Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Change the country/region on your Nintendo Account website profile—not in the Switch or Switch 2 System Settings. After you save the new country, the console loads that country’s eShop the next time it connects. Clear any balance, recurring subscription renewal, or unavailable digital preorder that is blocking the change, then configure a payment method issued or accepted in the destination market.
The short answer
Nintendo eShop country is controlled by the Country/region of residence field on your Nintendo Account. The Switch and Switch 2 use that account country when they connect to the eShop. There is no separate eShop-region switch inside the console’s System Settings.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Changing the account country can affect unused funds, saved payment details, subscriptions, family-account controls, and the ability to redeem market-specific codes. Review those dependencies before confirming the change; a successful profile edit does not make money or payment instruments portable between markets.
Check these blockers before changing country
Nintendo may refuse the change until account items that depend on the current country are resolved. The warning shown on your account is authoritative, because requirements can differ by region and account type.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Potential blocker | What Nintendo indicates | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Unspent eShop balance | A remaining balance can prevent a country change. Nintendo does not treat the balance as transferable to the new country. | Follow the regional rule described in the balance section below. Treat the funds as at risk until the account displays a zero balance or the destination-country confirmation explicitly explains forfeiture. |
| Automatic renewal | Active renewals can block the request. | Cancel applicable Nintendo Switch Online, Pokémon HOME Premium, or in-game subscription renewals, then retry after the account reflects the cancellation. |
| Unavailable digital preorder | A preorder for downloadable content that is not yet available can prevent the change. | Cancel that pending preorder before submitting the country change. |
Do not assume that a warning can be bypassed by changing the console, deleting a payment card, or signing out. The country belongs to the Nintendo Account, so the blocker must be resolved at the account level.
Record your account state before you start
Write down the current country, visible balance, active memberships or renewals, and any pending downloadable-content preorder. This gives you a reference if the profile page changes after saving. Also identify which Nintendo Account owns the purchases you expect to keep using. Balance, saved payment information, purchase history, and Nintendo Switch Online membership information are associated with individual Nintendo Accounts, not shared automatically between different users on the same console.
If another family member manages the account group, discuss the change first. A supervised account may not be able to edit its country independently, and an administrator’s change can update relevant supervised accounts. This is especially important when the destination is the United States or Quebec, where Nintendo says an additional child-account confirmation can appear in applicable circumstances.
Change the Nintendo Account country or region
- Sign in to the Nintendo Account website. Use the account that owns the eShop balance, purchases, memberships, and payment information you intend to keep using.
- Open User Information. This is the account-profile area, not the Switch’s System Settings.
- Edit the Profile section. Select the edit control beside your profile information.
- Choose Country/region of residence. Select the destination country from the current list.
- Complete any country-specific field. Nintendo’s instructions require people changing to Canada to choose Quebec or Not Quebec in a separate Region field.
- Save the profile. Read the country-change information Nintendo displays, including any balance or family-account warning.
- Confirm your agreement. Submit only after checking the consequences shown for this account.
- Reconnect the console. The Switch or Switch 2 should show the corresponding eShop the next time it connects. If the old storefront remains, close the eShop, reconnect the console to the internet, and open it again.
Nintendo can change the wording or placement of these controls. If the edit is rejected, use the exact blocker displayed on the current page rather than relying on an older screenshot or menu path.
What happens to your balance
Nintendo’s official wording is unambiguous: Your Nintendo eShop account balance does not carry over when you change the country that your Nintendo Account is set to.
The practical result is that funds in the old country should not be treated as spendable in the new country.
| Regional guidance | Requirement described by Nintendo | Risk to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo of America | Spend the remaining funds until the account balance is zero before changing country. | A nonzero balance can stop the change; do not start the process expecting the funds to follow you. |
| Nintendo of Europe | A country change may be offered after you accept that the remaining balance will be lost. | Confirm the forfeiture notice before accepting. The European flow is not evidence that balances transfer. |
| General Nintendo eShop guidance | Balance does not carry over between countries. | Country-specific prompts and account region control the exact action available. |
Because the rule differs between Nintendo regions, the message presented after you select a country matters more than a generic checklist. If the account still shows funds and the page offers no clear resolution, stop before confirming and contact Nintendo Support for the account’s current region.
There is no supported “conversion” step that turns an old-country balance into destination-country credit. Buying a new prepaid code also does not move the existing funds. If you decide to spend the balance before switching, use it only for an intended purchase under the current country’s terms; do not assume a later refund or transfer will restore portability.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Payment settings after the switch
Use a payment method accepted in the destination market
Nintendo states that a credit card issued in one region will not work in a different region’s eShop. Nintendo gives the example of a U.S.-issued card failing outside the North American eShop. A card that worked before the country change can therefore be rejected even though its number and expiration date are unchanged.
