You cannot directly gift digital games on the Nintendo Switch through the eShop. Instead, you must purchase a digital download code from a retailer and then give that code to the recipient.
Want to surprise a friend with a fantastic new adventure on their Nintendo Switch? It’s a common question: how to gift games on switch effectively? While Nintendo doesn’t offer a direct gifting function via the eShop, there’s still a clever way to spread some gaming joy.
You’ll need to purchase a digital download code from a participating retailer. These codes are just like vouchers for the eShop. Give that code to your friend, and they can redeem it for the game of their choice. It’s a simple process that brightens up anyone’s day.
How to Gift Games on Switch: A Simple Guide
Want to give the gift of fun on a Nintendo Switch? Maybe it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because – gifting games is a great way to make someone smile! But how do you actually do it? It’s not as straightforward as handing over a physical game cartridge. Don’t worry, it’s totally doable, and we’re here to walk you through all the steps. We’ll explore different methods for gifting games on the Nintendo Switch, making sure you find the best fit for you and the person you’re gifting to. This guide will be your best friend in making sure you gift the right game and avoid any mistakes!
Understanding Digital vs. Physical Games
Before we dive in, let’s talk about the two main types of Nintendo Switch games: digital and physical.
- Digital games: These are downloaded directly onto the Switch console. You can buy them from the Nintendo eShop. Think of them like apps on your phone – you don’t get a physical copy.
- Physical games: These come in small cartridges that you insert into the Switch. They’re like traditional game discs from older consoles.
When you are going to give a game to your family or friend, knowing this difference is important because the gifting methods vary based on the type of game.
How to Gift Digital Games: Nintendo eShop Method
The most common way to gift games on Switch is through the Nintendo eShop. This method is great because you can send the game to someone remotely, no matter where they are! Here’s how you do it:
Gifting Through Nintendo eShop Gift Cards
One of the easiest ways to gift a game digitally is by purchasing a Nintendo eShop Gift Card. These cards come with a code that the person you’re gifting can use to add funds to their Nintendo Account and buy the game they want. Here’s how you can do it:
- Purchase a Nintendo eShop Gift Card: You can find these gift cards at most major retailers (like Target, Walmart, Best Buy), or online, such as on Amazon. They come in different amounts (like $10, $20, $50). Choose an amount that covers the cost of the game you want to gift, or a little more to give them extra options.
- Send or Give the Gift Card: Once you’ve bought the card, you will receive the gift card and you can either hand over the physical card to the person or send them the digital code on the back of the card if you bought the card online.
- Recipient Redeems the Code: The person you’re gifting to then needs to go to the Nintendo eShop on their Switch. They should select “Enter Code,” and then scratch off the code on the gift card, and enter the code number. The amount from the gift card will be added to their account.
- Recipient Buys the Game: Now, with the funds added, they can search for the game they want and buy it using their eShop balance!
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Make sure the recipient has a Nintendo Account (it’s free!).
- The gift card must be for the same region as the recipient’s account (for example, if they are in the US, they can’t use a gift card bought in Europe.)
- Gift cards are a great option because the recipient can choose the exact game they want, even if it’s different from the one you had in mind.
Gifting a Game Directly Using a Download Code
Another very common way to gift games, is when you directly purchase a digital download code for a specific game and send that code to the recipient, here is how to do that :
- Purchase a Download Code: Many stores online, like Amazon, and even some retailers, sell download codes for specific games. These codes are specific to only one game.
- Send the Download Code: Once you buy a download code you can send the code to the person you are gifting the game to. You can send the code by email or text, or write the code down on a card if you like giving physical gifts.
- Recipient Redeems the Code: On the Nintendo eShop, the recipient will have to click on “Enter Code,” and enter the code to claim the game and download it on their switch.
- Recipient Starts Playing: Once the game has been downloaded, the person is ready to play!
Things to keep in mind:
- Download codes, unlike gift cards, are game specific, you should make sure that the person you are gifting will enjoy the game.
