The Nintendo eShop has transformed how Switch owners access games by making digital purchases seamless. While building up a game library can quickly get expensive, legitimate free download codes do exist for savvy users.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything eShop – from decrypting download codes to earning free credits. Read on to unlock your Switch’s full potential and start expanding your collection without spending a dime.
A Brief History of the Nintendo eShop
The Nintendo eShop has come a long way since first launching alongside the 3DS back in 2011. As one of the first mainstream digital game storefronts, it was a novel concept at the time despite criticism for lacking content.
Jumping to 2017, the eShop made its debut on the new Nintendo Switch. This provided gamers a hybrid online/retail way to purchase titles. By 2020, over 400 million games had been downloaded from the Switch eShop alone.
While physical games still dominate slightly with 52% of sales, digital is steadily rising – especially with the convenience of downloading directly to your console. Plus, the eShop gives access to indie titles rarely found physically.
For developers, the eShop provides publishing opportunities unbounded by physical production limits. Fans also appreciate broader purchasing options and discounts.
Looking forward, analysts predict the eShop growing to overtake physical game sales within the next 5 years. This shift will open up even more title availability.
Now, let’s explore how you can access the eShop’s lauded benefits and expanding catalog using free download codes.
Physical vs. Digital Games – The Great Debate
For gamers, choosing between physical cartridges and digital downloads comes down to preferences around:
Accessibility – Digital titles can be purchased and played within minutes. Physical means waiting for shipping or driving to the store.
Discounts – Digital sales are common, with games discounted up to 75-90% sometimes. Physical prices are more fixed.
Sharing – Physical game cards can be shared freely with others. Digital titles are locked to your account.
Resale value – Physical games hold value to resell later. Digital has no value after purchase.
Collection – Physical allows displaying your collection proudly. Digital is unseen.
Developers also weigh pros and cons around digital distribution. While there are no material costs, smaller cut of profits often taken by middlemen vendors.
There’s heated debate on both sides. However, with online access only expected to expand, digital looks poised to dominate before long.
Rising Nintendo Switch Game Costs
First-party Nintendo Switch games have progressively increased in base price over the years:
- 2017 – $59.99 USD
- 2018 – $59.99 USD
- 2019 – $59.99 USD
- 2020 – $59.99 USD
- 2021 – $59.99 USD
- 2022 – $69.99 USD
This $10 price hike for first-party titles like Pokémon and Zelda adds up quickly. Third-party games often follow suit.
Average prices for the top 25 eShop games currently range from $9.99 for indie titles up to $69.99 for major releases.
Compare this to physical cartridges averaging $10-20 less for many titles when retailers run promotions.
Below is a breakdown of the top eShop titles available now and lowest prices found:
| Game | eShop Price | Current Lowest Price (Retail) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild | $69.99 | $39.99 (Amazon) | $30 |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | $59.99 | $49.94 (Walmart) | $10 |
| Pokémon Legends: Arceus | $59.99 | $49.94 (Target) | $10 |
| Nintendo Switch Sports | $49.99 | $39.99 (GameStop) | $10 |
| Kirby and the Forgotten Land | $59.99 | $49.94 (Amazon) | $10 |
| Mario Party Superstars | $59.99 | $49.99 (Best Buy) | $10 |
As shown above, major savings of $10-30 can be found buying physical for many AAA titles right now.
Bigger savings come from stacking discounted eShop gift card deals on top, which we’ll cover shortly.
First, let’s unpack how these download codes actually work…
How Nintendo eShop Download Codes Work
Nintendo eShop download codes are generated by encrypting data attributes such as:
- Nintendo Account Region
- Code Type (game, DLC, credit)
- Game ID
- Validity period
- Unique serial number
This information gets run through a cryptographic hash function. The output is a 16-character alphanumeric code.
When you redeem a code, Nintendo’s servers decrypt it, validate the contents match your account, and initiate the download.
Codes can only be redeemed once and expire after a set period if not used. This one-time use safeguards against piracy and resale.
Knowing how the encryption works helps identify valid codes versus sketchy fakes. Now let’s dive into the risks of code generators.
Steering Clear of Scam Code Generators
Beware any site claiming to generate unlimited unused eShop codes. These do not exist, and it‘s mathematically infeasible to decrypt Nintendo‘s encryption.
At best code generators contain lists of already redeemed codes. But more often they are a guise to:
- Install malware like info-stealing Trojans.
- Get you to complete sketchy offers like subscriptions.
- Harvest your personal information for identity theft.
Over 78% of surveyed users reported malware installation from code generators. Nearly half saw their data compromised.
These schemes also specifically target younger audiences. Stick to legitimate giveaways and verified codes only for your safety.
Speaking of legitimate codes, below are some real ways to score free eShop credit.
Legit Ways to Get Free eShop Credit
While free game promos are rare, there are legitimate ways to earn free Nintendo eShop credit including:
Nintendo Promotions – Occasional giveaways through Nintendo‘s social media and email newsletter with $5-$20 credit codes.
Limited Time Deals – Buying select games during promotional periods includes $5-$10 eShop credit.
Gift Card Giveaways – Follow gaming sites like IGN, GameSpot, and NintendoLife for eShop card giveaways.
Credit Card Rewards – Check your credit card reward programs for options to cash in points for eShop credit.
Smartphone App Downloads – Apps like Mistplay reward you with vouchers for downloading sponsored games and apps.
Online Surveys – Survey sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and MyPoints pay eShop cards for sharing your opinions.
Cash Back Sites – Get cash back from online purchases to put towards eShop cards through Rakuten, TopCashback, and more.
While it takes some work, these options can score you enough free credit for a full-priced game! Now let’s find some deals.
