Nintendo Support

Previously Purchased Digital Content Shows Download Cost on Nintendo Switch

Description:

Steps for when you want to redownload a game or DLC but Nintendo eShop does not recognise that you have already purchased it.

Information:

If software shows a cost in Nintendo eShop, it means you are not viewing the software with a Nintendo Account that has been used to purchase it. Only a Nintendo Account that has been used to purchase software can download it at no additional cost.

What to do:

  • Review the purchase history for your Nintendo Account on your console or through the Nintendo Account website to check if you purchased the content.

    • Can't check purchase history

      Look for a receipt for the content in the inbox of the email address associated with your Nintendo Account.

      • Each transaction in Nintendo eShop generates a receipt that is emailed to the Nintendo Account that was used to make the transaction.

      • For Nintendo Accounts for children, the email is sent to the parent/guardian's email address.

    • Can't find a record of the purchase

      If you did not purchase the game or DLC with your Nintendo Account but have played it previously, it is likely that the game belonged to someone else that uses or used your console (family or household member, previous owner of the console, visiting friend, etc).

      You will need to use your own Nintendo Account on your console to purchase the game or DLC.

      • If you want to play content purchased by other people, they must have loaded the virtual game card to your console. For more information, read the Virtual Game Card Guide.

      • If you want to remove the icon for a game from your console's HOME Menu, highlight the icon, then open the Options menu. Select Data Management, then Delete Software.

  • If you find a record of the purchase, you can redownload the content on your Nintendo Switch console using the Nintendo Account that was used to purchase the content.

Situation Not Resolved:

If you can't find a record of purchasing the content but you are sure that you did purchase it, contact us for support.