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Where Is the 16-Digit Code on a Nintendo eShop Card?

The code may be under a scratch-off panel on the card’s back—or on the retailer receipt if the card has no panel.
Length1 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team

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Check the back of the card first. If it has a gray scratch-off panel, gently scratch it to reveal the 16-digit download code. Some retailer cards have no scratch-off panel and no code printed on the card; for those, check the purchase receipt and any email from the retailer.

Find the code based on your card’s format

What you see Where to look What to do
A gray scratch-off panel on the back Under the panel Gently scratch away the coating to reveal the code. Nintendo Support advises scratching off the gray film.
No scratch-off panel The retailer’s purchase receipt Some retailer cards provide the code on the receipt rather than on the card. Nintendo Support’s no-scratch-off guidance explains this format.

If the code is not on the card

  1. Find the receipt. Look for the 16-digit code printed with the purchase details.
  2. Search your email. If you gave the retailer an email address, check for a message containing a copy of the code.
  3. Check the relevant Nintendo eShop balance. The code may already have been redeemed to the account you are checking.
  4. Contact the original retailer. Ask whether it can locate the purchase and provide another copy of the receipt; this depends on its records and policies.

If the code is still missing

Nintendo says it cannot replace a code that has been lost, misplaced, or stolen. If the card, receipt, email, and retailer records do not turn up the code, Nintendo’s guidance says another code may need to be purchased.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
eCash - Nintendo eShop Gift Card $100 | Digital | Nintendo Switch
eCash - Nintendo eShop Gift Card $100 | Digital | Nintendo Switch
eCash - Nintendo eShop Gift Card $100
$100.00
Bestseller No. 2
$50 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code]
$50 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code]
This item can be redeemed on eShop only. This item cannot be redeemed on the Wii Shop
$50.00
Bestseller No. 3
$20 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code]
$20 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code]
This item can be redeemed on eShop only. This item cannot be redeemed on the Wii Shop
$20.00
Bestseller No. 4
$70 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code]
$70 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code]
This item can be redeemed on eShop only. This item cannot be redeemed on the Wii Shop
$70.00
Rank #4
$70 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code]
  • 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
$20 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code]
  • 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 #2
$50 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code]
  • 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.
#1 Best Overall

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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