Nintendo is bringing a long-requested digital gifting feature to the Nintendo Switch 2 and original Nintendo Switch. Announced on November 9, the feature will allow users to purchase digital games directly through the Nintendo eShop and send them to other members of their family group.
The functionality is being prepared through system update 23.5.0, although players will have to wait for a separate Nintendo eShop update scheduled for November 17, 2026.
According to Nintendo’s official announcement, eligible games, downloadable content (DLC), and upgrade packs can be purchased as gifts. A Nintendo Account family group can accommodate up to eight members.
How Nintendo Switch 2 Digital Game Gifting Works
Players can send gifts by visiting a game’s Nintendo eShop product page and selecting the new Give as a Gift option. They can then choose a recipient from their family group, select which linked console should receive the purchase, and customise the gift wrapping colour before completing the transaction.
Gifts are delivered immediately to the recipient’s HOME Menu. The recipient can open the virtual present, accept it, and start playing without entering payment information or a download code.
However, Nintendo has introduced some restrictions. Not every eShop product will support gifting, supervised accounts cannot send gifts, and purchases will have a limited sending allowance within a given period.
The new feature is designed to make digital purchases more convenient, particularly for families looking to surprise children with games during birthdays and holidays. However, its family-group restriction means users cannot freely send digital purchases to anyone on their friends list.
Nintendo’s official system update information confirms that version 23.5.0 is required before the gifting functionality becomes available.
