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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →To redownload a digital Nintendo Switch game you bought, open Virtual Game Cards from the HOME Menu, select the game using a user linked to the Nintendo Account that purchased it, and load the card onto the console. Nintendo’s Japan support guidance says this has been the redownload route for purchased software and DLC since April 30, 2025. It does not apply to reinstalling a physical game card.
Redownload a purchased game or DLC
- On the Switch HOME Menu, select Virtual Game Cards.
- Choose the game or DLC you want. Make sure the active user is linked to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase.
- Choose the option to load the Virtual Game Card on this console, then follow the on-screen instructions. The software should become available to download or load on the console.
Nintendo’s guidance is from its Japan support pages; menu wording or account processes may differ by region. Check your local Nintendo Support site if the labels on your console do not match.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - US Version | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Nintendo eShop Physical Gift Card | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
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If the game is missing from Virtual Game Cards
Check which Nintendo Account bought it
Digital purchase entitlements are associated with the Nintendo Account used to buy the software. If you have multiple Switch users, select the user linked to the purchasing account. Nintendo says you can check the account’s usage history or look for the purchase confirmation email. The account website’s usage history covers only the previous two years for the purchase types listed there; older transaction details may be in email, and some service records may not appear on the account page.
Check whether redownload is still available
Nintendo says a game or DLC cannot be redownloaded if distribution for that item has ended. A past purchase therefore does not guarantee that every title will remain available for download indefinitely.
#1 Best Overall
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
Recheck the account link
The purchasing Nintendo Account must be linked to the Switch user you are using. If the account is not linked, or you are checking a different account, the entitlement may not appear.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.On a new or replacement Switch
After moving to another console, link the Nintendo Account that bought the game and load its Virtual Game Card on the new console. Transferring a user does not necessarily load that user’s Virtual Game Cards automatically; Nintendo’s replacement-console guidance says to load the cards again on the replacement console.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Rank #2
- Give the gift of fun with a Nintendo eShop gift code
- It's easy—apply it to your Nintendo eShop account in seconds.
- It ensures that you’ll always have funds on hand to help with purchases of new games and applications
- It’s designed for your Nintendo eShop purchases—no credit card required.
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch system.
Special cases: membership software, demos, saves, and storage
- Nintendo Switch Online membership software and demos: Nintendo directs users to download these again from the relevant product-description page, rather than using the standard purchased-software route.
- Save data: Redownloading a game does not itself restore saved progress. Nintendo handles save-data transfer separately from loading Virtual Game Cards, so check its transfer guidance if you need your saves on another console.
- Storage: A microSD card is not required to redownload a purchase. If the console lacks space, storage is a separate issue from account ownership or a title’s availability. Nintendo lists a larger-capacity microSD card as one option for space when copying screenshots or videos, alongside transferring those files to a phone or computer.
Official Nintendo guidance
- Nintendo Support Japan: Virtual Game Cards and redownloading software
- Nintendo Support Japan: replacement-console guidance
- Nintendo Account usage history and purchase information
- Nintendo Support Japan: eShop and redownload availability information
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.
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