Previously Purchased Digital Content Shows Download Cost on Nintendo Switch
Steps for when you want to redownload a game or DLC but the Nintendo eShop does not recognize that you have already purchased it.
Information
If a game shows a cost in the Nintendo Switch eShop, it means you are not viewing the game with a Nintendo Account that purchased the game. Only a Nintendo Account that has purchased a game can download it at no cost.
What to do
Review the purchase history for your Nintendo Account on your console or through the Nintendo Account website to check if you purchased the content.
Can't check purchase history
Look for a receipt for the content in the inbox of your Nintendo Account’s email address.
Each transaction in the Nintendo Switch eShop generates a receipt that is emailed to the Nintendo Account that made the transaction.
For Nintendo Accounts for children, the email is sent to the parent/guardian's email address.
Can't find a record of the purchase
If you did not purchase the game or DLC with your Nintendo Account but you played it previously, it is likely that the game belonged to someone else that uses or used your console (family or household member, previous owner of the console, visiting friend, etc).
You will need to use your own Nintendo Account on your console to purchase the game or DLC for your console.If you want to play content purchased by other people, they must have loaded it as a virtual game card on your console. For more information, read the Virtual Game Card Guide.
If you want to remove the icon for a game from your HOME Menu, highlight the icon and select Options. Select Manage Software, then Delete Software.
If you find a record of the purchase, you can redownload the content on your Nintendo Switch using the Nintendo Account that purchased the content.
Situation not resolved
If you can't find a record of purchasing the content but you are sure that you did purchase it, please contact us for further assistance.