What it is and how it works

The Nintendo eShop is Nintendo's official digital store, built into the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. From it you can download full games, extra content and subscriptions without needing a physical cartridge. In this section we sell the redemption codes for that content: you buy the code, enter it on your console, and the content gets linked to your Nintendo Account.

The main advantage is immediacy: there's no shipping to wait for. Plus, since it's tied to your account, you don't have to keep a box or physical card.

What kind of content you'll find

• Full digital games: titles you download entirely onto the console, both Nintendo exclusives and third-party productions.
• Expansion passes and DLC: extra content for games you already own, such as the passes for The Legend of Zelda, Splatoon 3, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Pokémon.
• Upgrade packs: updates that take a Switch game to its enhanced version for Switch 2.
• Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions: individual or family plans, including the expansion pack with retro consoles.

Content by console

We've split the catalogue by target console, because not all content is interchangeable:

• Digital content for Nintendo Switch: DLC, expansion passes and subscriptions for the original console.
• Digital content for Nintendo Switch 2: games and content for the new generation, including upgrade packs.

Digital or physical: which suits you

There's no single answer. The digital format wins on convenience: no shipping, no cartridges to swap and everything available from the console's menu. It's especially handy for DLC and expansion passes, which only exist in this format.

The physical format, on the other hand, lets you lend, resell or collect, and doesn't use up internal storage. If you prefer cartridges, check out our Nintendo Switch games and Nintendo Switch 2 games sections.

Frequently asked questions

How do I redeem a code?

From the console, go into the shop, select your user profile and look for the Redeem Code option. Enter the 16-character code and the content will be added to your account. You can also redeem it from the official Nintendo website while signed in to your account.

Do the codes have a region?

Yes. eShop codes are tied to a specific region: a European code requires a Nintendo Account with a European country. This differs from physical games, which are indeed region-free on Switch.

Can digital content be shared between consoles?

Content is linked to your Nintendo Account, and can be downloaded on the main console linked to that account. Nintendo also lets you share some content within a family group, with limitations depending on the product type.

What's the difference between a DLC and an expansion pass?

A DLC is a specific piece of extra content (a character, a level, an item pack). An expansion pass bundles several future pieces of content into a single purchase, usually at a better price than buying them separately.

Do I need an internet connection to use digital content?

Yes, to download it and redeem the code. Once downloaded, most games work offline, except those with an exclusively online component or that require periodic verification.