How to Request a Refund for a Nintendo Switch Game

Tap each step to see it in order.

  1. Understand the default policy first

    The Nintendo eShop treats digital purchases as final sales by default and does not offer refunds as a general rule.

  2. Check whether your case is an exception

    Exceptions such as duplicate charges, a technical error that prevents the game from launching, or unauthorized purchases made by a minor are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

  3. Contact Nintendo Support

    Reach out through your region's official Nintendo support site or customer service, and describe your purchase details and reason for the request specifically.

  4. Attach supporting evidence

    Payment receipts, account information, and screenshots of the issue speed up processing.

  5. Wait for a response and follow up if needed

    A reply can take several business days; if you don't hear back, it's fine to follow up.

Refunds here are stricter than on other platforms

Unlike platforms such as Steam or the Epic Games Store, which offer automatic refunds within a playtime window, the Nintendo eShop treats digital purchases as final by default. Simple buyer's remorse is rarely approved β€” you generally need a clear exception, like a duplicate charge or unauthorized purchase by a minor, to get an individual review through Support.

If it's a child's account, check parental controls too

If the account or device belongs to a child, it's worth setting up parental controls that limit play time and restrict purchases going forward, so unauthorized purchases don't happen again.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I cancel right after buying, is a refund guaranteed?

No. Nintendo doesn't guarantee an automatic refund even for a cancellation made immediately after purchase β€” you still need to contact Support directly.

Is it easier to get a refund with an account registered in a different country?

Consumer protection rules can vary by region, but you're still expected to follow Nintendo Support's individual review process for the account's registered region.