To redownload a digital Nintendo Switch game or DLC you bought, open Virtual Game Cards from the HOME Menu, select the item, and load its card to the console using the user linked to the Nintendo Account that purchased it. Nintendo’s support guidance says this has been the redownload route since April 30, 2025, replacing the former eShop navigation.
Redownload a purchased game or DLC
- On the Switch HOME Menu, select Virtual Game Cards.
- Select the card for the game or DLC. Make sure the selected user is linked to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase.
- Choose the on-screen option to load or set the Virtual Game Card on this console, then follow the prompts. Once loaded, the software can be downloaded or accessed on the console.
Nintendo’s guidance is from its Japan support pages; menu wording or account-history views may differ by region. The essential requirement is to use the purchasing account and load the item’s Virtual Game Card.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - US Version | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
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| 3 |
|
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If the purchased game is missing
Confirm which Nintendo Account bought it
Digital purchase entitlements are associated with the Nintendo Account used to buy the item. If it does not appear under Virtual Game Cards, switch to the user linked to the purchasing account. If you are unsure which account that is, check that account’s usage history or search the confirmation email for the purchase. Nintendo’s account usage record covers the previous two years for the listed purchase types; older transaction details may be in the email, and some service records may not appear on the account page: Nintendo Account usage history.
Link the purchasing account to a user
The user on the console must be linked to the Nintendo Account that owns the purchase. A different user or an unlinked account will not show that account’s entitlement. See Nintendo’s Virtual Game Cards guidance.
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Check whether redownload is still available
Nintendo says a title or DLC cannot be redownloaded if its redownload distribution has ended. In that case, the correct account and card-loading steps cannot restore access. Availability can change, so check Nintendo’s support information for the specific software: Virtual Game Cards and redownload limits.
Using a new or replacement Switch
On the new console, link the purchasing Nintendo Account to a user, open Virtual Game Cards, and load the relevant card there. Transferring a user or save data does not necessarily load the Virtual Game Card onto the destination console; Nintendo’s replacement-console instructions say to load the cards again: Nintendo Switch replacement-console guidance.
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Redownloading is separate from restoring save data
Downloading the game again does not by itself restore its saved progress. Nintendo discusses user and save-data transfer separately from loading Virtual Game Cards on a replacement console. If your goal is to recover progress, follow the save-data transfer or backup guidance for your situation rather than treating the game download as a save recovery.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Exceptions and storage considerations
Nintendo Switch Online software and demos
Nintendo identifies Nintendo Switch Online membership-only software and demos as exceptions to the standard purchased-software route. Download those again from the relevant product-description page.
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Storage space
A microSD card is not required to redownload a purchase. If the console lacks room, free space or consider a compatible storage option; Nintendo’s replacement guidance mentions a larger-capacity microSD card as one option for screenshots and videos, alongside transferring files to a phone or computer. Extra storage does not fix a missing purchase entitlement or software whose redownload distribution has ended.
