How to Redownload Nintendo eShop Content for Nintendo Switch

In this article, you'll learn how to redownload content from Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch.

Important:

  • You can only redownload games using the Nintendo Account that was used to purchase the game. If a specific game or DLC item shows "Purchased" in Nintendo eShop but you are unable to redownload it, you may find our information on Software Displays "Purchased" in the Nintendo Switch eShop helpful.

  • These steps will redownload a game and all purchased DLC associated with the game. You can also choose to redownload only certain content individually.

Additional Information:

  • Games that have been archived (not deleted) will still have an icon on the HOME Menu, and can be redownloaded by anyone on the console.

  • Games that have been deleted will not have an icon on the HOME Menu, and can only be redownloaded with the Nintendo Account that was originally used to purchase them.

Complete These Steps:

Access the HOME Menu and verify whether an icon for the game appears there.

Does the game have an icon on the HOME Menu?

  1. Select the game’s icon on the HOME Menu.

  2. Select Download.

    • The download will begin automatically. You can check the download status on the HOME Menu.

    • If you see an error message that says “This user cannot play this software. If you have not purchased the software, you can do so from Nintendo eShop”, you can learn more about the error message here.

  1. Access Nintendo eShop with the Nintendo Account that was used to purchase the game.

    • The game can only be redownloaded by the Nintendo Account that was originally used to purchase it.

  2. Select your user icon in the upper-right corner to access your Account Information.

  3. Highlight Redownload on the left side of the screen. A list of titles you’ve purchased will appear.

  4. Highlight the game you want to redownload and select the orange icon to begin the download.

    • This will redownload the game and any previously downloaded DLC for the game. If you only wish to redownload the game, hold down the L Button while selecting the orange icon.

  5. The download will begin automatically. You can check the download status on the HOME Menu.