- Similar to gift cards, the game download code must be for the correct region of the recipients account.
- Double-check the download code before sending it to avoid any mistakes.
How to Gift Physical Games
Gifting physical games is more straightforward – it’s like giving any other physical gift! But there are still some things to consider.
Buying a Physical Copy
When you decide to gift a physical game, it means going to the store or going online and buying a physical game cartridge that will be inside the game box.
Where to buy: You can buy a physical game in a game retailer store like GameStop, Best Buy, or Target, or you can buy the physical copy online on websites like Amazon.
Shipping Options: If you buy online, you can send the gift to the recipient directly by using their address. Or, you can send the game to your house and then hand-deliver it to the person.
Things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the person doesn’t already have the game. You can ask subtly!
- Physical games are region-free, so you don’t need to worry about your friends’ location if you want to gift them a physical copy.
- Physical copies have a chance of being sold out, it is best to keep that in mind before thinking of gifting physical games.
- Physical copies may require some waiting time if ordered online, keep that in mind if it’s for a special occasion.
Adding a Personal Touch
When giving a physical game, make it special! Here are some ideas:
- Gift Wrapping: Wrap the game in nice paper with a bow!
- Personal Card: Write a heartfelt message in a card to go with the game.
- Gift Bag: Use a themed gift bag, maybe related to the game’s theme.
- Include some Candy: Adding candies along with the game always makes it a special gift.
Things to Consider Before Gifting
Before you decide how you will gift the game, there are a few important things to think about:
Age Appropriateness
Make sure the game you are gifting is appropriate for the age of the recipient. Many games have age ratings on their boxes and online. For example, a game that is too violent may not be a good option for a younger kid.
Game Preferences
What kind of games does the person you’re gifting enjoy? Do they like action games, racing games, or puzzle games? Think about their favorite genres before choosing a game.
If They Already Have the Game
If they already have the game that you are gifting, it would be a waste of money and an unwanted gift. You should check before gifting a game that they already have.
Regional Differences
As mentioned before, digital game codes and Nintendo eShop gift cards are region-specific. Make sure the code or card is from the same region as the recipient’s Nintendo Account. This is not a problem with physical copies.
| Method | Type of Game | Ease of Gifting | Region Issues | Recipient Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo eShop Gift Card | Digital | Easy, especially online | Yes, region-specific | High, recipient can choose any game |
| Direct Game Download Code | Digital | Easy, sent digitally | Yes, region-specific | Low, specific game |
| Physical Game | Physical | Requires physical purchase/shipping | No, region-free | Low, specific game |
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
Code Not Working
If a download code or gift card code is not working, double-check the code to make sure that you typed it in correctly. If it’s still not working, contact Nintendo support or the retailer where the code was purchased for help. Remember to check the region of the code.
Game Already Owned
If the person already has the game you bought for them, you can try to exchange the game for another game in the shop, or you can keep the game if you are planning to get another switch in the future, or you can even gift the game to someone else, or you can even sell the game online to someone.
Account Issues
Make sure that both you and the recipient have a Nintendo Account set up correctly and have the correct region selected. If you are still having issues, you can contact Nintendo support.
Gifting games on Nintendo Switch is a wonderful way to share your love of gaming with friends and family. By following these steps, you can make sure you gift the perfect game for any occasion! Whether you choose a digital download or a physical cartridge, the most important thing is the thought behind the gift. So go ahead and bring a smile to someone’s face with a great game!
How to Gift Games on Nintendo Switch
Final Thoughts
Gifting digital Switch games requires using the Nintendo website or app. You cannot directly send games from the console. Select the game and choose “Purchase as a Gift.” Enter the recipient’s email and they will receive a download code.
They can redeem this code on their Nintendo Switch eShop. This process is the only way for you to gift games on switch. Remembering this method ensures your loved ones get the digital games you wish to share.
