On a Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch, open Nintendo eShop, choose the Nintendo Account that should receive the content, select Enter Code, enter the 16-character download code, and confirm. You can also redeem a code in a browser through Nintendo’s official page, provided that account has opened eShop on a Switch 2 or Switch at least once.
Redeem a code on your console
- Connect your Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch to the internet and open Nintendo eShop from the HOME Menu.
- Select the Nintendo Account that should own the software, membership, or other content. Codes are applied to the account you choose.
- Select Enter Code, type all 16 characters, then confirm. Nintendo’s download-code instructions also cover Nintendo Switch Online memberships and Nintendo eShop Cards.
- After successful redemption, the title appears on the HOME Menu and begins downloading. If it does not appear, check the download status and the account’s purchase history.
Use the Download Code, not the Control Number
Some retailer cards show both a Download Code and a Control Number. Enter the Download Code, which usually begins with B; the Control Number usually begins with S and contains hyphens.
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Redeem a code in a web browser
Nintendo’s online redemption page lets you enter a code without having the console in hand. Sign in to the Nintendo Account that should receive the content, enter the 16-digit code, and confirm. The flow asks you to enter the account password again before final redemption. Nintendo requires the account to have accessed Nintendo eShop on a Switch 2 or Switch at least once. After redemption, Nintendo sends a confirmation email to the address registered to the account.
Choose the right redemption route
| Route | What you need | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Console | A Nintendo Switch 2 or Switch with internet access; select the intended account in eShop. | You have the console nearby and want the download to start there. |
| Browser | A Nintendo Account that has opened eShop on a Switch 2 or Switch at least once; sign in and confirm the account before redeeming. | You are away from the console but want to redeem online. |
Whichever route you use, the code must be valid for the selected account’s eShop region and compatible with the console generation or redemption method.
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Fix a code that will not redeem
Check the code and its status
- It says the code is invalid: Check that you entered the Download Code rather than a separate Control Number, then re-enter all characters carefully. Nintendo lists incorrect entry as a possible cause of code errors in its download-code troubleshooting guide.
- It may have been used already: Check Nintendo eShop purchase history for the game or DLC. If it is listed, Nintendo says the code has already been redeemed.
- The code is for a promotion: Retailer-purchased game and DLC codes do not expire according to Nintendo’s troubleshooting page, but promotional codes may have separate conditions. Check the terms supplied with the promotion.
Check the account’s eShop region
Nintendo eShop’s country follows the country setting on the Nintendo Account. Nintendo says a download code can only be redeemed in the eShop region intended for that game. Check the region printed on the card or stated by the retailer, then verify the account’s country setting. See Nintendo’s code troubleshooting page for region-related errors.
Check release timing and error 2813-0055
Nintendo’s error 2813-0055 guidance says this error can mean that a code has expired or the content is not yet available in your region. Check the game’s release date and try again when it is available. A retailer-purchased game or DLC code that is otherwise valid does not expire under Nintendo’s general troubleshooting guidance; promotional codes can have different conditions.
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.
Make sure the code matches your console
Some codes require Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo says Switch 2-exclusive game codes, bundles with Switch 2 content, Switch 2 Edition codes, and Switch 2 upgrade packs cannot be redeemed on the original Switch in the cases described in its Switch 2 code error guidance. If you do not have a Switch 2, Nintendo advises asking the retailer whether it can assist with a refund.
Follow instructions for in-game codes
If online redemption returns error 9001-6561, the code may be intended for redemption inside a game rather than on Nintendo’s website. Follow the instructions on the card, insert, or receipt. Nintendo explains this error in its 9001-6561 support article.
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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.
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