Can You Return an Opened Nintendo Switch Game at Walmart? No — But Exchanges are Allowed
The short answer is no, Walmart does not allow returns of opened Nintendo Switch games. However, there are options for even exchanges if you meet certain requirements.
According to Walmart‘s official return policy, any opened video games, whether for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox or other consoles, are not eligible for refunds. This policy is driven by software copyright laws aiming to prevent unlawful copying and distribution.
You can only do an even exchange for the exact same Nintendo Switch game title that you originally purchased. For example, exchanging an opened copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for an unopened Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch.
Walmart‘s Policies For Opened Video Game Exchanges
Walmart sets strict rules around doing even exchanges for opened Nintendo Switch games in their stores:
- Must have complete original packaging including game card/disc, case, cover art, manuals, DLC codes, etc.
- Exchanged for identical game title and matched console (i.e. Switch, not Xbox)
- Subject to inspection and approval by store management
- Driven by software copyright laws around unlawful copying
They explicitly state exchanges are allowed for opened video games, where refund eligibility ends once sealing stickers are removed. This policy applies across all gaming platforms — Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
How Walmart Compares to Other Retailers on Open Video Game Returns
Here is how major nationwide retailers address opened video game returns and exchanges:
| Retailer | Refunds Allowed? | Exchanges Allowed? |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | No | Yes, even exchange only |
| Target | No | Yes, even exchange only |
| Best Buy | No | Yes, even exchange only |
| GameStop | No | No, opened games are final sale |
As we can see, major chains follow similar standards around blocking refund eligibility for opened games to comply with first sale doctrine laws around software copying — allowing only even exchanges if original packaging is fully intact.
Why Can‘t Opened Games Be Refunded? Piracy and Resale Concerns
The video game industry pushes these restrictive policies around open software returns to combat:
- Piracy – unlawful copying and distribution of game data
- Used game sales – publishers lose revenue from resold second-hand copies
For example, most Switch game cards have a one-time use unlock code for any included downloadable content (DLC). If returned after use, the code has no value.
These concerns drive large developers like Nintendo to enact controls around open returns through channel partners like Walmart. Much to the frustration of some gamers, these strict policies are here to stay.
What to Do If You Can‘t Exchange an Opened Nintendo Switch Game
If you aren‘t able to exchange your opened Switch game purchase at Walmart for any reason:
- Try returning to the original retailer if bought somewhere other than Walmart
- Sell or trade the used copy at specialty stores like GameStop
- Swap with friends or gaming communities through local listings
- Resell on Facebook Marketplace and similar online platforms
- Hold for future resale value once the title is discontinued
You can also exchange opened Nintendo Switch games from Walmart that are found defective or damaged within the standard 90 day window for returns on electronics. Just be ready to show the game card, console loading issues, etc.
The reality is major retailers like Walmart will likely never budge on the no refunds stance for opened Nintendo Switch games. As a Switch owner myself, I‘ve learned to live with only having exchange options once I tear open that shrink wrap!