Check the destination country’s current Nintendo support instructions for accepted cards, PayPal availability, prepaid products, currency, and any identity or billing-address requirements. A method supported in one market is not automatically supported in another. The issuer’s country matters, so a card merely used while traveling is not necessarily treated as a local payment instrument.
Review or replace saved card details
- Open the eShop after the account country has updated.
- Open the account-information or payment-settings area shown for that storefront.
- Remove an obsolete card if Nintendo presents it as unusable, or add a card issued for the destination market.
- Confirm the billing details exactly as required by that country’s payment screen.
- Make a small, intended purchase only after the storefront displays the new currency and the payment method is accepted.
The exact labels and menu location can vary by country and system software. The destination market’s own help page is the correct reference for the final payment screen. A card failure after the switch is not proof that the country change failed; first verify the displayed storefront and then verify the card’s issuing market.
Prepaid codes are also market-specific
Check the country printed or specified for a Nintendo eShop balance code before buying it. Nintendo’s guidance treats codes as market-dependent, and Japanese download or prepaid codes may require the account country to be Japan. A code cannot perform the region change itself. Redeem it only after the Nintendo Account shows the country required by that code and the destination market’s instructions confirm compatibility.
Japan-specific payment and code rules
Japan’s instructions illustrate why payment advice cannot be generalized worldwide. Nintendo Japan lists credit card, PayPal, and Nintendo prepaid card as ways to add funds in the Japanese Switch eShop.
Nintendo Japan also says that download-card and prepaid-card codes sold for Japan may require the Nintendo Account’s country/region to be set to Japan before redemption. A Japanese code is therefore not a universal substitute for a destination-country payment method.
On the Japanese account website, Nintendo describes a web-based balance-addition route that uses prepaid-card codes rather than credit card or PayPal. The Switch eShop account-information screen provides access to balance and payment settings, and Nintendo Japan describes registering or changing card information and linking or unlinking PayPal there. These instructions are market-specific; do not assume that another country offers the same web menus or payment choices.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Purchases, memberships, and redownloading
Nintendo associates the following information with each Nintendo Account:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- eShop balance
- Saved payment information
- Purchase history
- Nintendo Switch Online membership information
Changing the country is an account-profile operation. The cited Nintendo region guidance explains balance and payment consequences but does not state that the Nintendo Account itself is deleted. Keep the account credentials and use the same account if you need its purchase history or membership information.
Ownership records should therefore be part of your decision. Creating or using another account does not make the original account’s balance, purchase history, or membership information appear on the new one. Nintendo’s cited pages do not provide a universal comparison of multiple-account game sharing or DLC behavior, so check the specific title and family arrangement before separating accounts.
Virtual Game Cards from April 30, 2025
Nintendo Japan’s account-information guidance says that, from April 30, 2025, redownloading purchased software and additional content is handled through Virtual Game Cards in the HOME menu rather than through the eShop. This is platform guidance that can vary with system software and market. If a game or DLC is the reason for moving countries, check Nintendo’s current title-specific compatibility instructions; the official material does not establish that every game-and-DLC combination works across every country.
Family groups and supervised accounts
Account type can change what you are allowed to edit.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- In Nintendo’s Americas instructions, a supervised account for a user under 18 cannot have its country changed individually.
- If the family-group administrator changes country, relevant supervised accounts are updated automatically.
- Changing to the United States or Quebec can trigger a child-account confirmation process for family administrators in applicable circumstances.
Read the family prompt before confirming. If the country change is for only one person in a family group, check whether the administrator’s country—and therefore other supervised accounts—will change as well. Treat the administrator’s confirmation as a group-level decision, not merely a payment-setting change for one console user.
