If you have moved countries, want access to games or eShop content released in another region, or simply set up your console with the wrong country by mistake, you can change your Nintendo Switch region. This guide walks you through what actually changes when you do this, what stays the same, and the steps to update your console safely without accidentally losing access to your existing purchases.
Table of Contents
What “region” actually means on Switch
Unlike older Nintendo consoles, the Switch is largely region-free when it comes to playing physical and digital games. A game cartridge or digital title bought in one country will generally run on a console set to a different region. What region does control is your Nintendo eShop storefront, the currency and payment methods you can use, the games and DLC listed for purchase, some online services, and parental control defaults. Region is tied to two separate things: the country setting on the console itself, and the country attached to your Nintendo Account. Changing one does not automatically change the other, which is why some people get confused when their eShop still looks the same after adjusting a setting on the console.
What you’ll need
- Your Nintendo Switch console powered on and updated to a recent system version
- The Nintendo Account linked to your console, along with its login details
- A stable internet connection
- Awareness of any remaining eShop balance, active subscriptions, or pending downloads on your current region
- A payment method or eShop card valid in the new region, if you plan to keep buying games there
Before you start: back up and check your balance
- Open your Nintendo eShop account and note any remaining wallet balance or active Nintendo Switch Online membership tied to your current region.
- If your console supports cloud saves through Nintendo Switch Online, back up your save data before making any account changes.
- Write down which games and downloadable content you already own, since some region-locked eShop credit or promotional codes may not carry over cleanly to a new region.
Changing the country setting on your console
- From the Switch home screen, open System Settings.
- Scroll down to the System section, where you will find the option related to your console’s country or region.
- Select the new country you want to set the console to.
- Read and accept any updated regional terms of service or eShop agreement that appears.
- Restart the Nintendo eShop app so it refreshes with the new region’s storefront.
Updating your Nintendo Account country
Because purchases are tied to your Nintendo Account rather than just the console, you often need to update the account’s country as well through Nintendo Account settings page. Be aware that Nintendo restricts how often an account’s country can be changed, and switching it can forfeit any remaining eShop wallet balance in the old region’s currency, since balances do not convert between currencies. If you rely on stored funds or an active membership, spend or resolve these before changing your account’s country.
| What changes | What stays the same |
|---|---|
| eShop storefront and currency | Most physical and digital game compatibility |
| Available game titles and release timing | Save data already on the console |
| Payment methods you can use | Nintendo Switch Online membership benefits (in most cases) |
| Age rating and parental control defaults | Physical accessories and hardware |
Tips and troubleshooting
- If the eShop still shows old-region pricing or titles after changing settings, fully close and reopen the eShop app, or restart the console.
- Remember that region changes on your Nintendo Account are limited in frequency, so plan the switch rather than changing back and forth.
- If you are troubleshooting a new console for the first time, it helps to review setting up your Switch on a TV to rule out a basic setup issue before assuming it is region-related.
- Digital purchases and some DLC can behave differently after a region change, similar to the licensing quirks covered in how Nintendo game-key cards work, so check ownership status after switching.
- Console bundles and special editions are often tied to specific regions, which is worth keeping in mind if you are chasing region-specific console bundles that were never released where you live.
- For anything unusual, such as an error message during the change or a locked account, check Nintendo’s official support site before trying workarounds.
Frequently asked questions
Will changing my Switch region delete my save data?
No, save data stored on the console itself is not deleted by a region change. It is still wise to back up saves beforehand, particularly if you use cloud saves or plan to also change your Nintendo Account details.
Can I play games from another region without changing anything?
In most cases yes, since Switch games are largely region-free for offline and standard online play. Region mainly affects what you can buy through the eShop, not what you can play once you own it.
Do I lose my eShop balance if I change region?
Often yes. Wallet balances are tied to a specific currency and typically do not transfer to a new region’s eShop, so it is best to spend down or resolve any balance before switching.
How many times can I change my Nintendo Switch region?
Nintendo limits how frequently you can change the country associated with a Nintendo Account, so treat it as a considered decision rather than something to toggle regularly.
