games without interruption. However, keep in mind that while Airplane Mode is active, you won't be able to access any online features, such as online multiplayer, the Nintendo eShop, or cloud saves. This method is particularly useful when you want to ensure absolutely no data is being used, such as when you're traveling or using a limited data connection. It's also great for preventing unexpected updates during a crucial part of a game. To re-enable internet connectivity, simply disable Airplane Mode by following the same steps. Remember to do this when you want to update your games or use online features again. Airplane Mode is a quick and easy way to control your Nintendo Switch's internet connection, providing you with a reliable method to prevent unwanted game updates and manage your data usage.

This method is perfect for when you want to ensure no updates are downloaded at all. Of course, this means you also won't have access to any online features.

Method 3: Managing Individual Game Updates

If you don't want to disable all automatic updates, you can manage updates for individual games. This allows you to keep some games updated while preventing others from updating automatically. Here’s how to manage individual game updates:

  1. Check for Updates Manually: From the home menu, highlight the game you want to manage. Press the "+" or "-" button on your Joy-Con or Pro Controller to open the options menu for that game.
  2. Select Software Update: In the options menu, select "Software Update". This will open a submenu with options related to updating the game.
  3. Via the Internet: Choose "Via the Internet" to check for and download any available updates. If an update is available, the system will prompt you to download and install it. If you don't want to update the game, simply cancel the process. This method allows you to selectively update games while leaving others untouched. This is useful if you want to keep certain games up-to-date for online play or new features, while maintaining a specific version of another game for speedrunning or other purposes. By managing updates on a per-game basis, you have more granular control over your gaming experience. Remember that you'll need to manually check for updates periodically to ensure you're not missing out on important bug fixes or enhancements for the games you choose to keep updated. This approach strikes a balance between convenience and control, allowing you to tailor your update strategy to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're prioritizing online play or preserving a specific game version, managing individual game updates provides the flexibility you need.
  4. Match Version with Local Users: Alternatively, you can choose "Match Version with Local Users". This option is useful when playing with friends or family who might have a different version of the game. Selecting this option will update your game to match the version of the other players, ensuring compatibility for local multiplayer sessions. This is particularly helpful when playing games that require everyone to be on the same version to play together seamlessly. By matching versions, you can avoid any compatibility issues that might arise from using different game versions. This feature is especially handy for games like Super Smash Bros. or Mario Kart, where local multiplayer is a key part of the experience. Keep in mind that this option only updates your game to match the version of local users; it doesn't automatically download the latest version from the internet. If you want the latest version with all the newest features and bug fixes, you'll still need to check for updates via the internet. However, for ensuring compatibility with local players, this option is a convenient and efficient solution.

By manually checking for updates, you can decide when and if to update each game individually.

Method 4: Change DNS Settings

Another workaround involves changing your Nintendo Switch's DNS settings. This method can prevent updates by redirecting update requests to a non-existent server. Keep in mind that this is a more advanced technique and may affect your ability to access other online services.

  1. Go to System Settings: From the home menu, navigate to "System Settings".
  2. Navigate to Internet: In the System Settings menu, scroll down and select "Internet".
  3. Select Your Connection: Choose your active Wi-Fi connection from the list of registered networks.
  4. Change DNS Settings: Select "Change Settings". Scroll down to "DNS Settings" and change it from "Automatic" to "Manual".
  5. Enter Custom DNS: Enter a Primary DNS and Secondary DNS that will block Nintendo servers. A popular option is 163.141.242.157 as the primary DNS. Leave the secondary DNS blank or use 045.055.142.122.

By changing the DNS settings, you can prevent your Nintendo Switch from communicating with Nintendo's update servers. This effectively blocks automatic updates, giving you control over when and how your games are updated. However, be aware that this method may also interfere with other online services, such as the Nintendo eShop or online multiplayer. If you experience issues with these services, you may need to revert your DNS settings back to automatic. This method is best suited for users who are comfortable with network configurations and understand the potential implications of changing DNS settings. It's also important to note that Nintendo may eventually find ways to bypass these custom DNS settings, so this method may not be a permanent solution. If you decide to use this method, be sure to research the DNS servers you're using to ensure they are reliable and safe. While this method can be effective in preventing updates, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks before implementing it.

While this method can be effective, it's also the most technical and might affect other online functionalities. Use it with caution.

Method 5: Using a Guest Network

Setting up a guest network on your router can also help you manage updates on your Nintendo Switch. A guest network typically has separate security settings and can be configured to limit bandwidth or block certain types of traffic. Here’s how to use a guest network to stop game updates:

  1. Access Your Router Settings: Open a web browser on your computer or smartphone and enter your router's IP address. This is usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You may need to log in with your router's username and password.
  2. Enable Guest Network: Look for the guest network settings in your router's configuration panel. This is often found under "Wireless Settings" or a similar section. Enable the guest network and set a password for it.
  3. Connect Your Switch to the Guest Network: On your Nintendo Switch, go to System Settings -> Internet -> Internet Settings. Find the guest network you just created and connect to it using the password you set.
  4. Limit Bandwidth (Optional): In your router settings, you may have the option to limit the bandwidth for the guest network. Setting a low bandwidth limit can effectively prevent large downloads like game updates. This ensures that your Switch can still connect to the internet for basic functions, but it won't be able to download updates quickly.
  5. Block Nintendo Servers (Optional): Some routers allow you to block specific websites or servers. You can use this feature to block Nintendo's update servers, preventing your Switch from downloading updates altogether. However, this may also affect other online services.

By connecting your Nintendo Switch to a guest network, you can control the internet access and prevent automatic game updates. This method is particularly useful if you want to keep your main network unrestricted while still managing updates on your Switch. Additionally, using a guest network can provide an extra layer of security, as it isolates your Switch from your main network. Remember to consult your router's manual for specific instructions on setting up and configuring a guest network. While this method requires some initial setup, it offers a flexible and effective way to manage updates and control your Nintendo Switch's internet access.

This method involves a bit more setup but gives you more control over network traffic. It's ideal if you want to manage bandwidth and access for different devices on your network.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, guys! Several ways to stop game updates on your Nintendo Switch. Whether you choose to disable automatic downloads, use Airplane Mode, manage individual game updates, tweak your DNS settings, or use a guest network, you now have the knowledge to control your gaming experience. Remember to weigh the pros and cons of each method to find the one that best suits your needs. Happy gaming!