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How to Pre-Order a digital game on Nintendo eShop

Note: If the game you pre-order offers a promotion of bonus content to early purchasers, any bonus download codes will not be available until payment is processed and the game is pre-loaded on your system, 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 emailed to you and in your purchase history viewable on the Nintendo Account website.

You can pre-order select unreleased Nintendo Switch games on Nintendo eShop. Payment will be processed for the pre-order 7 days before the game is released. At that time, the game will pre-load on your system so that you can quickly access the game as soon as it is released.

What to do

From the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu, open Nintendo eShop.
Search for the game you wish to pre-order.
Select Proceed to Pre-Order.
- Not all games are available to pre-order from Nintendo eShop. Check the Nintendo eShop for the latest news on when the game is available to purchase or pre-order.
- If the game has already been released, you will be given the option to select Purchase instead.

When will the software be released?

Select your payment method and enter your payment information if prompted.
The software will download to your console as long as there is enough storage space.
When the software is released, you will need to download a small update to unlock and use the software.

Check when payment will be processed for the pre-order (starting from seven days before the release date for the software), then select Next.
- Select About Pre-Orders to learn more about pre-orders, including how to cancel them.
Select the payment method you wish to use for the pre-order and enter your payment information if prompted.
- If you have My Nintendo Gold Points, you can choose to use them towards the purchase. All Gold Points held at the time payment is processed will be used towards the purchase, up to the full purchase price of the software. You will not be able to select a specific number of Gold Points to use.
- Eligible upcoming titles can be pre-ordered using a Nintendo Switch Game Voucher. You can view the current list of eligible titles for Australia and New Zealand on Nintendo eShop.
  - Note: A voucher cannot be redeemed for a pre-order if it expires before the release date for the software.
  - Please note that Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers cannot be redeemed for Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive games.
Starting from seven days before the release date, your payment method will be charged and the software will be downloaded to your console as long as there is enough storage space. When the software is released, you will need to download a small update to unlock and use the software.
- If your selected payment method fails (for example, if you do not have enough funds), your pre-order will be cancelled and the software will not be downloaded.
- If you deactivate all Nintendo Switch systems from your Nintendo Account, your pre-order will be pending for up to 60 days after the game’s release date. Link your Nintendo Account to a Nintendo Switch system and access the Nintendo eShop to reactivate your pre-order. Your pre-order will be cancelled if you do not complete these steps within 60 days after the game’s release date.

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How to Pre-Order a digital game on Nintendo eShop

What to do

When will the software be released?

Releases within seven days

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