The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Usually, yes—but not every game or feature is guaranteed to work. eShop maintenance can interrupt purchases, downloads, and code redemption, and Nintendo documents an outage error that can appear when launching a downloaded game. Offline play is more likely to work when a game is installed locally and does not need an online license check or a server connection.
What works during eShop maintenance?
Maintenance affects Nintendo’s services, not necessarily every game already available on your console. The practical answer depends on how you access the game and whether it needs an internet connection.
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| Situation | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Installed game with offline single-player | Often playable, but Nintendo documents an eShop outage error that can affect a launch attempt. It does not say that every installed game is blocked. Nintendo’s error 2137-4024 guidance. |
| Downloaded game using online-license access | An active internet connection is required when the game or content is accessed this way rather than loaded as a virtual game card. If the connection or required check is unavailable, it may not start. Nintendo’s software-play check guidance. |
| Cloud version | Requires a stable, high-speed connection to stream from a server, so it can be unavailable if the connection or required server is down. Nintendo’s cloud-version FAQ. |
| Online multiplayer or connected features | May be unavailable if the affected service is needed. Some games require Nintendo Switch Online for online play; check the game’s eShop or Nintendo product information page. Nintendo Switch Online FAQ. |
| New purchase, download, or download-code redemption | Storefront tasks can be delayed or unavailable during maintenance. Nintendo advises redeeming a code after maintenance ends and notes that an eShop outage can delay a recently purchased game’s download. Error 2813-9200 guidance; Nintendo UK download support. |
Why an installed game might still fail to launch
“Installed” does not always mean “independent of Nintendo’s services.” Nintendo identifies error 2137-4024 as an error during a temporary eShop outage and advises checking network status, then trying to launch the game again after the outage ends. That guidance establishes that an outage can affect some launches; it is not a blanket statement that all downloaded games need the eShop to start.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesLicense access also matters. With online-license access, Nintendo requires an active internet connection to play downloaded games or content when they are not loaded as virtual game cards. A game that is loaded as a virtual game card and a game accessed through an online license therefore do not have the same connection requirement.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Offline play is not the same as online play
A game may open and allow its offline modes while multiplayer or another connected feature does not. Which features remain available depends on the title and the service affected by maintenance. Nintendo says some games require Nintendo Switch Online for online play and some do not; check the specific game’s product information for its requirements.
What to do if you get an error
- Open Nintendo’s Error Code: 2137-4024 support page and check the Network Maintenance Information/Operational Status page linked there for an eShop outage or maintenance notice.
- If maintenance or an outage is listed, wait until Nintendo reports that it has ended. For error 2813-9200, Nintendo says to redeem the download code after maintenance; for error 2137-4024, it advises trying to launch the game again after service returns.
- If no relevant service issue is listed, or the error continues after service is restored, follow Nintendo’s support steps for the exact error code rather than assuming maintenance is the cause.
Would a physical game card help?
A packaged game card avoids needing the eShop to download that game, but it is not a universal workaround. It cannot restore network-dependent features or remove an online-license check where one applies, and Nintendo does not guarantee that every card-based game will work during every maintenance event.
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
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