Decide whether to change the existing account
The right approach depends on what the account owns and which market you need to use. Nintendo’s official pages document the first three checks below but do not establish a universal advantage to maintaining multiple accounts.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
| Question | If the answer is “yes” | Decision implication |
|---|---|---|
| Does the current account have funds? | You must resolve the balance under the account’s regional rule. | Changing immediately can cause a block or forfeiture. |
| Does it have automatic renewals? | Applicable renewals must be canceled before retrying. | Allow the cancellation to register before editing the country. |
| Is there an unavailable digital preorder? | The preorder may block the edit. | Cancel it before submitting the change. |
| Is your payment instrument issued for the destination region? | It has a better chance of being accepted by that market’s eShop. | Verify the destination country’s accepted methods before moving. |
| Is the account supervised or part of a family group? | The administrator may control the change and other supervised accounts may update. | Coordinate with the family administrator first. |
| Which account owns the purchases and balance? | Those records remain associated with that Nintendo Account. | Do not switch to an account whose purchase history or funds you need to use. |
If you are considering a separate account instead of changing the existing one, Nintendo’s cited pages do not provide a general comparison of multiple-account ownership, game access, or DLC behavior. Make that choice only after checking the specific title, family arrangement, and market rules involved.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot an “unable to change country” message
The account has an eShop balance
Read whether the page requires a zero balance or offers a confirmation that the balance will be lost. In the Americas flow, spend the funds first. In the European flow, the change may proceed only after explicit acceptance of forfeiture. Do not buy another market’s code to “move” the old balance; Nintendo says the balance does not carry over.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchAn automatic renewal is active
Cancel the applicable Nintendo Switch Online, Pokémon HOME Premium, or in-game renewal listed by Nintendo. Return to the country field only after the account no longer shows the renewal as active.
A preorder is pending
Find the downloadable-content preorder that is not yet available and cancel it. A completed purchase is different from an unavailable preorder; follow the specific warning rather than canceling unrelated purchase history.
The account is supervised
Have the family-group administrator perform the change if the account is under 18 in the Americas flow. Review any confirmation request when moving to the United States or Quebec.
The new eShop opens but payment fails
Confirm that the console displays the intended country and currency, then use a payment method accepted and issued for that market. A card from the previous country can be rejected by design. For codes, verify that the code was sold for the same country as the Nintendo Account setting.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The storefront does not update
Verify that the profile save completed on the Nintendo Account website. Close the eShop, ensure the console is online, reconnect, and open the eShop again. If Nintendo displays a new blocker, resolve that message; the website’s current prompt takes precedence over older instructions.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Practical checklist before you confirm
- Record the current balance and decide whether the account’s regional rule requires spending it or accepting its loss.
- Cancel listed automatic renewals.
- Cancel any unavailable downloadable-content preorder.
- Confirm whether the account is supervised or controls supervised family accounts.
- Check that the destination country’s payment methods match your card, PayPal account, or prepaid code.
- Keep the same Nintendo Account if you need its purchase history, memberships, or owned software.
- After saving, reconnect the Switch or Switch 2 and verify the new eShop country before entering payment details.
What a successful change does—and does not do
A successful change tells Nintendo which country’s eShop to present for that Nintendo Account. It does not transfer the old balance, make a region-issued card valid everywhere, or guarantee that every game and DLC combination can be redownloaded across countries. Market rules, account type, payment issuer, and title compatibility still apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the eShop region in Switch System Settings?
No. Change the Country/region of residence on the Nintendo Account website under User Information and Profile. The console follows that account setting when it next connects to the eShop.
Will my Nintendo eShop balance move to the new country?
No. Nintendo says the balance does not carry over. Nintendo of America generally requires a zero balance first, while Nintendo of Europe may allow the change after you accept that the remaining balance will be lost.
Why is Nintendo blocking my country change?
Check for an unspent balance, an active automatic renewal such as Nintendo Switch Online or Pokémon HOME Premium, or an unavailable downloadable-content preorder. Resolve the item named on the account page and try again.
Can I use my old credit card after changing country?
Not necessarily. Nintendo says a card issued in one region will not work in a different region’s eShop. Use a payment method accepted and issued for the destination market.
Can I redeem a Japanese Nintendo prepaid card on any account?
Nintendo Japan says Japan-market download and prepaid codes may require the Nintendo Account country/region to be Japan. Check the code’s market and set the account country required by Nintendo before redeeming.
Can a supervised child change country independently?
In Nintendo’s Americas instructions, a supervised account for a user under 18 cannot change its country individually. A family-group administrator’s change can update relevant supervised accounts automatically.
Recommended Free Tools
Will changing country delete my purchases or Nintendo Account?
The cited Nintendo guidance describes an account-profile change and does not say the account is deleted. Purchase history, saved payment information, membership information, and balance remain associated with the account, subject to the balance’s country rules.
How do I redownload software after April 30, 2025?
Nintendo Japan’s guidance says purchased software and additional content are redownloaded through Virtual Game Cards in the HOME menu from April 30, 2025. Check current system and title-specific instructions, especially for DLC and cross-country compatibility.
The Bottom Line
Change the country on the Nintendo Account website, not on the console. Clear or acknowledge the balance rule, cancel listed renewals and unavailable preorders, coordinate with family administrators, and use a destination-market payment method or code. Reconnect the Switch or Switch 2 and verify the new storefront before purchasing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems
