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Game Builder Garage FAQ

Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model

Game Builder Garage is a game in which players learn how to make games from the minds at Nintendo, where the developers believe that creating games can be just as much fun as playing them. Through fun, interactive lessons Game Builder Garage teaches the fundamentals of video game creation in an approachable way.

Players can also share their games with other Game Builder Garage players, either via local wireless connection or online, by sharing their Game ID or Programmer ID. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to share games and download games shared by others.

General Information

Control Methods and Compatibility

Online Features

General Information

How do I create my game idea or make my play concept work in Game Builder Garage?

The Nodon, small creatures with big personalities who live inside Game Builder Garage, will guide you on how to use them to create your game. You can also refer to the in-game Nodopedia or Alice’s Guide to get information on how each Nodon can be used. We recommend experimenting with each Nodon to see how they pair up with others to create unique gameplay.

How do I unlock Free Programming mode?

Free Programming mode is unlocked after completing the first lesson, so players can jump into building their own games from that point onwards. We recommend finishing all the lessons for a more complete grounding in the fundamental concepts and ideas that Game Builder Garage teaches. Games created during lessons can be expanded on even after completing the lesson.

How many games can I save to my console in Game Builder Garage?

There are a total of 64 slots for players to save games, whether created themselves or downloaded from other players.

Is Game Builder Garage an educational tool that can be used to teach programming?

Game Builder Garage does not teach players how to program using an existing programming language, rather it is designed to help players learn fundamental concepts of video game creation in a fun and approachable way. In total there are seven interactive lessons, each teaching players the basics of game creation through different kind of games, including racing, puzzle-solving, and 3D platformer. These lessons are designed to be fun, engaging and perfect for people of all experience levels, with Checkpoints in between for players to test their knowledge by solving small puzzles or tasks. After completing the first lesson, Free Programming Mode gives players free rein to create their own games.

Game Builder Garage features a unique cast of characters called Nodon, who each have a different function. By following the in-game instructions and connecting the Nodon together, anyone can enjoy building their own game, with no prior experience necessary. This unique approach of using characters as the building blocks of games, combined with a visual style of creation and programming, can teach players the fundamentals in a fun and engaging way.

Game Builder Garage is the only game creation software that allows players to learn how to make games from the minds at Nintendo.

Is it possible to create multiplayer games using Game Builder Garage?

Yes, players can create games that support up to eight players at once, with each player using an individual Joy-Con 2, Joy-Con, or Pro Controller.

Control Methods and Compatibility

Is Game Builder Garage compatible with Nintendo Labo?

Game Builder Garage is not part of the Nintendo Labo range of products and is not compatible with Nintendo Labo.

What control methods are supported?

Game Builder Garage supports all of the following control methods:

Nintendo Switch 2
  • Joy-Con 2 (one per player)
  • Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
  • Joy-Con (one per player)
  • Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
  • Touch screen
Nintendo Switch
  • Joy-Con (one per player)
  • Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
  • Touch screen
  • USB mouse
    • When playing in TV mode on Nintendo Switch, a compatible USB mouse can be connected to the Nintendo Switch dock and used to control the cursor while creating games. A mouse is not included with the game.

Does the game play differently on Nintendo Switch Lite?

Every lesson and mode in Game Builder Garage can be played on Nintendo Switch Lite using either button or touch screen controls.

When playing on Nintendo Switch Lite, which does not have a dock or USB port, a mouse cannot be used.

As Nintendo Switch Lite does not include detachable Joy-Con, players will need to pair a Joy-Con controller to assign functions to the SR and SL buttons or to use the following Nodon in their creations:

  • IR Motion Camera Nodon
  • IR-Light Nodon
  • Vibration Nodon

How can I use a mouse to play Game Builder Garage?

Nintendo Switch 2

When playing in TV mode or Tabletop Mode on Nintendo Switch 2, the Joy-Con 2 can be used in Mouse Mode. For more information, see Using Joy-Con 2 as a Mouse.

Nintendo Switch

When playing in TV mode on Nintendo Switch, a compatible USB mouse can be connected to the Nintendo Switch dock and used to control the cursor while creating games. The mouse is sold separately.

Nintendo Switch Lite

A mouse cannot be used when playing on a Nintendo Switch Lite console.

Do I need to use a special mouse to play Game Builder Garage?

A mouse is not required to play Game Builder Garage. The software can be controlled with Joy-Con 2 or the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller on Nintendo Switch 2, or a compatible USB mouse, Joy-Con, or the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller on Nintendo Switch.

Most plug-and-play USB mice will work with the game. Mice that require an additional driver to be installed may not work with the game.

Online Features

Once I’ve created a game, how do I share it with other people?

Players can share their creations to other Game Builder Garage players via local wireless connection, or via the Internet.

To share online, players need to upload their creation and share either the Game ID or Programmer ID to other players. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for uploading and downloading games and is sold separately.

How can I browse for and play games that other people have created?

Players can download others’ creations by searching for a Game ID or Programmer ID. There is no feature for browsing uploaded creations. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is required for uploading and downloading games and is sold separately.

If I play a game that someone else created, can I leave comments and feedback for them within Game Builder Garage?

No. Players can download others’ creations and play them, but it is not possible to leave comments or feedback on another player’s creation within Game Builder Garage.

Players can look at the programming in the games they download, so in this way it is possible for players to learn from and inspire one another with their creations.

It is possible to report games that contain inappropriate content to Nintendo.

Since the game enables/encourages user-generated content, how can I ensure my child is not exposed to anything inappropriate?

Games created by others can only be found and downloaded after entering a unique Game ID or Programming ID, so you can make sure that you only locate games from creators you know and trust. There is no feature for browsing everyone’s uploaded creations.

Using the Nintendo Switch parental controls, adults can manage the content their children can access, as well as their ability to view/share user-generated content by restricting communication with others.

If players do encounter objectionable content, they can easily report it to Nintendo within the game. If the report function isn’t available, then the content was created by someone on your console and can be removed from your list of saved games in Game Builder Garage.

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