Nintendo EShop Pre-Order And Pre-Load FAQ (Nintendo Switch)

Frequently asked questions

How do I pre-order a game or DLC?

To pre-order an applicable game:

1. Locate your game on your console’s Nintendo eShop or on nintendo.com.
2. Select Proceed to pre-order and follow the on-screen steps to set up your pre-order.

Up to 7 days before the game’s release date, your selected payment will be processed and the game will be pre-loaded on your console.

You’ll be able to start playing the game after downloading a small update at the time of the game’s release. If the payment fails to process, your pre-order will be canceled.

When will I be charged?

You will be charged for the full amount of the purchase no sooner than 7 days prior to the game’s release date.

You can select or change your preferred payment method to use for pre-orders and automatic renewals through your Nintendo Account settings in Nintendo eShop or on the Shop Menu (ec.nintendo.com) website.

• If you have not set a method yet, you will be prompted to select your preferred payment method (credit card, PayPal, Nintendo Switch Game Voucher, or available Nintendo eShop funds) when you place the pre-order.

Can I cancel a pre-order?

Yes, you can cancel a pre-order any time before the payment is processed and the game is pre-loaded on your console (up to 7 days before the game’s release date).

For steps to cancel your pre-order, see How to Cancel a Pre-Order for a Game on Nintendo eShop.

Can I use a Nintendo Switch Game Voucher for a pre-order?

Yes, you can select Nintendo Switch Game Voucher as your payment method when placing the pre-order. Note, however, that Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers cannot be redeemed for games exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 system.

One of your vouchers will be redeemed when pre-order payments would be collected—no sooner than 7 days prior to the game’s release date.

• When you place the pre-order, a specific Nintendo Switch Game Voucher is not redeemed, reserved, or otherwise associated with the pre-order—this means that, if you redeem your vouchers for other games before the pre-order payment is collected and you do not have any redeemable vouchers at the time of payment processing, the payment will fail and your pre-order will be canceled.

Can I use My Nintendo Gold Points toward my pre-order?

Yes. When you pre-order your game, you will have the option to Redeem points after selecting your payment method.

• When you opt to use My Nintendo Gold Points, all available Gold Points you have at the time payment is processed will be used toward the purchase, up to the purchase price.
• It is not possible to select a specific number of Gold Points to use for your pre-order.

What happens when a game or DLC is pre-loaded?

When a game or DLC is pre-loaded, the full content is downloaded to your console.

You will not need to wait for the content to download at the time it is released.

You’ll see an icon for the game on your HOME menu, but you will not be able to launch the game until it is officially released and a small update is downloaded.

How do I get the software update that unlocks the content on the release date?

If an update is needed and your Nintendo system is connected to the Internet, you will be prompted to download the update data once you launch the game.

Additionally, if you have your console in sleep mode and connected online, the update data will download and install automatically.

Where is my pre-order bonus download code?

Occasionally, a game may offer bonus content for those who purchase it before release. Any bonus download codes will not be available until payment is processed and the game is pre-loaded on your console, no sooner than 7 days before the game’s release.

After payment is processed, your bonus download code will be listed on the receipt that is e-mailed to you and in your purchase history viewable on the Nintendo Account website.

Why was my pre-order canceled?

A pre-order can be canceled for a number of reasons, including if payment could not be processed due to insufficient funds or an expired credit card.

If your pre-order was canceled, you can still place a new pre-order or purchase the game when it is released.

For more information on the reason your pre-order was canceled, see Nintendo eShop Pre-Order was Canceled.