Nintendo Support

How to Pre-Order a Game on Nintendo eShop

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

  1. From the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu, open Nintendo eShop.

  2. Search for the game you wish to pre-order.

  3. 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.

For releases within 7 days

  1. Select your payment method and enter your payment information if prompted.

  2. The game will pre-load on your system if there is enough storage space.

  3. At the date and time that the game is released, you will download a small update to unlock and play the game.

For releases in 7 days or later

  1. Review when your payment will be processed for the pre-order (7 days before the game’s release date), then select Next.

    • Select About Pre-orders to learn more about pre-orders, including how to cancel it in the available time.

  2. Select the payment method you wish to use for the pre-order and enter your payment information if prompted.

  3. Your payment method will be charged 7 days prior to release of the game, and the game will be pre-loaded on your system if there is enough storage space. At the date and time that the game is released, you will download a small update to unlock and play the game.

    • If your selected payment method fails (for example, if you do not have enough funds), your pre-order will be cancelled, and the game will not pre-load.

    • 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.