For most people, the right choice is the country where they actually live. Use that country for the Nintendo Account, which sets the Nintendo eShop country, and keep the console’s system region practical for the same locale. These are separate settings, and most region problems come from treating them as one.
Two settings that get confused
A Nintendo Switch has a system region, and a Nintendo Account carries a country. They do different jobs.
| Setting | What it controls | How it changes | Rule to remember |
|---|---|---|---|
| System region | The console’s regional configuration. Nintendo’s system-region instructions list Japan, the Americas, Europe, Australia/New Zealand, and Hong Kong/Taiwan/South Korea. | Changed on the console. The selected region’s EULA must be accepted, and the console must be restarted. | It is not the storefront selection and does not decide which eShop you shop in. |
| Nintendo Account country | The country tied to your account, including payment and purchase rules. | Edited on the Nintendo Account website (see the steps below). | Nintendo says the eShop country follows this setting. |
| eShop country | The storefront you browse and buy from. | Follows the Nintendo Account country. After the account country changes, the eShop updates on the next connection or when the application is opened. | Balance and payment methods are tied to this country. |
Which region should you choose?
There is no region that is inherently better for every buyer. Compare your options on these points:
- Whether you live in that country and can use its payment methods.
- Whether the game or DLC you want is sold in that eShop, and whether the title’s support information lists the console’s region.
- Whether eShop cards and account balance can be used without leaving value stranded.
- Whether local support and warranty coverage match the region where the console was meant to be sold.
- Whether travel introduces voltage, wireless, or accessory questions.
In practice, a buyer who lives in a country served by the Nintendo eShop should generally use that country for both the account and the store. This is our reading of Nintendo’s payment and country rules rather than a blanket Nintendo instruction, and it avoids relying on a payment instrument that does not match your market.
#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
Are Nintendo Switch game cards region-locked?
Mostly no. Nintendo’s Regional Compatibility FAQ states: “With the exception of consoles and game cards distributed in the Chinese region, Nintendo Switch game cards are not region locked.”
That is not a guarantee of full support for every title. Nintendo says overseas software may work, but it has not tested all overseas software with consoles from every region and cannot guarantee full service and support. It recommends software made specifically for the console’s region.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
To check a specific title, look at the game packaging, or open its Software Information and Support Information on the console to see supported regions. Nintendo’s Americas support page also states that Chinese-region consoles and games are not compatible with those distributed in the Americas.
Can DLC for one region be used with the same software title from another region?
Only if the add-on matches the base game’s region. Nintendo says DLC works only with games released for the same region as the DLC. Check the base game’s supported region before you buy any add-on, especially if you are buying an imported copy.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Can I use a Nintendo eShop card from another country or region on my console?
Nintendo eShop cards work only in the eShop country or region they were intended for. Nintendo says it cannot replace, exchange, or refund a card bought for a different country or region. Payment support also varies: cards issued in one region may not work in another region’s eShop.
Can I access the Nintendo eShop for another region?
Your eShop follows the country on your Nintendo Account, so changing region means changing the account country. Nintendo’s Americas page lists eShop availability for Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and the United States, and says each country’s eShop accepts the cards or credit cards that correspond to that country. That list covers the Americas only and is not a worldwide availability list.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Your eShop balance does not transfer when the account country changes, so spend it before you switch.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to change your Nintendo Account country
- Sign in to the Nintendo Account website.
- Open User Information.
- In Profile, edit the country/region.
- Save the change and confirm it.
Nintendo’s current instructions say the change can be blocked by the conditions below. Resolve them first.
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
What can block the change
- An outstanding eShop balance. Spend the remaining funds before changing the country.
- Active automatic renewal on a membership, pass, or subscription. Cancel the auto-renewal first.
- A pending downloadable-content pre-order. Cancel the pre-order if it prevents the change.
Supervised child accounts
Family-group rules may affect the change for supervised child accounts. Check Nintendo’s current instructions for your account type before you start.
Can I use Nintendo Switch in another country or region?
Nintendo says a Switch may be usable in another country, but it flags three concerns: voltage, wireless communication requirements, and warranty coverage. It recommends using the console in the country where it was purchased.
- Warranty: the limited warranty applies only in the country or region where the console was intended to be sold.
- Accessories: compatibility across regions is not guaranteed. Nintendo recommends licensed accessories from the country of purchase.
- Power: check the voltage rating of your console and the power supply against the destination’s supply before plugging in. Nintendo’s guidance is to verify the specifications rather than assume an adapter will work.
Travel does not change which eShop you use or which games are supported. Those still follow your account country and each title’s listed regions.
Quick Recap
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.
