What is console region and what does it affect?
The console region is the region you choose during the initial set up of the Switch console.
There is no Singapore on the list unfortunately, so we recommend choosing The Americas instead.
Console region is mostly used for in-game data. For example, certain games may have the temperature listed as Fahrenheit (°F) when set to US or Celsius (°C) when set to Australia. Changing the console region may also affect the language choices available for the games.
What is Nintendo account region and what does it affect?
For first-time users, you will be asked to create a new user. After creating the user, you'll be prompted to "Link Nintendo Account". You will then need to set up your Nintendo Account online.
When prompted to key in your country/region of residence, we suggest choosing United States. Do not choose Singapore here, otherwise you won't be able to access the eShop as there is no eShop in Singapore. Time zone here doesn't really matter.
Are Switch consoles region locked?
No, the console itself is not region locked (except for China consoles).
Can I buy a Switch console from another region?
Yes, with some caveats:
- Warranty is region specific.
- A travel adapter may be required to connect the console to your power outlet.
Can I play games in one region with a Nintendo account of another region?
Yes, games are not region locked (except for China consoles). Do note that however, it may support different languages and/or have other changes (for example censorship, region-specific contents & events, etc.) compared to the one sold in your region.
Can I resume my save game in one region with a game from another region?
No, save games are region locked.
Can I redeem DLC codes in one region with a Nintendo account of another region?
No, DLCs are region locked. However, there are some workarounds where you can redeem DLCs from different regions.
Method 1: Change your Nintendo account's region to match with the DLC's region.
Method 2: Create a new Nintendo account that corresponds to the DLC's region.
Can I play games in one region online with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription of another region?
Yes. If you purchase a physical copy of the game, then whatever region your Nintendo Switch Online subscription is tied to, you can still play the game online.
However, if you purchase a digital copy of the game, let's say AUS region, then your Nintendo Switch Online subscription must be tied to AUS region in order to play the game online.
Can I play online multiplayer in one region with a friend that has the same game from another region?
Yes, online multiplayer is not region locked. However, certain special events may be region locked. For example Splatoon 2’s Splatfests .
Does the game region influence in-game matchmaking?
This depends on the game. Most games will try to match you with people you can connect to with low latency.
However, there are some cases where the game region may influence in-game matchmaking. For example, sometimes different regions will have separate Splatfest themes in Splatoon 2, and during a Splatfest you will only be able to play PvP with other people who have the same Splatfest theme as you do.
How do I access another region's eShop?
There are 2 methods to go about this.
Method 1: Create another Nintendo account, set its region appropriately and link it to a user on your Switch console. Then when you open the eShop, you will be asked to pick a user and will connect to the eShop for that user's region. You can have up to 8 users, each optionally linked to a different region.
Method 2: Change the region of an existing Nintendo Account that is linked to one of your users. Be aware that you may not be able to change regions unless you have zero balance, at least not without losing the remaining balance.
How do I change my Nintendo account’s region?
Head to https://accounts.nintendo.com/ → Profile → Edit → Country/region of residence → change to desired region → Save Changes.
You cannot change the account’s region if:
- The account is a children’s account.
- The account still contains funds. You will not be able to change the country until you have spent the funds and your remaining Nintendo Account balance is $0.
How do I change my Switch console's region?
At the home screen, select System Settings → System → Region → change to desired region → Next → Accept.
How can I pay for things in foreign eShops?
There are 2 methods to go about this.
Method 1: You can try using your credit card first. But some eShops appear to reject foreign credit cards. For such cases, you may try using method 2.
Method 2: Top up your Nintendo Account with eShop prepaid codes of that region. If you're looking for eShop prepaid codes, you may check them out from our shop here.