How to pay · Switch 2, Switch
Paying at Nintendo eShop from the UK
The only place to buy Nintendo's own games digitally, and the strictest store in this guide. Know its rules before you buy anything expensive.
Accepted payment methods
| Method | Accepted | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Visa and Mastercard | Credit and debit cards branded Visa or Mastercard only, issued in the UK. American Express and Maestro are not accepted. | |
| PayPal | For Nintendo Account holders aged 18 or over. One card and one PayPal account can be saved. | |
| Nintendo eShop cards | Sold by selected retailers; the card's currency must match the account. | |
| Apple Pay and Google Pay | Only on the My Nintendo Store website for physical goods and codes, not inside the eShop. | |
| paysafecard, mobile billing, pay later | Not offered. |
eShop funds
Your eShop balance can hold at most £340, and you can add at most £340 in 24 hours. Nintendo stopped selling Switch Game Vouchers after 30 January 2026; vouchers already bought stay valid for 12 months but cannot be used for Switch 2 games.
Refunds
Nintendo does not refund digital games because you changed your mind, bought the wrong one or did not enjoy it. At checkout you agree to the download starting straight away and acknowledge that this ends your right to cancel. Faulty content is still covered by UK law; see your rights.
Pre-orders
The eShop takes payment from seven days before release. Until then you have a voluntary right to cancel, which ends when the locked version of the game downloads. A failed payment cancels the pre-order.
Parental controls
The Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app can restrict eShop purchases, and PayPal is only available to adult account holders.
Our reviewed games on Nintendo eShop
| Game | Edition | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Switch, digital | £59.99 |
| The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Switch 2 Edition, digital | £66.99 |
| The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom | Upgrade pack for Switch owners | £7.99 |
| Mario Kart World | Digital | £66.99 |
| Donkey Kong Bananza | Digital | £58.99 |
| Donkey Kong Bananza | Game and expansion bundle | £75.98 |
| Hades II | Switch or Switch 2 Edition | £24.99 |
| Hogwarts Legacy | Switch 2, standard | £49.99 |
| Terraria | Switch, plays on Switch 2 | £24.99 |
| Sid Meier's Civilization VII | Switch | £49.99 |
| Sid Meier's Civilization VII | Switch 2 Edition | £59.99 |
| It Takes Two | Switch | £34.99 |