Nintendo Support

Nintendo eShop Game Not Appearing on Nintendo Switch HOME Menu

The information in this article can help you when a game purchased through Nintendo eShop is not appearing on your console.

Important

  • If you recently made the purchase and the game has still not started downloading, check the Network Maintenance Information/Operational Status page for any posted service outages. If there is an outage or maintenance, it is possible that the download process may be delayed. Wait awhile and try connecting to the service again later.

  • Games purchased through Nintendo eShop will automatically download to your console.

  • For Nintendo eShop pre-orders, the game will be downloaded to your console after the purchase has completed, usually around 7 days before the game’s release date. The game will not be playable until its official release date.

What to do

  • Make sure that your console is connected to the internet and meets the requirements for off-device purchases.

  • Check the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu to see if there is a game icon that shows that the download is currently in progress. If the download is still in progress, wait until the download is complete.

  • Check your virtual game cards. Any games that have been purchased or redeemed on the console will appear in the list of your virtual game cards and can be redownloaded at no additional cost.

  • Verify that the funds were taken from your Nintendo eShop balance. If the funds are still there, the order did not go through.

Situation not resolved

Place your Nintendo Switch console in the dock or connect the AC adapter to your Nintendo Switch Lite system and put the console into sleep mode for up to two hours to allow the download process to begin.