On Nintendo Switch 2, redeem a game download code in Nintendo eShop: open the eShop, select the user whose Nintendo Account should own the content, choose Enter Code, type the 16-character download code, and confirm. You’ll need the code, an internet connection, a compatible Switch 2 or Switch console, and a Nintendo Account set to a country or region where Nintendo eShop is available.
Redeem a code on your Switch 2
- Connect the console to the internet and open Nintendo eShop from the HOME Menu.
- Select the user linked to the Nintendo Account that should own the game or other content. Redeemed content is associated with that account.
- Choose Enter Code.
- Enter the 16-character download code, then confirm. The content will begin downloading after confirmation.
Find the right code on a card or receipt
Enter the download code, not a separate control number that may appear on a retailer card or receipt. Nintendo’s US support says download codes usually begin with B and have no hyphens; some control numbers begin with S and include hyphens. Retailers may format or label codes differently, so use the item identified as the download code. Nintendo eShop codes do not use the letters O, I, or Z, which can help distinguish similar-looking characters.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Mario Kart™ World (Nintendo Switch 2) | $79.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Star Fox™ - Nintendo Switch 2 | $59.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Donkey Kong Bananza (Nintendo Switch 2) | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Pokémon Pokopia - Nintendo Switch 2 | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Redeem online without the console
You can also redeem a code through Nintendo’s online redemption site, provided that the Nintendo Account has accessed Nintendo eShop on a Switch 2 or Switch at least once. Sign in to the account, enter the 16-character code, confirm the account password, and redeem. Nintendo Support states: “A Nintendo Account is required to redeem download codes online.” Nintendo’s online redemption instructions explain the process.
| Route | What you need | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| On console | Internet access and a Switch 2 or Switch | HOME Menu → Nintendo eShop → select user → Enter Code |
| Online | A Nintendo Account that has accessed eShop on Switch 2 or Switch at least once | Nintendo’s online redemption site |
Check code, region, and console compatibility
Match the code to the account’s eShop region
The code’s issuing region must match the country or region associated with the Nintendo Account’s eShop. For example, Nintendo says an Americas-region code will not redeem in the Japan eShop. Check the account’s region and the code’s packaging or retailer listing if the console reports a region problem. Nintendo’s download-code troubleshooting guide covers region and other common errors.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- Ride on rails, jump off walls, skim across water, and more as you race for the finish line
- Take on the adrenaline-packed Knockout Tour—a fierce 24-driver elimination mode
- Explore courses at your own pace and wander the world to discover fun surprises in Free Roam
Use a compatible console for the content
Switch 2-only software, DLC, and upgrade packs cannot be redeemed in the original Nintendo Switch eShop. Nintendo Switch software and DLC can be redeemed on Switch 2. If the code is specifically for Switch 2 content, use Switch 2 rather than the original Switch. Nintendo’s Switch 2 FAQ and Nintendo Japan’s Switch 2 eShop guidance describe the platform distinction.
If the code is rejected
- “Already redeemed” or already used: Check the eShop purchase history or library for the Nintendo Account you selected. The content may already belong to that account. Nintendo Japan documents errors 2813-0040 and 9001-0040 for an already-redeemed code and advises checking whether the software icon is on the HOME Menu; those error numbers are specific to its regional support guidance and may not appear in every territory.
- Code not recognized: Recheck each character, make sure you entered the download code rather than a control number, and remember that Nintendo eShop codes omit O, I, and Z. Nintendo also recommends trying online redemption if console entry fails.
- Region error: Confirm the code’s issuing region matches the eShop region on the account. A code intended for one region may not work in another.
- Game or DLC unavailable: If the title has not released yet, try redeeming again after its release.
- Wrong account selected: Check the purchase history or library for the account used during redemption before entering the code again; digital content is associated with the selected account.
For issue-specific guidance, see Nintendo’s help for problems with software and DLC download codes.
Rank #2
- Blast off on a high-octane adventure to save a star system from invasion
- Tear through space, soar across planets, and shoot loads of foes out of the sky at every step of the way
- A cinematic take on the Star Fox 64 story, featuring fully voiced dialogue, an epic orchestral soundtrack, and a complete visual overhaul for the Nintendo Switch 2 system
- Enter first-person mode to experience the action from inside the cockpit, and even use mouse controls to fly
- Invite a second player* to join you as a gunner using Nintendo Switch 2 mouse controls
Other codes that use the same entry flow
Nintendo eShop Card codes and Nintendo Switch Online membership codes can also be entered through the eShop code-entry flow. An eShop Card adds funds to the account; it does not grant a license to a particular game. A game-specific download code, by contrast, redeems the specified digital content.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Shape the world and build a cozy new life with Pokémon as a Ditto transformed to look like a human.
- Use other Pokémon’s moves, like Bulbasaur’s Leafage, to revitalize and navigate the world around you.
- Meet and befriend more Pokémon as you help nature flourish.
- Gather materials to create items and furniture, till the fields to grow delicious crops, build homes for the Pokémon you meet, and more—there’s so much to do!
- Experience a world with varied weather, real-time days and nights, and other surprises.
Rank #3
- Explore a vast underground world—by smashing your way through it!
- A brand-new 3D platforming action adventure starring Donkey Kong and Pauline
- Bash through just about anything in groundbreaking exploration! Crash through walls and carve tunnels—the more you smash, the more areas open up to you
- Pair up with Pauline to use Bananza Transformations: smash through obstacles with the raw strength of Kong form, gallop with incredible speed as a Zebra, and more
- Team up with a friend in two-player co-op as Donkey Kong and Pauline! Blast foes and terrain alike with Pauline’s voice as you explore together
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.
