NSP Files: These are the native format for Nintendo eShop content. This format is used for the base game, downloadable content (DLC), and, most importantly, the update files. Even if you have an XCI base game, you will almost always use NSP files to apply the latest patches and version increments. The Importance of Version Updates

: Improved rendering performance by up to 15% on newer hardware. Digital vs. Physical: NSP, XCI, and eShop

“Tonight,” she announced, “we dive. Full universe. No patches needed. No servers to fail. Just sixteen gigabytes of forever.”

However, the reality is that No Man’s Sky respects its players. The "Full" experience is available officially for a reasonable price, and the developers continue to drop massive content patches at zero cost.