Switch and Switch 2 eShop Game Gifting Arrives in November 2026

Nintendo released Switch and Switch 2 firmware updates that pave the way for eShop game gifting to other players. However, it isn’t available yet. That feature launches on November 17, 2026. It will also be limited. It’s added alongside a few other features on the Switch 2. Both systems are now at 23.5.0. 

The patch notes for both systems went over how the feature will work, but didn’t offer exact step-by-steps for the process. It did note there is a limitation. We will only be able to engage in Switch and Switch 2 eShop game gifting to folks who are in our Nintendo Account Family Group. This is a group that can consist of up to eight people headed up by one person who is a designated “admin.” (Family Groups can also lend virtual game cards for up to two weeks at a time or share a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership.)

The other new features only appear on the Switch 2. If you get a new system, you can chose accessibility settings while getting it set up for the first time. The Portuguese (Portugal) text to speech language is now supported in the System Settings Accessibility section now too.

The 23.5.0 firmware updates are now live for the Switch and Switch 2 ahead of eShop game gifting debuting on November 17, 2026.

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