Digital software is missing or can’t be launched from the HOME Menu.
If a game or DLC has been deleted from the HOME Menu, it can be redownloaded by loading the virtual game card for it.
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Locate the game in Nintendo eShop using your Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console and select it to reach the software information page.
Check whether the game has a "Virtual Game Cards" button on the right side of the product information page and mentions redownloading the game. If so, this means that the game has been purchased by you and can be redownloaded at no cost.
This means that you have not purchased the game. For additional assistance, please read Previously Purchased Digital Content Shows Download Cost on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch.
This means that you have disabled redownloading this game.
To re-enable downloading it, press the + Button or - Button 5 times. The page will update to say "Virtual Game Cards" and you will be able to redownload the game by loading the virtual game card.
Restart your console and try to access the game again.
Press and hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds.
Select Power Options.
Select Restart.
Load the virtual game card for the game to redownload it.
If you can't find the game you want to redownload in the list and it shows "Virtual Game Cards" on the product information page or "Purchased" when browsing or searching, follow Software Displays “Purchased” in Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch.
Make sure to allow enough time for the download to finish. You can check the current download status on your console's HOME Menu.
Once the download is finished, launch the game from the HOME Menu.
If you're still unable to access the game, contact us for support.
Locate the game in Nintendo eShop using your Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch console and select it to reach the software information page.
Scroll to the Downloadable Content section and select View All.
Select the specific DLC item you are missing from the list to view its information page.
Check whether the item displays a "Virtual Game Cards" button on the right side of the DLC information page and mentions redownloading the DLC. If so, this means that you have purchased the DLC and it can be redownloaded at no cost.
This means that you have not purchased the DLC with this Nintendo Account. For additional assistance, please read Previously Purchased Digital Content Shows Download Cost on Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch.
This means that you have disabled redownloading this game.
To re-enable downloading it, press the + Button or - Button 5 times. The page will update to say "Virtual Game Cards" and you will be able to redownload the game by loading the virtual game card.
Restart your console and try to access the content again.
Press and hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds.
Select Power Options.
Select Restart.
Load the virtual game card for the DLC to redownload it.
Make sure to allow enough time for the download to finish. You can check the current download status on your console's HOME Menu.
Once the download is finished, launch the game from the HOME Menu and check to see if the DLC is accessible.
For games published by Nintendo, we may have support articles on how to access DLC for particular titles. If the game was not published by Nintendo, it may help to search on the internet for walkthroughs on how to access DLC for the particular game.
If you have the digital version of the game, your DLC is included with the game. Load the virtual game card for the game to redownload the DLC.
If you have the physical version of the game and the DLC doesn't appear in the list and shows "Virtual Game Cards" on the product information page or "Purchased" when browsing or searching, follow Software Displays “Purchased” in Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch.
If this information resolved your issue, then you're all set!
Remove the game card.
Highlight the icon for the software that cannot use the DLC, then select it using the + Button.
Scroll to Manage Software, then select Delete Software. This will not delete the related save data.
Reinsert the game card and install any available updates.
Load the virtual game card for the DLC to redownload it.
If the DLC doesn't appear in the list and it shows "Purchased" on the product information page, see Software Displays “Purchased” in Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch.
Make sure to allow enough time for the download to finish. You can check the current download status on the HOME Menu.
Once the download is finished, launch the game from the HOME Menu and check to see if the DLC is accessible.
If you're still unable to access the content, please contact us for support.
Please contact us for support.
