Buzz
The Nintendo Switch offers a vast array of digital games, but the selection varies by region. Many exciting titles are exclusively available in Japan and Europe, and sometimes certain regions get early access to global releases before others.
Fortunately, the Nintendo Switch is region-free, allowing you to import physical copies of games from Japanese or European stores and play them with minimal hassle (aside from potential language differences). Additionally, you can access another region’s eShop to download exclusive games, demos, and content, though this requires a bit more effort. To do so, you’ll need to set up a region-specific Nintendo account linked to a new profile on your Switch. In some cases, this account is also necessary to play imported physical games or access DLC and online features.
While this process may seem complex, we’ll walk you through creating the account, linking it to your Switch, and provide tips for navigating and purchasing games from the Japanese and European eShops.
How to set up and connect a regional Nintendo eShop account
Start by creating a new Nintendo account using a browser on your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Visit accounts.nintendo.com.
Click on “Create a Nintendo account.” (Ensure you use a different email address from your primary account.)
Choose the country/region for the eShop you wish to access—such as Japan, Europe, or North America.
Complete the account setup process.
Next, set up a new user profile on your Switch and link it to the Nintendo account you previously created.
Take your Switch, navigate to the home screen, and head to Settings > Users > Add User.
Follow the instructions to create a new profile.
Choose “Link a Nintendo Account” when asked, and log in using the regional Nintendo account credentials.
A verification code will be emailed to the account’s registered address. Enter this code on your Switch when prompted to complete the linking process.
How to purchase and download games from international Nintendo eShops
Once the regional account is set up and linked to your Switch, you can access the eShop of your chosen country. Simply launch the eShop from the Switch’s home screen and select the appropriate profile when prompted.
While accessing the eShop is straightforward, navigating it can be a bit challenging once you’re inside.
The North American, European, and Japanese eShops share the same layout and functionality, but differences in language, currency, and pricing can complicate browsing, searching, and purchasing content—particularly on the Japanese store. Here are some tips to help you navigate more effectively.
To simplify searching for games, consider changing your Switch’s keyboard language:
Access the Switch’s keyboard (you can do this quickly by selecting the search option in the eShop).
Tap the globe icon located at the bottom of the keyboard overlay.
Choose the desired language for your keyboard.
You can revert to English or another language by selecting the globe icon again.
Once set, you can type using a different alphabet, and the Switch will provide predictive text suggestions at the top of the keyboard. While there’s no built-in way to translate the entire Japanese eShop on your Switch, the Google Translate app on Android or iPhone can be a helpful alternative if needed.
Purchasing games follows the same process across all eShops, but payment methods may vary. While you can attempt to use your credit card during checkout, not all cards are accepted, and your bank may impose a conversion fee for international transactions.
Alternatively, you can add funds to your eShop account using gift cards purchased from retailers like Play Asia, which offers both Japanese and European eShop cards. Play Asia’s store pages also provide instructions for redeeming these cards on the Switch’s eShop.
Enjoying region-specific games on your Nintendo Switch
Once a game is downloaded to your Switch, you can launch it from the home screen or your game library. Fortunately, eShop games can be played with any regional account, allowing you to enjoy Japan-exclusive demos on your North American profile. However, DLC is tied to the regional account used to purchase the game. For instance, DLC for a Japanese game can only be accessed with a Japanese eShop account. Similarly, some online games may require a region-specific account. Despite these limitations, the ability to access a global library of Switch games is a significant advantage compared to past gaming restrictions.
