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Yes. You can change a Japanese Nintendo Switch’s interface to English in System Settings > System > Language. Select English and confirm the restart; you do not need to reset the console or change its region. This changes the console menus, but it does not guarantee that every game will be in English.
How to change the console language to English
- From the HOME Menu, open System Settings.
- Scroll down and select System.
- Select Language.
- Choose English and confirm the restart.
Nintendo says the setting applies to Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model. The console must restart, and any software you left suspended will close. If the menus are in Japanese, follow the same path; use the menu icons and positions to locate the settings.
This is a built-in console setting. Changing the language does not require a factory reset or a region change. Nintendo’s language-setting instructions provide the steps.
Will Japanese Switch games be in English?
Only if the particular game supports English. Nintendo says a game or software application uses the console’s selected language when that language is supported by the software. Setting the system to English cannot translate a game that supports Japanese only.
#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
Before buying a specific title, check its official product information for supported languages, especially if English text or audio is essential. Do not assume that every Japanese release lacks English—or that every release includes it. Nintendo’s explanation of game language settings describes how the console language and a game’s supported languages interact.
Does changing the language change the console’s region or eShop?
No. Language and region are separate system settings, and the eShop country is tied to your Nintendo Account’s country setting.
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
Console region
The separate region control is under System Settings > System > Region. Choosing a different region requires accepting that region’s EULA and restarting. The listed choices are Japan, the Americas, Europe, Australia/New Zealand, and Hong Kong/Taiwan/South Korea. Changing this setting is not necessary to display English. See Nintendo’s region-setting information.
Nintendo Account country and eShop
Your Nintendo Account’s country determines which country’s eShop you access. If you change the account country, the new eShop country takes effect the next time the console connects to the eShop. Any balance in the account does not carry over to the new country, so check your balance before making a change. Nintendo’s account-country guidance explains the eShop implications.
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 you play US or other overseas game cards on a Japanese Switch?
Nintendo says Switch game cards are generally not region-locked, with an exception for consoles and game cards distributed in China. However, Nintendo has not tested every combination of overseas software and consoles from other regions, and it does not guarantee full service and support for all overseas software. So a game card may work, but do not treat cross-region use as a promise of identical support or services. See Nintendo’s regional compatibility information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check before buying a Japanese-market console
- Game language: Confirm that each game you plan to play supports English; the console setting alone cannot add a language.
- Physical games: Cards are generally not region-locked, subject to Nintendo’s China exception and the support caveat above.
- Downloadable content: DLC works only with games released for the same region as the DLC. Check that the DLC and base game’s release regions match. Nintendo’s DLC compatibility guidance covers this restriction.
- Digital purchases: The Nintendo Account country determines the eShop country, and account balance does not transfer when you change that country.
- Warranty and service: Nintendo recommends using a console in the country where it was purchased for performance, service, and support. Its limited warranty applies only in the country or region where the console was intended to be sold. Before buying an import, check the seller’s warranty terms and the relevant Nintendo support route. See Nintendo’s warranty information.
There is no single rule that makes every Japanese-market Switch unsuitable for English-speaking players. The key uncertainties are the language support of the games you want, region matching for DLC, your preferred eShop country, and where warranty service is available.
Quick Recap
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.
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
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.
