The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →You can’t send a game directly as a gift through Nintendo eShop. Instead, give the recipient a Nintendo eShop Card so they can choose a game, or buy a download code for a specific game from an authorized retailer. A physical game is another option.
Can you send a gift through Nintendo eShop?
No. Nintendo says it is not possible to send a gift through Nintendo eShop, whether on a console or elsewhere. Nintendo’s suggested alternatives are an eShop Card or a download code for a select game bought from an authorized retailer. See Nintendo Support’s gifting guidance.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nintendo eShop Physical Gift Card | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Nintendo eShop Physical Gift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![$50 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51klpGvEKML._SL160_.jpg)
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$50 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code] | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![$20 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41XOVFRcBIL._SL160_.jpg)
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$20 Nintendo eShop Gift Card [Digital Code] | $20.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Choose the kind of gift that fits
| Option | Best when | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo eShop Card | You want the recipient to choose their own game. | Confirm the card works in the recipient’s country and Nintendo Account region, and check the amount and format sold locally. |
| Download code | You know which game you want to give. | Check that the exact game has a code available from an authorized retailer, and verify the code’s region, platform, and redemption instructions. |
| Physical game | You want to give a tangible item. | Confirm the recipient’s console and the game’s compatibility and edition. |
Give an eShop Card when they should choose
The recipient can redeem the card on their own Nintendo Account and put its balance toward a future purchase. Nintendo’s US-oriented digital shopping guide lists $10, $20, $35, and $50 cards; these are US-dollar examples, not universal denominations. Check local availability and terms before buying.
Give a download code for a particular game
Nintendo says authorized retailers sell download codes for select games. Availability varies: don’t assume every game has a code or that a code can be bought in every country. Before purchasing, match the code to the recipient’s platform and region, and follow the seller’s redemption instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- Give the gift of fun with a Nintendo eShop gift code
- It's easy—apply it to your Nintendo eShop account in seconds.
- It ensures that you’ll always have funds on hand to help with purchases of new games and applications
- It’s designed for your Nintendo eShop purchases—no credit card required.
- 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 system.
Why buying a game on your account is not gifting it
Nintendo digital purchases are associated with the Nintendo Account that buys them. A purchase is delivered to the system selected during checkout; buying a game on your account does not give the recipient a code or transfer ownership to their account. Nintendo’s pages explain how eShop purchases and downloads work and the system-selection requirements for purchases through Nintendo.com.
Virtual Game Cards are for sharing, not gifting
Nintendo’s Virtual Game Card feature lets an owner load or eject owned games and lend them to members of their Nintendo Account family group. A loaded virtual game card can be played offline by users on that console. This is a separate sharing feature; it does not turn a newly purchased eShop game into a direct gift. See Nintendo’s Virtual Game Card guide.
Rank #2
- Give the gift of fun with a Nintendo eShop gift code
- It's easy—apply it to your Nintendo eShop account in seconds.
- It ensures that you’ll always have funds on hand to help with purchases of new games and applications
- It’s designed for your Nintendo eShop purchases—no credit card required.
- 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 system.
Check regional rules before buying
- For an eShop Card, confirm country and account-region compatibility, plus the locally available amounts and formats.
- For a download code, verify that the exact title is sold as a code in the recipient’s region and that it can be redeemed on their platform.
- For a physical game, check the specific edition and console compatibility.
Nintendo’s North American Game Vouchers FAQ says vouchers can only be redeemed by the Nintendo Account that purchased them and that no further vouchers can be purchased. Because rules may differ by market, check the recipient’s local Nintendo support information rather than relying on vouchers as a gift.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 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
- 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.
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.
