Third-party Switch game boxes are a treat for physical game fans

By Jon Martindale June 6, 2017

nintendo switch digital only switchboxes — Nintendocu

A Nintendo fan has created some fake boxes for the Nintendo Switch digital games he bought since picking up the portable home console hybrid. They have cover and spinal art with a unified color theme and some great imagery from the games themselves, laid out in the style of a classic game case design.

The move to predominantly digital game sales has been of great benefit to gamers around the world, but one sad casualty has been physical box artwork. While it still exists for those games that are big enough to get physical releases, many don’t, and that is just as true of the Nintendo Switch’s expansive digital library.

If you don’t like that situation, and would rather have a physical, boxy reminder of what games you own, Mahir Sumer has made things that much easier for you. He’s created custom cases for Metal Slug 3, Shovel Knight and Snake Pass, among others.

Better yet, if you’re in a similar boat to Sumer and wish for an expansive physical collection yourself, his designs are now available for download, so you can print them off and make your own custom cases. It might not be quite so easy to find empty Switch cases to put those sleeves in, but Kotaku recommends contacting local game retailers to see if they have any spare ones from game promo cases.

If all of this seems rather strange to you in an era where digital gaming is the most common way for people to pick up their games, know that it’s not just console gamers who are keen to hang on to a physical reminder of their collection. Box art can be a big deal for some PC gamers, too. Back in March of last year, Doom’s arguably uninspired box art prompted a rethink at Id Software, leading to it pitching a brand-new design to fans.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Computing Coordinator

Jon Martindale is the Evergreen Coordinator for Computing, overseeing a team of writers addressing all the latest how to…

Gaming

Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers: how they work and eligible games

Princess Peach.

Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers vanished from the eShop in 2019, but they've since made a triumphant return. Though they won't be perfect for everyone, these vouchers are ideal for folks interested in playing multiple Switch games throughout the year and looking to save a few bucks on their purchase. After buying a voucher, you'll be able to browse an ever-growing selection of digital Switch games -- including Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Tears of the Kingdom -- and snag them at a discount.

Curious about the Nintendo Switch Game Voucher program? Here's everything you need to know about the unique program.
How Nintendo Switch Vouchers work

Gaming

Mother 3 is finally on Nintendo Switch … but only in Japan

Clause standing b y a bench in Mother 3.

Mother 3, the highly requested cult-classic RPG for the Game Boy Advance, is set to appear today on the Nintendo Switch Online service. But there's a catch: It's only available in Japan.

North Americans were first introduced to the Mother series under the name Earthbound on the SNES in 1995. As was common at the time, the game was renamed for the West in an attempt to avoid confusion. In 2006, a third entry was released in Japan for the GBA simply called Mother 3, but it has never had an official translation for Western audiences. Both Mother 2, aka Earthbound, and the original Mother, renamed Earthbound Beginnings, have been added to Nintendo Switch Online, but there has never been any indication that the third game would receive the same treatment.

Gaming

Can you play the Nintendo Switch Lite on a TV?

nintendo new switch lite model fcc joy con drift blue

The Nintendo Switch Lite is the smaller, more affordable sibling of the standard Nintendo Switch. This makes it a great option for frugal shoppers, as it's capable of playing all the same games yet carries a much friendlier price tag. However, the Switch Lite doesn't share all the same features as the standard Switch. A big difference is that it won't fit in a traditional Switch dock. That means you'll need to pick up a third-party model if you want somewhere to store and charge your handheld while it's not in use.

But can you play the Nintendo Switch Lite on a TV while it's docked? And is it possible to play Switch Lite on a TV using an HDMI cable or other workaround? Here's everything you need to know about the device.
Can you play the Nintendo Switch Lite on a TV?