Go to the Home Menu: Turn on your Nintendo Switch and navigate to the home screen.
Select Nintendo eShop: Scroll down to select the Nintendo eShop icon and open it. You might need to select the appropriate user profile that you wish to redeem the code with.
Enter the Code: On the left side of the screen, scroll down to “Enter Code.” Select this option.
Input Your Download Code: Use the on-screen keyboard to enter the 16-character download code. Some codes might include hyphens, but you should enter them exactly as they appear.
Confirm and Download (if applicable): Once you’ve entered your code, select “OK” to confirm. If it’s a game or digital content, the download should start automatically as long as you have enough space on your Switch or microSD card. If it’s a funds addition or subscription code, your balance will update or your subscription status will be activated.
Redeem via the Nintendo Website
Visit the Website: Go to the Nintendo website and log in to your Nintendo Account. Make sure it’s the same account linked to your Nintendo Switch user profile.
Enter the Code: Look for the “Redeem Code” option in your account settings or on the eShop page. Enter your code in the provided field.
Confirm the Redemption: After entering your code, you’ll see what it entails (game, funds, subscription). Confirm to add it to your account.
Things to Note
Region Lock: Ensure your code matches the region of your Nintendo Account and Nintendo Switch eShop. For instance, a code purchased in the US might not work on a European account due to region restrictions.
Internet Connection: Your Nintendo Switch must be connected to the internet to redeem codes and download content.
Check Your Balance: If you’re adding funds, you can check your eShop balance before and after redeeming the code to ensure it’s been applied.
Error Messages: If you encounter any issues or error messages during the redemption process, double-check the code for accuracy. If the problem persists, you may need to contact Nintendo’s customer support.