Nintendo has confirmed a new digital gifting feature for Nintendo eShop that will arrive on both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 on Nov. 16.
Tied to the Switch 23.5.0 system update, the feature lets members of a Nintendo Account family group send eligible digital games, downloadable content (DLC), and upgrade packs directly to other members’ consoles.
The company says the gifting option will be added to Nintendo eShop on Nov. 16 and is aimed at making it easier for family members to share digital purchases ahead of the holiday season.
The system uses existing Nintendo Account family groups — which can include up to eight members — to determine gift eligibility and delivery targets.
Nintendo’s announcement also reiterates several built-in restrictions: some eShop products will not be eligible for digital gifting, supervised accounts cannot send gifts, and the number of gift purchases allowed in a given period is limited.
How the gifting process works
Nintendo has outlined a straightforward workflow for sending a digital gift through the eShop:
- Open Nintendo eShop on your device and navigate to the product page for the eligible title or DLC you want to gift.
- On the product page, select the Give as a Gift checkbox and proceed to purchase.
- Choose the recipient from your Nintendo Account family group and select which linked system to deliver the gift to.
- Pick your gift wrap color and any available presentation options, then complete the purchase as usual.
Nintendo notes that gifts are delivered immediately upon purchase, so senders should confirm recipient details and timing before completing a transaction.
Once delivered, the gift appears on the recipient’s HOME Menu and can be accepted and played right away.
Practical details and limitations
The gifting rollout is available on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, and is implemented through Nintendo eShop with the Switch 23.5.0 update.
Family groups remain managed through Nintendo Account settings; Nintendo’s Support resources explain how to create and manage a family group.
Importantly, the company warns that supervised accounts — accounts with parental controls or limited privileges — will not be able to send digital gifts, and some individual products will be excluded from gifting eligibility.
With the Nov. 16 launch date confirmed, Nintendo’s new gifting feature provides a native, account-based option for families who want to exchange digital games and add-ons across both current and next-generation Switch hardware.
Tied to the Switch 23.5.0 system update, the feature lets members of a Nintendo Account family group send eligible digital games, downloadable content (DLC), and upgrade packs directly to other members’ consoles.
The company says the gifting option will be added to Nintendo eShop on Nov. 16 and is aimed at making it easier for family members to share digital purchases ahead of the holiday season.
The system uses existing Nintendo Account family groups — which can include up to eight members — to determine gift eligibility and delivery targets.
Nintendo’s announcement also reiterates several built-in restrictions: some eShop products will not be eligible for digital gifting, supervised accounts cannot send gifts, and the number of gift purchases allowed in a given period is limited.
How the gifting process works
Nintendo has outlined a straightforward workflow for sending a digital gift through the eShop:
- Open Nintendo eShop on your device and navigate to the product page for the eligible title or DLC you want to gift.
- On the product page, select the Give as a Gift checkbox and proceed to purchase.
- Choose the recipient from your Nintendo Account family group and select which linked system to deliver the gift to.
- Pick your gift wrap color and any available presentation options, then complete the purchase as usual.
Nintendo notes that gifts are delivered immediately upon purchase, so senders should confirm recipient details and timing before completing a transaction.
Once delivered, the gift appears on the recipient’s HOME Menu and can be accepted and played right away.
Practical details and limitations
The gifting rollout is available on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, and is implemented through Nintendo eShop with the Switch 23.5.0 update.
Family groups remain managed through Nintendo Account settings; Nintendo’s Support resources explain how to create and manage a family group.
Importantly, the company warns that supervised accounts — accounts with parental controls or limited privileges — will not be able to send digital gifts, and some individual products will be excluded from gifting eligibility.
With the Nov. 16 launch date confirmed, Nintendo’s new gifting feature provides a native, account-based option for families who want to exchange digital games and add-ons across both current and next-generation Switch hardware.