Digital Content is Missing from Nintendo Switch (Games, DLC, Etc) (2024)

FAQs

Digital Content is Missing from Nintendo Switch (Games, DLC, Etc)? ›

This means that the software has not been purchased on the console, or that the console is no longer active for the Nintendo Account that was originally used to purchase the game.

Check Data Management in the Nintendo Switch System Settings to verify that there is enough space on your system to complete the download. If there is not enough space, delete some content. Check Redownloads in the Nintendo Switch eShop (in your account information).

There's a possibility that the additional content hasn't been installed correctly on your Nintendo Switch console. Please follow the steps below to resolve this issue: Restart your Nintendo Switch console. Log out of the "Nintendo eShop" and then log in again.

Highlight Redownload on the left side of the screen. A list of titles you've purchased will appear. Highlight the game you want to redownload and select the orange icon to begin downloading the game and any DLC for it that you have purchased. You can check the download status on the HOME Menu.

Notice of End of Purchases in Nintendo eShop for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS – Update January 2024. As of 27 March 2023, it is no longer possible to make purchases on Nintendo eShop for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. It is also no longer possible to download free content, including game demos.

Download codes purchased from retailers do not expire. However, download codes given out for a specific promotion, such as Pokémon distributions, will usually have an expiry date. This will be noted in the information about the promotion or the materials the download code was provided with.

This means that the DLC has not been purchased on the system, or that this is not the primary console for the Nintendo Account that originally purchased the content.

This error message means that you are not using the primary console for the Nintendo Account that purchased the software. On a non-primary console, the software can only be started by the user that purchased it. The solution depends on who originally purchased the software.

Downloadable software can be deleted from the console's system memory or saved to a microSD card in order to free up space. Deleting software data will not impact your save data. Once deleted, software can be redownloaded using the same Nintendo Account with which it was purchased.

You may be trying to access the Game Trial with a Nintendo Account that does not have an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. Purchase a membership to be able to play the Game Trial, or purchase the game to have full access to it.

Does DLC transfer to a new Switch? ›

It's not possible to transfer digital purchases from one Nintendo Account to another. However, downloaded content isn't limited to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase. Anyone that uses the purchaser's primary console.

To restore save data using the Save-Data Backup option

Tap Restore. Select the save data you wish to restore, and then tap OK.

Check “Redownload” in your Account Information on Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch. Any games that have been purchased or redeemed on the console will appear here and can be redownloaded at no additional cost. Verify that the funds were taken from your Nintendo eShop balance.

Digital games and downloadable content are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them. Other people can only play your digital content if they are playing on your primary consoleNintendo Accounts can be linked to multiple Nintendo Switch consoles, but can only have one primary console.

If the game does not appear in the list of previously purchased titles, a different Nintendo Account was originally used to purchase the game. Try again with the other accounts on the console until you locate the one that was used to make the purchase.

Check for any available software updates for the problematic game card. Dust or other foreign objects could be causing the game read issues with the problematic game card. Use a soft dry fabric, such as an eye glasses or screen cleaning cloth, and gently wipe down the game card. Use care so the game card isn't damaged.

Perform a system update. Check for any software updates for the problematic game. Check for corrupt data. Delete the problematic software and then redownload it.