How to redeem game codes on the Nintendo Switch 2

Digital game codes remain one of the simplest ways to add new titles to Nintendo’s library. Nintendo Switch 2 handles code recovery in a familiar way, based on the same process used in the original Switch. You can redeem the download code directly from the eShop on console, or through a browser on your phone or desktop. Both methods link the purchase to the same Nintendo Account so that the redeemed title 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 through console and online.

Things to know before starting

A Nintendo Account is required and the Switch 2 must be connected to the Internet to redeem on the device. Most codes contain sixteen characters made up of letters and numbers. The characters are displayed on a physical card, on a receipt, or in a confirmation email from a retailer. Characters must be entered exactly as shown. Each code can only be redeemed once and becomes associated with the Nintendo Account used during the process.

How to redeem the game code on Switch 2 via the online store

Redeeming the code through the Switch 2 itself is the most straightforward method because the download begins once the code is accepted.

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

Once the online store loads, find the Redeem the code option in the main menu. On Switch 2, this appears in the left navigation panel next to the store’s standard browsing categories. He chooses Redeem the code Opens a screen containing an input field and an on-screen keyboard.

Enter the sixteen-character code carefully. Symbols may contain similar characters, especially when numbers and letters appear in the same sequence. After entering the full set of characters, select OK to proceed. The system verifies the code and displays a confirmation page containing the game or associated content.

If the code is valid, select Recovers To finish the process. The game will appear on the home screen once the recovery process is complete. The progress bar displays the download status until the installation is finished. If the game has a Switch and Switch 2 version, the system will prompt you to choose which version you want to download.

If the game does not start downloading, head to File All programs View or Download management Screen to confirm status. The retrieved address must be visible either while the download is active or in queue.

How to redeem 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 recovered title will remain visible in your account’s purchase history and can later be downloaded from your Switch 2.

Open a browser on your phone, tablet, or computer and go to Nintendo account login page. Sign in with the account associated with your Switch 2. Once you’re signed in, go to the Nintendo eShop code redemption page. This page contains a text box into which you can paste or type the code.

Enter the code exactly as provided and then choose the next. A confirmation screen appears with game details. Select “Recovery” to finish the procedure. 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 may start downloading immediately. Otherwise, open the eShop on Switch 2 later and check the Download Manager section to see which title is in your queue.

What to expect after redeeming the code

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

Some games offer separate versions for the original Switch and Switch 2. When this applies, you’ll be asked to choose which version you want to download. The choice does not usually affect your ownership but determines the version of the software installed on the device.

If the code fails, Nintendo recommends checking that the characters are entered correctly and making sure you’re using the download code instead of the control number, which often appears on the same card. DLC download codes require base game on destination console. Region restrictions also apply, so the code must match the eShop region of your Nintendo Account.

Why does the Switch 2 use the same recovery system as the original Switch

Switch 2 retains 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 fulfilling existing purchases. Nintendo Accounts continue to serve as the backbone of digital ownership, making it easy to claim a code on one device and access the game on another.

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