How to Redeem Game Codes on Nintendo Switch 2

Digital game codes remain one of the easiest ways to add new titles to a Nintendo library. THE Nintendo Switch2 handles code swapping in a familiar way, relying on the same process used on the original Switch. You can redeem a download code directly from the eShop on console, or through a browser on a phone or desktop. Both routes link the purchase to the same Nintendo account so that the title used will appear on any compatible device linked to that account. The process is quick once you know where to look. Here’s how to redeem game codes on Switch 2 via console and online.

Things to know before you start

A Nintendo Account is required and the Switch 2 must be connected to the internet to use it on the device. Most codes contain sixteen characters made up of letters and numbers. Characters are displayed on a physical card, on a receipt, or in a confirmation email from a retailer. Characters must be entered exactly as provided. Each code can only be used once and becomes linked to the Nintendo Account used in the process.

How to Redeem a Game Code on Switch 2 via eShop

Redeeming a code through the Switch 2 itself is the most direct approach as the download begins as soon as the code is accepted.

Start on the Switch 2 home screen and open the Nintendo eShop icon. The console will ask you to choose the user profile that should receive the content. Each user profile has a separate eShop purchase history, so choose the right one before continuing.

Once the eShop is loaded, search for the Redeem code option in the main menu. On the Switch 2, this appears in the left navigation panel next to the standard store navigation categories. Select Redeem Code to open a screen with an input field and the on-screen keyboard.

Carefully enter the sixteen character code. Codes may contain similar-looking characters, especially when numbers and letters appear in the same sequence. After entering the full set of characters, select OK to advance. The system verifies the code and displays a confirmation page with the game or content related to it.

If the code is valid, select Redeem to complete the process. The game will appear on the home screen as soon as the trade is completed. A progress bar displays the download status until the installation is complete. If the game includes a Switch and Switch 2 version, the system will ask you to choose which version to download.

If the game does not start downloading, go to All software view or the Download management screen to confirm the status. The title used must be visible with a queued or active download.

How to redeem a Switch 2 code online

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

Open a browser on a phone, tablet or computer and navigate to Nintendo Account Login Page. Sign in using the account linked to your Switch 2. Once signed in, navigate to the Nintendo eShop code redemption page. This page contains a text box where you can paste or enter the code.

Enter the code exactly as provided and select Following. A confirmation screen appears with game details. Select Redeem to finalize the action. The content is now linked to your account and ready to download to your console.

If the console is in sleep mode and automatic downloads are enabled, the game download can begin immediately. Otherwise, open the eShop on the Switch 2 later and check the Download Management section for your queued title.

What to expect after redeeming a code

Each game you use becomes part of your Nintendo Account’s digital library. This applies to all devices linked to the same account, meaning games purchased on a Switch or browser will still appear when you log in on a Switch 2. If the game supports cloud saving through Nintendo Switch Online, the save data will be synced once the game is installed.

Some games offer separate versions for the original Switch and Switch 2. Where this applies, you will be asked to choose which version you wish to download. The choice generally does not affect your ownership, but it does determine which version of software is installed on the device.

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, which often appears on the same card. Codes for DLC downloads require the base game on the destination console. Regional restrictions also apply, so the code must match your Nintendo Account eShop region.

Why the Switch 2 uses the same swap system as the original Switch

The Switch 2 retains the familiar eShop structure that users have relied on from the original console. Keeping this process consistent simplifies the transition for families with multiple consoles and reduces the friction of carrying over existing purchases. Nintendo Accounts continue to serve as the basis of digital ownership, making it easy to claim a code on one device and access the game on another.

The updated interface on the Switch 2 adds clarity to navigation, but code swapping still works the same on both platforms. This continuity ensures that retailers can distribute standard sixteen-character download codes and that users can rely on simple steps to activate them.