Usually, yes. eShop maintenance does not automatically stop every game already on your Nintendo Switch from launching. But some launches can fail during an outage, and games that need an internet connection, an online license check, or cloud streaming may not be playable until service returns. Store purchases, downloads, and code redemption can also be interrupted.
What you can do during eShop maintenance
The answer depends on what you are trying to play and how the game is accessed. Nintendo documents an outage-related error that can appear when launching a downloaded game, but that does not mean all installed games are blocked. For error 2137-4024, Nintendo advises checking network status and trying to launch the game again after the outage ends: Nintendo Support: Error Code 2137-4024.
| Situation | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Installed game with offline play, already available on the console | Often playable, but not guaranteed; Nintendo documents that an outage can affect some game launch attempts. Nintendo Support |
| Downloaded game accessed with an online license instead of a loaded virtual game card | Internet is required for this license option, so the game may not start if the connection or required check is unavailable. Nintendo Support |
| Cloud version of a game | Requires a stable, high-speed internet connection to stream; it may be inaccessible if the connection or required server is unavailable. Nintendo Support |
| Online multiplayer or another connected feature | May be unavailable if the affected service is needed. Some games require Nintendo Switch Online for online play and others do not; check the game’s product information. Nintendo Switch Online Service FAQ |
| New purchase, download, or download-code redemption | Storefront tasks can be delayed or unavailable during maintenance; retry after service is restored. Nintendo Support and Nintendo UK Support |
Why an installed game may still need the internet
Online-license access
Having a game downloaded does not always mean the console can start it offline. Nintendo says software or content accessed through the online-license feature needs an active internet connection when it is not loaded as a virtual game card. If you see a message such as “Checking if the software can be played…,” the license method may be relevant; see Nintendo’s support steps for that message.
Cloud streaming
A cloud version is streamed rather than run entirely from a local game installation. Nintendo says a stable and consistent internet connection is required, so maintenance that affects the needed service—or a separate connection problem—can prevent play: Cloud Versions of Games FAQ.
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- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Online features
A game may launch and allow offline play even when multiplayer or another connected feature does not work. Nintendo Switch Online is required for some titles’ online play, but not all; the game’s eShop or Nintendo product information page identifies its requirement: Nintendo Switch Online Service FAQ.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Rank #4
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 to 9 hours
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001(01)
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
What to do if a game or eShop task fails
- Check Nintendo’s current service notice. Open the Network Maintenance Information/Operational Status page and look for eShop maintenance or an outage. Service status changes, so a maintenance notice may not apply to every error or every time you try.
- Match the error to the task. Error 2813-9200 is associated with eShop server maintenance; Nintendo says to redeem a download code after maintenance ends. A recently purchased game may also take longer to download during an eShop outage. See Nintendo’s 2813-9200 guidance and Nintendo UK’s download troubleshooting.
- Wait for the listed maintenance or outage to end, then retry. Nintendo specifically recommends retrying a game launch after the outage for error 2137-4024 and retrying code redemption after maintenance for error 2813-9200.
- If no outage is listed, or the problem continues afterward, follow the support steps for the exact error. The issue may be unrelated to maintenance.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
