Nintendo has released system update 23.5.0 for the Nintendo Switch 2 and original Nintendo Switch. The main addition is support for the new Gift feature, which allows users to send Nintendo eShop products (games, DLC and upgrade packs) directly to members of the same Nintendo Account family group.
What happened?
The update is already available and adds the necessary support. The feature itself will be activated after an eShop update scheduled for November 17, 2026. From that date, users on system version 23.5.0 or higher will be able to use it.
According to Nintendo, Gift works exclusively within the family group (up to 8 members). Supervised (child) accounts cannot send gifts. There is also a limit on the number of gifts per period, although the company has not disclosed the exact number. Some products may be excluded.
Why does this matter?
The feature arrives at a strategic moment, close to Christmas and many players’ birthdays. Parents and family members can gift digital games simply, without download codes or account sharing. The gift appears directly on the recipient’s HOME Menu, ready to be accepted and played.
This strengthens Nintendo’s family ecosystem, which already includes family groups, parental controls and subscription sharing. It is a natural evolution for the digital era, especially as the Switch 2 gains market traction.
What changes in practice?
To send a gift:
- Go to the product page on the eShop;
- Select the “Give as a Gift” option;
- Choose the family group member and the linked console;
- Pick the digital gift wrap color;
- Complete the purchase as normal.
The recipient sees the item on their HOME Menu and can accept it immediately. No codes or payment details are required on the receiving end.
The update also brings accessibility improvements, such as adding European Portuguese to text-to-speech, plus general stability fixes.
Anyone who has already updated their console just needs to wait until the 17th. It is good news for those planning to gift digital games this holiday season.
By Grok
