To see the download progress on your Nintendo Switch, simply check the game icon on the HOME Menu.
Checking Download Progress on Your Switch
The most direct way to monitor a download on your Nintendo Switch is right from the main screen. When you start downloading software from the Nintendo eShop or update a game, a dedicated icon for that item will appear on your HOME Menu.
As stated in the guidance: Check the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu to see if there is a game icon that shows that the download is currently in progress. If the download is still in progress, wait until the download is complete.
This icon isn't just a placeholder; it actively displays the status of your download.
What the Download Icon Looks Like
When a download is active, the game or software icon on your HOME Menu will provide visual cues:
- Status Bar: You will typically see a progress bar overlaid on the icon, filling up as the download progresses.
- Progress Indicator: Some downloads may also show a percentage complete or potentially an estimated time remaining, although the visual status bar is the most common indicator.
- Dimmed Icon: The icon might appear slightly dimmed or grayed out until the download is entirely finished and the software is ready to launch.
Once the download is complete, the icon will revert to its normal appearance, and you'll usually receive a notification indicating that the software is ready to play.
Tips for Monitoring and Managing Downloads
While waiting for your download to finish, here are a few practical tips:
- Keep Your Switch On (or in Sleep Mode): Downloads continue while the console is active or in sleep mode, provided it has a stable internet connection. Putting the console into sleep mode (a short press of the POWER Button) is often the most convenient way to allow large downloads to finish.
- Check Your Connection: Ensure your Wi-Fi connection is stable. Interruptions can pause or slow down downloads. You can check your connection status in the System Settings.
- Prioritize Downloads: If you have multiple items downloading, the Switch usually prioritizes the most recently started one. There isn't a built-in option to manually reorder download queues directly from the HOME Menu icon itself, but they generally process sequentially or based on initiation order.
By regularly glancing at the specific software's icon on your HOME Menu, you can easily track its download status without needing to navigate through complex menus.
