How to Redeem Game Codes on Nintendo Switch 2

Before redeeming a code, specific requirements must be met to ensure a smooth transaction. The most critical requirement is an active Nintendo Account. This account serves as the backbone for digital ownership, linking all purchases to the user. Without it, the system cannot assign the license to a specific profile.

The Switch 2 must also be connected to the internet for on-device redemption. This connection allows the console to verify the code's validity and download the software immediately. Users should also familiarize themselves with the code format.

Key details to verify before starting:

• Most codes contain sixteen characters made up of letters and numbers.
• Characters are displayed on a physical card, a receipt, or in a confirmation email from a retailer.
• Codes must be entered exactly as supplied.
• Each code can only be redeemed once.

If a code fails, Nintendo advises checking that the characters are entered correctly and confirming that you are using a download code rather than a control number. Codes for DLC downloads require the base game on the destination console. Region restrictions also apply, so the code must match the region of your Nintendo Account’s eShop.

Redeeming a code through the Switch 2 itself is the most direct approach because the download begins as soon as the code is accepted. The interface is designed to be intuitive for users familiar with the original Switch.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Start on the Switch 2 home screen and open the Nintendo eShop icon.
2. The console will prompt you to choose the user profile that should receive the content. Each user profile has a separate eShop purchase history, so pick the correct one before moving on.
3. Once the eShop loads, look for the Redeem Code option in the main menu. On the Switch 2, this appears in the left navigation panel alongside the store’s standard browsing categories.
4. Select Redeem Code to open a screen with an input field and the on-screen keyboard. Enter the sixteen-character code carefully. Codes may contain similar-looking characters, particularly when numbers and letters appear in the same sequence.
5. After entering the full set of characters, select OK to move forward. The system checks the code and shows a confirmation page with the game or content tied to it.
6. If the code is valid, select Redeem to finish the process.

The game will appear on the home screen as soon as the redemption is complete. A progress bar shows the download status until the installation finishes. If the game includes a Switch and Switch 2 version, the system will prompt you to choose which version to download. If the game does not begin downloading, head to the All Software view or the Download Management screen to confirm the status. The redeemed title should be visible with either a queued or active download.

Nintendo also supports online redemption through its digital store. This method is useful if you are away from the console or prefer to type the code on a full keyboard. The redeemed title will still appear in your account’s purchase history and can be downloaded later from the Switch 2.

Online Redemption Steps

1. Open a browser on a phone, tablet, or computer and go to the Nintendo Account login page.
2. Sign in using the account linked to your Switch 2.
3. Once logged in, navigate to the code redemption page for the Nintendo eShop. This page contains a text box where you can paste or type the code.
4. Enter the code exactly as provided and select Next.
5. A confirmation screen appears with the game details. Select Redeem to finalize the action.

The content is now tied to your account and ready to download on your console. If the console is in sleep mode and has auto downloads enabled, the game may start downloading immediately. Otherwise, open the eShop on the Switch 2 later and check the Download Management section for your queued title.

Every redeemed game becomes part of your Nintendo Account’s digital library. This applies across devices tied to the same account, meaning games purchased on a Switch or a browser will still appear when you sign in on a Switch 2. This continuity ensures that retailers can distribute standard sixteen-character download codes and users can rely on simple steps to activate them.

Additional features include:

• Cloud Backup: If the game supports cloud backup through Nintendo Switch Online, save data will sync once the game is installed.
• Version Selection: Some games offer separate versions for the original Switch and Switch 2. When this applies, you’ll be asked to pick which version you want to download. The choice does not usually affect your ownership, but it determines which software build is installed on the device.

The Switch 2 keeps the familiar eShop structure that users have relied on since the original console. Keeping this process consistent simplifies the transition for families with multiple consoles and reduces the friction of carrying existing purchases forward. The updated interface on the Switch 2 adds clarity to navigation, but code redemption still works the same way on both platforms.