Get Your Money Back From Nintendo The Stress-Free Way
The Nintendo Switch launched in 2017 and took the gaming world by storm. The TV-portable hybrid has sold over 132 million copies and features popular games such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Though from time to time, problems can arise when it comes to Switch hardware and software, and you want to be sure if there’s a way to get your money back if you need to. Not to worry! Let the folks at aRefund.com show you everything there is to know about Switch refunds.
Nintendo’s Refund Policies
Nintendo goods can be purchased online at My Nintendo Store. If you’re unhappy with a product you’ve bought from this retailer, you have 30 days to return it to get a full refund.
If you’ve bought a Nintendo Switch, game, or controller from a store like Walmart or GameStop, refer to those store’s policies for information on returns.
When it comes to Nintendo eShop content, such as downloadable games and add-ons, this content cannot be returned unless laws state otherwise. This is disappointing news for many gamers, as Sony and Microsoft are two console manufacturers that do accept digital refunds on a constant basis.
What Items Can I Return To Nintendo?
Nintendo makes and sells hardware, software, apparel and other merchandise, including the Nintendo Switch. For a better understanding of what you can easily return, refer to this handy chart.
| Item | Condition | What Can I Do With It? |
| Nintendo Switch Hardware, Physical Software, Controllers, or Accessories | New | Return it |
| Used | Sell it | |
| Nintendo Merchandise | New | Return it |
| Used | Sell it | |
| Nintendo eShop Gift Cards | Physical | Return it or sell it |
| Digital | Non-returnable | |
| Nintendo eShop Content | Any | Non-returnable |
Why Doesn’t Nintendo Accept Returns For eShop Games?
Nintendo doesn’t state any reason for refusing to accept returns on eShop content. One theory is that Nintendo doesn’t want to sour relationships with third-party and independent game studios by returning sales money to customers. The dependence on third-party studios to make games for the console was an integral thing to Nintendo early on in the Switch’s life cycle, as such support dwindled with Nintendo’s previous home console, the Wii-U.
How To Return An Item To Nintendo
If you’re looking to return an item you purchased from the My Nintendo Store, there’s a process you must consider before you send your product back. Follow these steps as outlined by Nintendo’s website.
- Write a note explaining whether you are returning or exchanging the item and why.
- Include your name, address, daytime phone number, email address, and order number with your note.
- Package the item in its new, unopened condition in a box and include the note inside of it.
- Send the package to: Nintendo of America Inc. Attn: CS Returns 5001 150th Ave NE Redmond, WA 98052
Unlike repair requests, you aren’t required to contact Nintendo’s customer service beforehand. Refunds will be sent to the buyer’s original payment method.
Canadian residents can return their items to:
Nintendo of Canada Ltd. Attn: CS Returns Unit 120 2935 Hebb Avenue Vancouver, BC V5M 4Y2
Should I Send My Unwanted Nintendo Games To A Trade-In Program?
You can send your unwanted games to stores that have trade-in programs such as Best Buy or GameStop. These programs give you money or store credit for games, or even your Switch if you no longer want it. The appeal of these programs is that you can spend less money towards the price of a new console or game.
The problem with these trade-in programs is that the money the store asks for varies depending on the game, and in most cases you won’t get a lot of money. For example, Batman: Arkham Trilogy released on the Switch on December 1, 2023 for $59.99. As of January 17, 2024, Gamestop would be willing to give you just $20 in store credit or $14 in cash for it — not even two months after the game came out.
If you’re looking to get more money, you can always sell your unwanted Switch games on eBay where consumers are willing to pay more.
aRefund.com’s 4-Step Refund Process
It may seem hopeless that you can’t get your money back on eShop games and other non-returnable products, but aRefund.com can help! We can get a hold of your bank to determine if you’re entitled to a refund on a recent purchase.
Here’s what you need to do to ask for a refund:
- Register your aRefund.com account on our website or mobile app.
- Explain to our AI wizard what happened and why you feel you deserve a chargeback.
- Review the draft letter the AI wizard compiles, including the chargeback code for your bank to consider.
- Wait for the bank to receive your letter and review your case.
If your bank approves, you’re sure to get your money back in your account. When Nintendo fumbles on their policies, aRefund.com makes sure your hopes of getting a refund get an extra life!
Can Nintendo Repair My System Or Controllers?
Nintendo is known for setting up repairs on Switch systems and controllers. If something is wrong with your system or a controller, you can send it in and Nintendo can fix any problems it has.
Nintendo products are covered by a one-year company warranty. If your product experiences a problem within this warranty period, Nintendo will repair it free of charge. Otherwise, the company will charge you for the repair. This warranty is the result of a class-action lawsuit filed against Nintendo where a large percentage of Joy-Con controllers were experiencing “drift”, where the joystick movement was registering even as the stick itself remained in a neutral position. Nintendo accepted Joy-Con repairs for free for a limited time in light of the lawsuit.
Local tech stores and repairmen may also be able to fix defective Nintendo tech. Consider this option if you’re looking to save on costs as well as potential time away from your product.
Do Other Companies Make Nintendo Switch Controllers?
There are third-party Nintendo Switch controllers that you can buy on the market, whether you’re looking for new Joy-Con controllers or a one-piece “Pro” controller. Consumers will purchase third-party controllers to save on spending in addition to hoping to avoid “drift” problems.
Some companies that manufacture Nintendo Switch controllers include:
- 8BitDo
- PowerA
- AceGamer
- PXN
- Horipad
- Gulikit
Switch also accepts Bluetooth controllers, but you’ll need a bluetooth adapter in order to pair any old Bluetooth controller to it, such as a Google Stadia controller.
How Do I Contact Nintendo’s Customer Service?
Nintendo Support is open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM PST every day of the week excluding holidays. You can contact Nintendo Support in one of several different methods. They are as follows:
- Phone Number: 1 (800) 255-3700
- Text Messaging: (425) 970-9648
Nintendo currently doesn’t provide a customer support email address.
aRefund.com Makes Impossible Refunds Possible
Have aRefund.com contact your bank so you can get refunds without the consent of Nintendo and other corporations. Whether you want to return digital goods, merchandise, or gift cards, nothing is impossible when we can help you build a strong case to give you back your money.
Register today and be prepared to submit refund requests anywhere where you experience corporate setbacks!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Get A Switch Refund On Broken Joy-Con Controllers?
If you’ve bought an official Switch Joy Con controller new within the past year, you have an active warranty that allows Nintendo to repair or replace the controller for free. If you’ve owned the controller for over a year, you won’t be entitled to a refund. It will cost money to repair the controller and even more to buy a new one.
Can I Get A Switch Refund For An Accidental eShop Purchase?
According to Nintendo, any digital purchase is non-refundable, even if the content was purchased by accident.
How Do I Check A Nintendo Switch Gift Card Balance?
When you redeem a Nintendo gift card to the Nintendo eShop, all the funds will be transferred over to a balance. You can check this balance by visiting the eShop on your Nintendo Switch system, tapping on your avatar, and reading “Available Funds” on the right side of the screen.
What Consoles Are Eligible For A Nintendo Repair?
According to Nintendo, the company is welcome to repair Nintendo brand consoles as old as the Wii and Wii mini. Visit this page for a complete list of eligible consoles and devices.
What Is The Best Way To Get Cash For Switch Games?
The best way to get money for unwanted Nintendo switch games is by selling them second-hand. Listing them on eBay or another online marketplace is a great way to earn a decent amount of money for each Switch game you sell. While buyers prefer to pay affordable prices for used games, these prices can still be near the initial purchase price you’ve paid when you purchased the game new.
