How to Buy Games

Selected titles are available now as downloadable versions from Nintendo eShop, with many more games to come! Here's a guide to how you can buy our games:

Retail stores:

Our biggest games are always available at your local store in the traditional packaged manner.

Nintendo eShop download:

You can now download many of our top titles directly from Nintendo eShop and we'll be adding more games there all the time.

Official Nintendo website:

It is possible to purchase download versions of games from Nintendo eShop on the official Nintendo website. You'll recognise if a game is available for purchase if a price and corresponding button appear on the related gamepage.

To be able to purchase download games from Nintendo eShop on the official website, you'll need to have a Nintendo Account which is linked to a Nintendo Network ID, and you'll need to have visited Nintendo eShop on the device you wish to download on at least once. To find out more, visit our Support section.


What is a download version?

Users will be able to enjoy the same game content as found in the packaged game by downloading it from Nintendo eShop. The downloaded game will be saved on the SD card or MicroSD card in your Nintendo 3DS family system. If you save different games on your system, you can play them at any time without having to change Game Cards.

Please note:

  • Your Nintendo 3DS family system must be connected to the Internet to download the game. For details and tutorials on how to do this, visit our Nintendo 3DS Support section here.
  • The downloaded game can only be played on the system it is downloaded to.
  • Due to the large data size of these games, it may take some time for the game to download. Please download the game while connected to a power supply.
  • Please be aware that the game won't download if there isn't enough space on your SD card. You will be notified when trying to download if this is the case.


Why get a download version?

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The game content is the same as the packaged version but you can download the title right away on release day!

You can carry numerous games with you at the same time.

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Purchase the game directly from Nintendo eShop

You can purchase the download version of the game directly from Nintendo eShop. Here's our handy guide to buying games from Nintendo eShop.

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1) Find the software you want by using the search function or simply browsing the shop. When you find a title you like, just select "Download Software".

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2) If you don’t already have funds, you’ll be prompted to "Add Funds". You can also add funds at any time by tapping on the "Menu" icon on the Nintendo eShop main page and then "Add Funds".

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3) You can add funds in two ways: either with a Nintendo eShop Card (which are available from selected retailers) or with a credit card.

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4) If you have a Nintendo eShop Card, first read all of the information and then enter the 16-digit activation number found on the back of the card by scratching off the silver panel. Nintendo eShop Cards are available from selected retailers in denominations of £15, £25 and £50. Find out more about Nintendo eShop Cards and where to purchase them.

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5) If you choose to pay by credit card, you can use either MasterCard or VISA to add funds. First, select an amount to add and then follow the instructions. Afterwards you’ll get a receipt of your purchase.

6) Now, you’re ready to download! Make sure your battery is fully charged, or plug in the power supply before you start the download. If you're downloading a large game file, then just close Nintendo eShop, put your Nintendo 3DS family system into Sleep Mode and let it download while you do something else!

 

Redeeming a download code on the web

You can now redeem download codes on the web. By logging in with your Nintendo Network ID, your software will start downloading to your Nintendo 3DS family system, so it’ll be ready and waiting the next time you pick up your system.

Find out how


Using a download code purchased in a shop or online store

Purchase a download code and enter it in Nintendo eShop to download the game. Download codes can be purchased at selected retailers and used in Nintendo eShop.

Download method using a download code

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1. Start "Nintendo eShop" from your HOME Menu

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2. Tap the "Menu" tab on the top left of the lower screen

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3. Tap "Redeem Download Code"

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4. Enter the 16-figure download code in the screen that is displayed and tap "OK"

Please note that visuals will display in 2D on Nintendo 2DS.