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Can You Change the Language on a Japanese Nintendo Switch 2?

The answer depends on the model: Japan’s Japanese-Language System is Japanese-only, but the Multi-Language System supports English and other languages.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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It depends on which Japanese-market Switch 2 you have. The Japanese-Language System is Japanese-only, while the Multi-Language System lets you choose another supported language, such as English. Check the model before looking for a language setting: the Japanese-only model has no Language or Region option in System Settings.

First, identify which Japanese Switch 2 model you have

Buying a Switch 2 in Japan does not by itself mean it is the Japanese-only model. Nintendo sells two versions in the Japanese market, and their language and account features differ.

Model System languages Nintendo Account and eShop Region setting
Japanese-Language System (Japan only) Japanese only; no system-language switch Can be linked only with Nintendo Accounts set to Japan; eShop is for Japan-region software No Region entry in System Settings
Multi-Language System 16 total: Japanese plus 15 other languages, including regional English variants Accepts Nintendo Accounts from all country/region settings Nintendo warns that some Switch 2 models cannot change region

These model distinctions and restrictions are described on Nintendo’s Japanese Switch 2 comparison page and its Japanese product page. Nintendo describes the Japanese-Language System as “designed for use in Japan only.” The Multi-Language System’s listed release date in Japan was June 5, 2025; the cited product information does not establish current stock or pricing.

How to change the language on a supported Switch 2

On a Multi-Language System, follow these steps:

  1. From the HOME Menu, open System Settings.
  2. Select System.
  3. Select Language.
  4. Choose the language you want.
  5. Select Restart to confirm.

The console restarts in the selected language. Nintendo Support says any suspended software will close, so save your game and exit it before changing the setting. See Nintendo’s language-change instructions.

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If you cannot read the current menu language

On a model that supports multiple languages, use the gear icon on the HOME Menu to open System Settings, then navigate to the System section and Language option. If you are unsure which entries to select, Nintendo Japan has guidance for recovering from an incorrectly selected language. Its screenshots show the original Switch, and Nintendo notes that Switch 2 screens differ slightly, so rely on the labels and layout on your own console rather than assuming every screenshot position is identical.

What changing the system language does—and does not do

Changing the setting changes the console’s menus. Some games follow the system language, but others have a separate language setting; changing the system language does not override a game’s own controls. Check the game’s settings if its text or audio does not change.

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Changing region will not add languages to the Japanese-only model

Language and region are separate settings. On models with a Region option, Nintendo lists Japan, the Americas, Europe, Australia/New Zealand, and Hong Kong/Taiwan/South Korea as region choices. Changing region requires accepting the applicable terms and restarting, and Nintendo warns that some Switch 2 models cannot change region. The Japanese-Language System has no Region entry, and changing region cannot make it support English or another system language. See Nintendo’s Switch 2 region-setting guidance.

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