Are Switch Games Region Locked? [Fix eShop Restrictions!]

Alvaro Trigo

Updated on: May 27, 2025

It’s annoying when you’re excited to play a Switch game only to find it unavailable on your console. This might make you wonder, “Are Switch games region-locked?” Many gaming consoles practice this restriction, so it’s unsurprising if the Nintendo Switch does the same.

To answer your question, this article will discuss whether Nintendo added such a restriction on the Switch. We’ll also discuss how to access any game you want to play, even if it’s unavailable in your area.

Are Switch Games Region-Locked?

No, Switch games are not region-locked except for gaming cards and consoles sold in Chinese regions. However, Switch’s downloadable content (DLC) has region restrictions. The DLC you’ll get must be accessible in the region set on your Nintendo account, or it won’t work on your console.

While Switch games are not region-locked, you may experience restrictions if you bought your console from a different country and used it in the country where you reside.

Here’s more Switch region-related information from the Nintendo Customer Support.

Why Is the Nintendo eShop Unavailable in Your Region?

The Nintendo eShop is unavailable in your region because Nintendo doesn’t offer its services to your location yet. The eShop is only available in Japan, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina.

Users outside the eShop-supported regions may get the error message code “2813-0998”. This message reads, “Nintendo eShop is not currently available in your country. Thank you for your interest in Nintendo eShop”.

Similarly, some games may not be available in certain countries because the game’s region pack might not support your country’s language. Visit the Nintendo Store to check if the game you want to download is available in your country.

Get more information on the availability of eShop features from their Nintendo Support.

How to Fix the “Nintendo eShop Not Available in Your Region” Issue

Important! According to Nintendo Support, your eShop funds will not be transferred to your chosen location if your change the country your Switch is originally set to.

Here are ways to fix Nintendo eShop region-related issues:

Method 1. Change Switch Region

You can change your console’s region to achieve a region-free Nintendo Switch and eShop. This trick allows you to access features, games, and other content unavailable in your country.

Here’s how to change the location on your Switch console:

Step 1. Access your Switch’s “System Settings > System > Region”.
Step 2. Select your preferred region.
Step 3. Click “Next”.
Step 4. Tap “Next” again to restart your Nintendo Switch.

Note: Remember to return to your previous region to play your initially downloaded games.

You can also use VPN services to enjoy another region’s Nintendo Switch card codes and games without traveling.

However, signing in to a VPN directly on your Nintendo console is impossible. Instead, you must use a computer and your Wi-Fi router to set up the VPN.

Here’s how to connect VPN with your Nintendo Switch system through a Windows device:

Method 1: Using Your Computer’s Mobile Hotspot

These are the steps to signing up your Switch with a VPN through a computer’s mobile hotspot:

Step 1. Install and enable your chosen VPN on your computer.

We’re using ExpressVPN for this how-to.
Step 2. Go to your “Settings > Network & Internet”.
Step 3. Enable “Mobile Hotspot”.

Ensure that you create a hotspot. This hotspot should have a name and password. for your Hotspot connection.
Step 3. Go to “Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections”.

You’ll find the mobile hotspot you created and a Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct virtual adapter.
Step 4. Right-click on “ExpressVPN Adapter > Properties > Sharing”.
Step 5. Click on “Allow Other Network Users to Connect Through This Computer’s Internet Connection”.
Step 6. Click “OK”.
Step 7. Open your VPN, go to “Protocol”, & select “OpenVPN – UDP”.

This will establish connection and location settings.
Step 8. Connect your Switch to the created VPN connection.

Method 2. Installing a VPN on Your Wi-Fi Router

Ensure you have purchased a VPN package and installed a VPN app on your device.

Step 1. Type your router’s “IP Address” in your browser.

This helps you access the router’s administrative interface settings. The IP address is usually found on the back of the device.
Step 2. Download the VPN firmware designed for your router model.
Step 3. Locate the “Firmware Upgrade > Manual Firmware Update” option.

The “Firmware Upgrade” option is on the admin page of your router’s IP address.
Step 4. Log in to the router’s interface to access your VPN settings.
Step 5. Navigate to your “VPN Settings”.
Step 6. Enter your VPN “Username” and “Password”.

This establishes a connection between your router and the VPN provider.
Step 7. Customize the VPN server location to your preferred Switch region.

Important: Avoid interrupting the crucial upgrade process, which can take a few minutes.

Switch Games Are Not Region Locked

Now that you know Switch games are not region-locked, finding content to enjoy on your console will be easier. If the downloadable content available for your region is insufficient, you can change your Switch’s region to access content from other countries.

Remember, you cannot access initially downloaded content after changing your Switch region, so return to your console’s original region after playing. You can contact Nintendo support for extra help. They can also help if you’re outside the stated countries and having problems changing your location.