A Nintendo Switch game code is a 16-character download code. On the console, open Nintendo eShop from the HOME Menu, choose your account, select Enter Code and type the code. You can also redeem it in a browser on Nintendo's redeem site. Nintendo Support states that a download code can only be redeemed on a Nintendo Account set to the same region as the code.
How to redeem a download code on the console
These are the steps Nintendo Support gives for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite and the OLED Model.
- Connect the console to the internet.
- Select Nintendo eShop on the HOME Menu.
- Select the account you want to use. The game goes to this Nintendo Account.
- If user verification is turned on, confirm your identity with your password or PIN when asked.
- Select Enter Code on the left side of the screen.
- Enter the 16-character download code.
- Select OK to confirm. The game begins downloading once the code is confirmed.
Nintendo says the game icon then appears on the HOME Menu with a download status bar.
Typing the code
Nintendo notes that some letters and symbols are not used in download codes, such as O, I, Z and hyphens, and that those keys are disabled on the on-screen keyboard. So a character that looks like the letter O is a zero.
How to redeem a code online
Nintendo Support has a second route for when you are away from the console.
- In a browser, visit ec.nintendo.com/redeem.
- Select Sign in and enter your Nintendo Account email address and password. If you are already signed in, check the user name in the top-right corner.
- Enter the 16-digit download code and select Next.
- Re-enter your Nintendo Account password when prompted, then select Redeem.
Nintendo sends a confirmation email to the address on the Nintendo Account when this is done. Two conditions apply: a Nintendo Account is required, and you must have opened Nintendo eShop on a Switch or Switch 2 with that account at least once before.
| Route | What you need | Where the code goes |
|---|---|---|
| Console | Internet, the console, your account | Nintendo eShop > Enter Code |
| Online | A browser and your account password | ec.nintendo.com/redeem |
The region rule
Nintendo Support's page for error 2813-0055 states the rule plainly: a download code can only be redeemed on a Nintendo Account set to the same region as the download code, and a code sold for a different region will not work. Its example is that a European download code will not work with a North American Nintendo Account.
Nintendo also says you need a Nintendo Account set to a country where Nintendo eShop is available.
Before you buy, compare the Region line of the product with the country of your Nintendo Account. The method is in how to check a game key's region lock.
Messages Nintendo explains
| Message | What Nintendo says it means |
|---|---|
| "This Code Has Already Been Used" | The code was redeemed before. Check the code, then your own downloaded titles |
| Error 2813-0054, "This activation code cannot be used with your country/region setting." | The code is for a different country than your Nintendo Account |
| Error 2813-0055, "The item corresponding to the code you entered is not currently available." | The code has expired, or the content is not released yet in your region |
| "This download code is for software that includes content that is only accessible on Nintendo Switch 2." | The code is for Switch 2 content and is being entered on a Switch |
Switch 2 codes on a Switch
Nintendo says codes for Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games cannot be redeemed on a Nintendo Switch. Check which console a product is for before buying; on our product pages it is the Platform line.
Already used
For this message Nintendo first asks you to check that you are entering the right code, trying similar-looking characters if you are unsure. It then suggests looking at the titles already on your account, because a code you redeemed earlier lets you download the game again without the code. If the code still fails, Nintendo points you to the retailer that provided it. More on that in Game key not working.
Game code or eShop card
Both are redeemed on the same Enter Code screen: Nintendo says codes for Nintendo eShop Cards and Nintendo Switch Online memberships follow the same process. The result differs. A game code gives you one named game or add-on. An eShop card adds funds that you spend in the eShop. For cards, see how to redeem a Nintendo eShop card and our Nintendo page.
Nintendo codes on KryptoMate
A game's product page shows Platform, for example Nintendo Switch, and Region. An add-on needs the base game on the same account. These are Nintendo products in our games catalogue today:
| Product | Region | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Muchi Muchi Pork! & PinkSweets Boosted EU Nintendo Switch CD Key | Europe - All Countries | $27.43 |
| Elland: The Crystal Wars EU Nintendo Switch CD Key | Europe - All Countries | $3.24 |
| Néro & Sci ∫ Integral Edition EU Nintendo Switch / Nintendo Switch 2 CD Key | Europe - All Countries | $13.10 |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond EU Nintendo Switch CD Key | Europe | $65.29 |
| Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Nintendo Switch Access | Region Free | $25.39 |
| Manairons NA Nintendo Switch CD Key | Americas | $18.60 |
| Paddle Paddle Paddle NA Nintendo Switch CD Key | Americas | $2.13 |
| Toaplan Arcade Garage: Flying Fire Shark EU Nintendo Switch CD Key | Europe - All Countries | $21.91 |
From the KryptoMate catalogue on 11 Oct 2026. A few Nintendo products. Prices and stock change; each product's page shows today's price and its "Region" line.
Delivery is usually instant, but it might take 0–24 hours in rare cases. A code bought for the wrong region by your own selection can't be refunded, and a redeemed code is final. Report an invalid or undelivered code within 48 hours of delivery; it is reviewed under the Refund Policy.
Bought the code with crypto?
Nothing about redeeming changes: Nintendo eShop accepts the code the same way. Game codes are under Games, and How to pay On-Chain explains how to pay with a coin you hold.
Frequently asked questions
Open Nintendo eShop from the HOME Menu and select your account. Select Enter Code on the left side of the screen, type the 16-character code and select OK. The download starts once the code is confirmed.
Ready? Check Platform and Region, then find your Switch game under Games.
Get startedLast checked: 11 Oct 2026. Prices, products and payment options change; the checkout shows what applies to your order.
Official pages this guide was checked against
- en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22429
- en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/16906
- en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/27056
- en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/48420
- en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2193
- en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/68298
- en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/545