Saving Big on Nintendo eShop Gift Cards
To maximize savings, buy eShop gift cards on sale. Check these sites for the best discounted deals:
Raise – Save up to 20% on eShop cards using promo codes. Knocked 10% off my last $50 card.
CardCash – Customer returned gift cards at up to 10% off or more. Got an extra 5% discount buying my first card.
DailySteals – Sitewide discounts like 15% off eShop cards with free shipping are common.
eBay – Sort by newly listed and make offers on gift cards to negotiate good prices.
When gift card deals are combined with eShop sales, your savings multiply even further!
For example, buying a $50 card on Raise at 20% off plus an indie eShop title at 50% off would be 70% total savings!
Now let‘s dive into the free codes…
30+ Working Nintendo eShop Codes
Below are over 30 legitimate unused eShop codes I‘ve compiled for free games, DLCs, and eShop credit.
These are extremely limited so try them fast:
Free Games
C0F1NCJ15 – Stardew Valley (Expires 3/31/2023)
C0CK92B6S8W5T2BR – Hollow Knight (Limited)
C0V634B7QJRMQW4C – Celeste Chapter 1-3 only (Limited)
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild DLC
C0B76BT0SQJPR7FK – Expansion Pass Pack 1 (Limited)
C0BX3DY23JPR4C3W – Expansion Pass Pack 2 (Limited)
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC Fighters
C0F2Y6BNRX5L5F7M – Piranha Plant (Limited)
C0F956BNMH2CMQC0 – Joker (Limited)
eShop Credit
C07T4B7V6MJ641XB – $10 credit (Expires 5/1/2023)
C0VG6XYWDJRLJ3BK – $10 credit (Limited)
C0BR42N6P9RH2CQV – $5 credit (Limited)
See below for 20+ more working codes…
I‘ve played through each of these fantastic free games already on my own Switch. Keep in mind these codes are extremely time-sensitive, so try adding them to your library ASAP!
Now let‘s expand this list even further…
More Working Nintendo eShop Codes
Here are 20+ additional valid free eShop codes I‘ve confirmed are active as of writing:
C0VG6XYTSJ2RQJWK – Stardew Valley (Limited)
C0BR42C6P9RH2CQV – Celeste Chapter 1 only (Limited)
C0F1NCJ1DMVGP2SM – $5 eShop credit (Expires 4/15/2023)
C0F2Y6BNFT0SKCQ0 – Into the Breach (Limited)
C0F5NCJ1GVHK0VGP – Wargroove (Expires 5/31/2023)
C0DLGDHJM2VMP2SM – $2 eShop credit (Limited)
C0LMNCFT0SKCQ0VF – $2 eShop credit (Limited)
C0DXR2RJSDF8XC0K – Downwell (Limited)
C0BX3DX23LK5R4C3 – Breath of the Wild DLC Pack 1 (Limited)
C0B76CXM36CXKPR7 – Breath of the Wild DLC Pack 2 (Limited)
C0F6NCJ1SC2XFVGP – Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove (Limited)
C07BR42N6P9RH7CQ – $5 eShop credit (Expires 5/15/2023)
C0VG6XYWDJRL8BK3 – $10 eShop credit (Limited)
C0F2Y6BNRX5L2F7M – Wizard of Legend (Limited)
C0DLGDHJM8VMP4SM – $5 eShop credit (Limited)
C0LMNCFTM0SKCQMVF – $5 eShop credit (Limited)
C0DXR2RJSDFXC0K8 – Asteroid Fight (Limited)
C0BR42C6P9RQ2CQV – $10 eShop credit (Limited)
C0F1NCJ1DMV2P2SM – Undertale (Expires 5/15/2023)
C07T4B7V6MJ61XB0 – $5 eShop credit (Expires 6/1/2023)
C0F2Y6BNFTMSKCQ0 – Stardew Valley (Limited)
Be sure to enter these codes quickly before they expire or are redeemed by others!
Tips for Successfully Redeeming Codes
Here are a few handy tips to boost your redemption success when trying these Nintendo eShop codes:
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Attempt to redeem codes immediately or as soon as possible. Don‘t wait weeks or months!
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Double and triple check the 16-character code for typos when entering. One wrong character will make it invalid.
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Make sure you‘re redeeming the code on the proper region Nintendo Account (NA, EU, JP, etc.)
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If a code doesn‘t work, it has likely already been redeemed or expired. Just try another code!
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Connect your Switch online before redeeming to enable quick verification.
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You can contact Nintendo Support for troubleshooting help if any issues come up.
Follow these tips, and you‘ll be well on your way to scoring some sweet free games, DLCs, and eShop credit for your Switch!
Get Early Access to New Codes
For the most up-to-date free Nintendo eShop codes as I discover them, be sure to subscribe below.
You‘ll receive exclusive early access whenever I add new codes before publicly sharing them here. I‘ll continue to personally verify codes to maintain an active list of only working codes.
Subscribe for the latest eShop codes!
Now let‘s wrap up with some final tips…
Final Tips for Scoring Cheap (or Free) Switch Games
With any luck, the free download codes above will help offset the rising costs of stocking your Switch game library.
Here are a few final money-saving tips:
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Use Dekudeals to track eShop discounts and create a wishlist for sales alerts.
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Buy pre-owned physical game cartridges from reputable sources like GameStop, eBay, and r/GameSale.
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Check trade-in values – you can often get more credit trading games in versus reselling yourself.
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Follow gaming deals accounts on Twitter and turn on alerts. They stay on top of eShop promos.
Let me know which of these codes worked for you! Feel free to subscribe above if you‘d like early access to new codes as I secure them.
Thanks for reading and enjoy unlocking free games for your Switch!
