Nintendo Support

Digital Game Purchases Through the Nintendo Website FAQ

How can I purchase a game on the Nintendo website? Do I need to have a Nintendo Switch console?

A Nintendo Account is required to purchase games through the My Nintendo Store for Australia and New Zealand. You do not need to have your Nintendo Switch with you, but your Nintendo Account must have accessed the Nintendo eShop on a Nintendo Switch system at least once before you can purchase digital games in the My Nintendo Store.

To learn more about purchasing a game, please read How to Purchase or Pre-Order Software on the Official Nintendo Website.

How can I pay for my game?

You can redeem My Nintendo Gold Points towards the purchase price of digital Nintendo Switch games and DLC.

The remaining amount of the purchase will be deducted from your Nintendo eShop balance. If you do not have enough funds, you can add additional funds using the following methods:

  • A valid VISA or MasterCard (e.g. credit card, debit card, or gift card).

  • A PayPal account.

  • A Nintendo eShop Card.

Is a Nintendo Account required to purchase games?

A Nintendo Account is required to purchase games through the My Nintendo Store for Australia and New Zealand.

The games you buy will be automatically downloaded to the console you choose during the purchase process.

When will I be charged for my order?

The full amount of the purchase will be deducted from your Nintendo eShop balance when you place your order, or, for pre-orders, no sooner than 7 days prior to the game’s release date. If you don't have enough funds, you can use a Nintendo eShop Card, a Paypal account, or a valid VISA or MasterCard to add more.

  • For released games: The game will begin downloading to your console as soon as you place your order. Once the download is complete, start the game from your console's HOME menu to begin playing.

  • For pre-ordered games: When payment is processed, a non-playable version of the game will be pre-loaded to your console. You’ll be able to start playing the game after downloading a small update that is available at the time the game is released.

For more information about this process, click here.

What is the order cancellation policy for digital purchases?

All sales are final—note, however, that pre-orders can be cancelled any time before the payment is processed and the game is pre-loaded on your system (up to 7 days before the game’s release date).

Please be sure that you meet all of these download requirements for your game before you place your order.

Why was my credit card declined?

Unfortunately, we aren't able to provide the specific reason for the credit card decline. If you aren't sure why your credit card was declined, please check with the bank or company that issued your credit card for information.

Downloading a Game

What do I need to download a game?

You'll need a Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Account, Internet connection, and Nintendo eShop access to download the game once you've purchased it.

For more information about this process, click here.

When can I download my game?

Your game is downloaded to your console as soon as you complete your purchase, or, for pre-orders, no sooner than 7 days prior to the game’s release date. Please be sure that your console meets all of these download requirements.

  • For released games: Once the download is complete, start the game from your console's HOME Menu to begin playing.

  • For pre-ordered games: When payment has been processed and no sooner than 7 days prior to the game’s release date, a non-playable version of the game will be pre-loaded to your console. You’ll be able to start playing the game after downloading a small update that is made available at the time the game is released.

For more information about this process, click here.

I don't see the game on my Nintendo Switch! What should I do?

Once you've completed your purchase, your game will automatically download to the console associated with your Nintendo Account. To download the game, your Nintendo Switch console must have enough memory space available and it must be turned on or in sleep mode (with an active internet connection). The game will appear on your console once the download is complete.

For pre-ordered games, the game will be pre-loaded to your console no sooner than 7 days prior to the game’s release date. You'll see an icon for the game on the HOME Menu, but you will not be able to launch the game until it is officially released. You'll be able to start playing after downloading a small update that is made available at the time the game is released.

If your game isn't appearing, try the following:

  • Check the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu to see if there is a game icon that shows that the download is currently in progress. If the download is still in progress, wait until the download is complete.

  • Make sure that your console is connected to the internet and meets these requirements. For help setting up or troubleshooting your internet connection, click here.

  • Check "Data Management" in the Nintendo Switch System Settings to verify that there is enough space on your console to complete the download. If there is not enough space, delete some content.

  • Check Virtual Game Cards on the HOME Menu. Any games that have been purchased or redeemed on the system will appear here, and can be re-downloaded at no additional cost.

General information

How do you use my personal information?

Nintendo knows that privacy is important to you. Our Nintendo Account Privacy Policy describes our collection, use, disclosure, storage and protection of your information.

For more information, please click here.

Can I add games to my Wish List through the Nintendo website?

You can add games to your Wish List by locating the game on the the My Nintendo Store for Australia and New Zealand and clicking the heart icon, or by browsing Nintendo eShop on your system and selecting the heart icon.