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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →To enter a code on a Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch, open Nintendo eShop from the HOME Menu, choose the account that should receive the content, select Enter Code on the left, and confirm the 16-character code. You can also redeem a standard download code in a browser through Nintendo’s redemption page, provided that account has opened eShop on a Switch 2 or Switch at least once.
Enter a code on your Nintendo Switch or Switch 2
- Connect the console to the internet.
- Open Nintendo eShop from the HOME Menu.
- Select the Nintendo Account that should receive the game, downloadable content, funds, or membership.
- Select Enter Code on the left side of the eShop screen.
- Type the 16-character download code, select OK, and confirm. The download starts after the code is accepted.
Nintendo says this console entry flow also works for Nintendo eShop Cards and Nintendo Switch Online membership codes. Nintendo’s instructions for redeeming a download code show the same menu path.
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Redeem a code online in a browser
If you do not have the console with you, redeem the code through Nintendo’s online page. Use the Nintendo Account that should receive the content.
- Open Nintendo’s redeem page and sign in.
- Enter the 16-digit download code and select Next.
- If prompted, enter the account password again, then select Redeem.
Nintendo says it sends a confirmation email to the address registered to the account. This online method has a prerequisite: the account must have accessed Nintendo eShop on a Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch at least once before.
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Make sure you have the right kind of code
Download Code versus Control Number
Some retailer cards display both a Download Code and a Control Number. Enter the Download Code. Nintendo says download codes usually begin with B and have no hyphens; Control Numbers usually begin with S and include hyphens. Certain letters and symbols—including O, I, Z, and hyphens—are not used in download codes, so they may be disabled on the on-screen keyboard.
Special game cards and vouchers
A Nintendo Switch CHOOSE ONE Full Game Download Card is a special offer code that lets its holder choose one of three eligible games; the code can be redeemed for only one of them. Follow the instructions associated with that card.
Rank #2
- This item can be redeemed on eShop only. This item cannot be redeemed on the Wii Shop
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch, Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- Nintendo eShop Digital Cards are redeemable only through the Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch, Wii U, and Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- Digital Card balances can be shared across Nintendo Switch, Wii U and Nintendo 3DS family of systems, but may only be used on a single Nintendo eShop account.
Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers are different from ordinary download codes. Nintendo requires an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online membership to redeem a voucher, which can be exchanged for one game from a select list. See Nintendo’s Game Voucher FAQ for its separate rules.
If Nintendo eShop will not accept the code
- Check the characters. Compare the code with the card or receipt, and make sure you are entering the Download Code rather than the Control Number.
- Check the region. Nintendo says a download code can be redeemed only in the eShop region that matches the game. The eShop country follows the country setting on the Nintendo Account, so check that setting as well as the region for which the code was sold.
- Check whether it was already redeemed. Look at the account’s previous downloads and Virtual Game Cards. If the title was already redeemed on the system, it may be available to redownload without entering the code again.
- Check console compatibility. Nintendo identifies an error message for codes for content accessible only on Switch 2. If you are using a Switch, verify that the code’s content works on that console.
- Contact the seller or publisher if needed. If a retailer-purchased code cannot be activated, Nintendo’s troubleshooting guidance says to contact the retailer. For other unresolved issues, contact the game’s publisher where appropriate. See Nintendo’s download-code error guidance.
Which redemption method should you use?
| Method | What you need | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| On Switch 2 or Switch | The console, an internet connection, and the Nintendo Account that should receive the content. | Enter the code in eShop and confirm on the console. |
| Online in a browser | A browser and Nintendo Account sign-in; the account must previously have accessed eShop on a Switch 2 or Switch. | Enter the code, confirm the account password if prompted, and redeem; Nintendo sends a confirmation email. |
Nintendo’s cited instructions cover Switch 2 and Switch family devices on its Americas-region support pages. Account interfaces, code availability, and support details may vary by country; if your account is outside the Americas, check Nintendo support for your region.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- This item can be redeemed on eShop only. This item cannot be redeemed on the Wii Shop
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch, Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- Nintendo eShop Digital Cards are redeemable only through the Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch, Wii U, and Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- Digital Card balances can be shared across Nintendo Switch, Wii U and Nintendo 3DS family of systems, but may only be used on a single Nintendo eShop account.
Rank #3
- This item can be redeemed on eShop only. This item cannot be redeemed on the Wii Shop
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch, Wii U or Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- Nintendo eShop Digital Cards are redeemable only through the Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch, Wii U, and Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- Digital Card balances can be shared across Nintendo Switch, Wii U and Nintendo 3DS family of systems, but may only be used on a single Nintendo eShop account.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
