Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 for Nintendo Switch Requires Mandatory Download

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4, the highly anticipated remaster from Activision, is officially coming to the Nintendo Switch with a release date set for July 11, 2025.

While fans and collectors have eagerly awaited this updated collection of the legendary skateboarding series, recent information confirms that the physical version for Nintendo Switch will require a mandatory download to play.

This news has sparked discussion within the gaming community, particularly among those who collect physical media or lack reliable internet access. Box art images circulating across retailer websites indicate a compulsory download will be part of the Nintendo Switch release for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4.

Although specific details about the size or nature of the required download remain unconfirmed, the indication is clear: the contents of the game exceed the storage capacity of a standard Nintendo Switch cartridge.

As a result, buyers of the physical edition will need to download essential game data via the Nintendo eShop to access the full experience on their console. An Activision spokesperson has been approached for further clarification regarding the extent of the mandatory download.

At this point, it is unclear whether only supplemental content—such as cosmetics or optional features—will need to be downloaded, or if substantial parts of the main game, such as complete levels, are excluded from the cartridge. The need for such downloads is not unprecedented on Nintendo Switch, given the hardware’s limitations in cartridge storage compared to modern game file sizes.

However, this practice remains a sticking point for collectors and enthusiasts of physical Switch games, who value future-proof ownership and playability.

While some players may not be affected in the short term, others raise concerns about long-term game preservation—especially if the required download content eventually becomes unavailable. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 will offer the classic stages from the acclaimed 2001 and 2002 releases on the Nintendo Gamecube, alongside a brand new level called Waterpark.

The remaster aims to celebrate two decades of skateboarding culture and arcade-style gameplay, continuing the legacy of one of gaming's most iconic franchises.

Its arrival on the Nintendo Switch ensures portable access, complementing previous releases on other platforms. As the July 2025 launch approaches, players and collectors await further details from Activision about the download requirement.

For now, fans can look forward to revisiting Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater’s signature moves and memorable soundtracks—albeit, with the added step of an essential download on Nintendo Switch.

Stay tuned for updates, as more information is expected to emerge ahead of release.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Tony Hawk Tony Hawk's Pro Skater