Nintendo Switch Digital Gifting Arrives November 16

Nintendo is adding digital game gifting to the eShop on November 16, so Switch and Switch 2 owners can send games to family group members.

Nintendo hasn’t allowed digital gifts until now, Notebookcheck reports, which left physical copies and gift cards as the only options. Gamers have asked for the feature since 2020.

How to Send a Digital Gift

You’ll need system version 23.5.0 or later, which came out November 9 and should download on its own when your system is online. Once gifting is live, the steps are:

Open the Nintendo eShop on your system and find the game.
On the product page, select the “Give as a Gift” checkbox, then start the purchase.
Choose the recipient from your family group.
Pick which of the recipient’s linked systems gets the gift.
Choose a gift wrap color and other options, then finish the purchase.

The gift shows up on the recipient’s HOME Menu, where they can accept it and play right away. Eligible gifts include games, DLC, and upgrade packs bought through the eShop on your system.

Who Can Send and Receive Gifts

Gifting only works inside a Nintendo Account family group. Anyone with a Nintendo Account can set one up and add up to 8 members. Supervised accounts can’t send digital gifts.

Limits to Know Before the Holidays

Some products may not be eligible for gifting.
The number of gift purchases allowed in a set period is limited, and Nintendo hasn’t shared the exact number.
Gifts are sent right away, and the report says you can’t schedule one for a later date.

Since gifts land immediately, gamers planning a Christmas surprise should buy close to the day. Nintendo’s page warns to be ready before you buy.

Image Credit: Nintendo / Notebookcheck