Having trouble extracting the balance from a Nintendo eShop card? Did you lose it or had it stolen from you, or perhaps it refused to work when you bought something in the Nintendo eShop? All of these are common problems, made worse by the fact the card is bound to a user account, forcing you to recover Nintendo account first. Another problem is that the balance is non-transferable, and the card cannot be reloaded anymore. Also, some people use sharp objects to scratch the silver foil off, making one or more characters unreadable. Luckily, we can still show you how to recover a Nintendo eShop card.
1. Recover a physical Nintendo eShop card
Nintendo does not replace the balance on a Nintendo eShop card, whether you misplace or lose it, or have it stolen. But, even though this is their official stance, they still recommend getting reaching out. At the very least, their representatives will lock the eShop card, so that no one can benefit from your misery. There’s also a chance to get the balance in full if the perpetrator hasn’t scanned the QR code after entering the 16-character code. This, combined with proof of purchase, might result in Nintendo eShop card recovery. But first, make sure you even need to go through with it.
Things to keep in mind
Here are 6 notable things about physical Nintendo eShop cards:
1. Code printed elsewhere
With some retailers, the 16-character code might be printed on the receipt you got when you bought the Nintendo eShop card, and not the card itself.
2. Wrong code
You might’ve entered the Control Number (typically begins with S) on the prepaid card. Make sure you enter the Download Code (usually stars with B).
3. Wrong country/region
Nintendo eShop cards purchased in one country or region can only be redeemed on Nintendo accounts or consoles configured for that region or country.
4. Displayed error code
Error Code: 2811-6058 is no reason for concern. Wait a few minutes, then try to redeem the card again. Nintendo recommends waiting 24 hours before contacting them.
5. Exceeding the balance
The maximum balance on a Nintendo eShop card is $200. Trying to go over it results in an error and potential issues with redeeming.
6. Game codes
Nintendo eShop card code does not expire, nor do Nintendo download codes issued by retailers. However, if the code is for a limited-time game or DLC, it usually has an expiration date and cannot be restored.
Contacting Nintendo Customer Support
If you acknowledge the things mentioned above it didn’t get your issue resolved, proceed. Keep in mind, you should use the Nintendo website specific to your country/region. We’ll show you how to contact Nintendo Customer Service in the US:
- Visit Nintendo’s Contact Us page.
- Under Help Ticket, click on Select a topic.
- Select the Prepaid card is scratched or not working option.
- Fill in the required information. On top of describing the issue, it’s strongly recommended that you attach screenshots with proof of purchase or the eShop prepaid card itself.
- Click on Submit Help Ticket and wait for a response.
Recover eShop Card by Visiting Physical Store
If you purchased the eShop card through a physical store or via a retailer; this method is beneficial for you. By showing the receipt or proof of purchase, you might get a new or a replacement of your eShop card from the retailer.
The retailer also has some additional methods to locate your purchase like the retailer’s account history and the loyalty program membership.
This method would vary according to the physical store’s policies. Keep in mind that this method would be the last resort as the other recovery methods fail.
2. Recover digital Nintendo eShop card
We’ll list 4 common ways to find or recover the digital Nintendo eShop card first. The final method is a last-resort solution.
1. Nintendo Online Store
Nintendo eShop card purchased digitally through the Nintendo Online Store is sent as a clickable URL to the e-mail address registered with your Nintendo account.
2. E-mail address
Most, if not all methods of acquiring the digital card for the Nintendo eShop typically include sending the code or a link to the code to your e-mail address. A notable example includes PayPal, Dollar General, Safeway, and Meijer. Make sure to check your Spam/Junk folders as well.
3. Amazon
If you bought the digital code directly from Nintendo on Amazon, it is located in the My Account > Digital content and devices > Digital games and software, and listed as “Redemption Code“. Keep in mind that the option doesn’t exist in the Amazon app. Also, it is missing from the Amazon page in mobile browsers and only shows up on the desktop browser page.
4. GameStop, Best Buy, Target, Walmart
The brands above are also official retailers Nintendo gift card retailers next to Amazon. As such, the steps are similar and include going to My Account to restore the digital Nintendo eShop cards code.
5. Contact Nintendo
The steps for contacting Nintendo about a digital Nintendo eShop card are identical to the physical one. The only difference is that as step 3, you should select the Download Code Insert is scratched or not working option.
