Where is the 16 digit code on Nintendo Switch?

As a passionate Nintendo gamer and content creator, I‘m often asked – where can you find the 16 digit download code needed to redeem games and content for the Nintendo Switch?

The answer is simple: the 16 digit code is printed on the receipt you receive when purchasing a digital code or game card from a retail store.

If you provided your email address at purchase, the retailer may also send you the code via email. So be sure to check there if you can‘t locate the physical receipt.

Now that we‘ve gotten that key question out of the way, let me provide a detailed breakdown of Nintendo Switch codes – from how to redeem them to troubleshooting when they don‘t work. I‘ve been covering the latest Nintendo news and releases for over 5 years, so I‘m happy to share some of my insider knowledge!

A Look at Nintendo‘s Digital Strategy

First, some background. Nintendo has been transitioning to digital in recent years across its platforms. While physical games still dominate overall software sales, digital is growing rapidly.

According to recent reports, nearly 43% of Nintendo Switch games sold in 2021 were digital downloads, compared to 37% in 2020.

This upward trend is likely to continue over the next few years as Nintendo invests more in its digital strategy. That means download codes are only going to become more prominent for Switch gamers.

Breaking Down Nintendo Switch Code Types

Now that we‘ve covered where to find the 16 digit download code, let‘s break down the different types of codes used on the Nintendo Switch:

16 Digit Download Code

• Used to redeem digital game and content purchases
• Printed on receipt or email from retailer
• Redeem in the Nintendo eShop

12 Digit Friend Code

• Enables adding friends on your Switch
• Located in your Switch profile
• Others can search this code to become friends

11 Digit Serial Number

• Unique identifier for each Switch console
• Used for troubleshooting system issues
• Found on the bottom of the console

6 Digit Parental Controls Code

• Links Nintendo mobile app for parental controls
• Displays in mobile app after creating parent account
• Enter on Switch to connect devices

You may also receive a "Control Number" on some Switch code cards purchased through retailers. This is different than the Download Code needed to redeem the content, so be careful not to confuse the two.

Here‘s a handy comparison:

Step-By-Step Guide to Redeeming a 16 Digit Nintendo Switch Code

Armed with the knowledge of what the various Nintendo Switch codes are used for, let‘s walk through how to actually redeem a 16 digit download code.

Here are the steps:

1. Turn on your Nintendo Switch and access the eShop (the icon that looks like a bag). You‘ll need an internet connection for this.

2. Select your Nintendo Account profile in the top right corner of the screen. This should be the account you want to redeem the code on.

3. Choose "Enter Code" on the left side of the screen.

4. Carefully enter the 16 digit download code from your receipt or email. Take care not to enter any hyphens or spaces.

5. Confirm the code and wait for the content to download!

And that‘s it – you‘ve now redeemed a Nintendo Switch eShop content code. Pretty straightforward right?

Of course I run into readers running into issues from time to time, so let‘s get into…

Troubleshooting Tips When Your Download Code Doesn‘t Work

Over years of covering Nintendo and gaming, I‘ve helped many readers troubleshoot problems redeeming Nintendo Switch codes.

Here are my top troubleshooting tips for when your 16 digit download code just won‘t work:

• Double and triple check you‘ve entered the code perfectly. It‘s easy to fat finger a number on the Switch‘s controller buttons. Verify it digit by digit.
• Make sure you‘re entering the Download Code and NOT the Control Number. This mix up is more common than you‘d think!
• Try redeeming the code on the Nintendo website instead of directly on your Switch just to rule out any issues there.
• Confirm the code hasn‘t already been redeemed by the intended Nintendo Account, or another account you may share the Switch with.
• Check with the retailer where you got the code from. There may have been an issue activating it properly on their end.

Here are a few more things to check in table form:

Still having issues? Reach out to Nintendo Support via phone, chat or email. If the code was lost/stolen, unfortunately Nintendo cannot recover or replace it, so you‘ll need to repurchase.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully this detailed guide gives you a much stronger grasp on Nintendo Switch codes – where to find them, what they do, how to redeem them, and troubleshooting when things go wrong!

As both an avid gamer and someone who covers Nintendo and gaming news, I‘m happy to help explain anything that may still be unclear. Don‘t hesitate to reach out! And be sure to follow me on social media @SwitchInsider for even more Nintendo knowledge and updates.

Happy gaming!