Overview
You've just unboxed your Nintendo Switch, excited to download your first game, and you're greeted with: "Nintendo eShop is not currently available in your country/region." Or worse, the cryptic error codes 2813-0998 or 2813-0999.
Here's the good news: the Nintendo Switch is a completely region-free console — the most flexible gaming platform ever made, and getting around these restrictions is surprisingly straightforward. Unlike PlayStation's permanent region locks or Xbox's 90-day waiting periods, Nintendo lets you change regions whenever you want — no VPN required.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to buy games from different regions and navigate Nintendo eShop restrictions in 2026, including the recent expansions to Southeast Asia and exactly how to access games from any region.
Your reaction when you realize Nintendo doesn't care about your IP address — via GIPHY
Key Takeaways
- Nintendo Switch is the MOST region-friendly console — you can change regions anytime
- Error codes 2813-0998 and 2813-0999 mean your account country is unsupported — just change it
- Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) ARE supported — unlike Xbox and PlayStation
- DLC must match your game's region — this is the most important rule to remember
- Gift cards are the only reliable payment method for foreign regions
- Physical game cartridges are completely region-free worldwide
Good News First
Why Nintendo eShop Shows "Not Available in Your Region"
Nintendo eShop doesn't operate globally. As of late 2025, it's available in approximately 50 countries, leaving large parts of the world without official access. If you're in an unsupported country, you'll see error messages when trying to access the store.
Error Codes 2813-0998 and 2813-0999 Explained
Both error codes mean the same thing: your Nintendo Account's country setting is set to a region where eShop isn't available.
2813-0998 eShop service unavailable for your account's country 2813-0999 Same issue, different system message The Fix
Nintendo eShop Supported Countries List (2026)
Nintendo eShop operates in approximately 48 countries across three main regions. Click a tab to explore each region.
Good News for Baltic States
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are fully supported with local eShop access. This is a major advantage over Xbox Game Pass (PC-only) and PlayStation Network (no support at all).
Europe
31 countries supported
Notable Unsupported Regions
Not on the list?
How Nintendo's Region System Actually Works
The Nintendo Switch is Region-Free (But the eShop Isn't)
This distinction confuses many people. Let's clarify:
Physical Games
Completely region-free. Buy a game from Japan, USA, or anywhere else — it plays on any Switch or Switch 2 worldwide (except China's Tencent version).
Digital Purchases
Tied to your account's region. You can only access the eShop that matches your account's country setting.
The Hardware
Identical worldwide. Same processor, same screen, same everything. Only the power adapter differs.
This makes the Switch uniquely flexible compared to other consoles. You're not locked into anything permanently.
Critical: DLC Region Compatibility
Here's a detail many guides skip: DLC must match your game's region.
If you buy a US version of a game (physical or digital), you need to buy DLC from the US eShop. European DLC won't work with a US game, and vice versa.
Most first-party Nintendo games use a universal SKU — the same title ID across all regions. For these, DLC from any region works. But third-party games often have different regional versions, and mixing regions will cause problems.
How to check: Press the + button on a game, go to Software Information → Support Information. It shows the supported regions for that specific copy.
Bottom Line
How to Access Nintendo eShop from Any Country
You have two approaches. Pick the one that fits your needs:
Step-by-Step Guide
Create a new email (or use Gmail's + trick)
Example: yourname+japan@gmail.com
Advantages
- Maintain balances in multiple regions
- Quick switching between stores
- Keep regional exclusives organized
Disadvantages
- Purchases spread across accounts
- Gold Points don't combine
How to Pay for Games in Different Regions
Why Your Credit Card Won't Work
Nintendo verifies that your payment method matches your account's region. A UK credit card won't work on the US eShop, and a US card won't work on the Japanese eShop.
Some regional combinations work (PayPal sometimes bridges regions), but it's inconsistent and unreliable.
Where to Buy eShop Gift Cards for Any Region
The reliable solution: region-specific eShop gift cards.
Best for Japanese cards
Wide selection, competitive prices
Official US cards
Official Japanese cards
European marketplace, large inventory
Southeast Asia specialist
Formerly CDKeys
Marketplace - verify sellers
Direct from PayPal
What to look for:
- Digital delivery (instant email codes, not physical cards)
- Cards denominated in the correct currency (USD for US, JPY for Japan, EUR for Europe)
- Reputable sellers with good reviews
You, loading up your eShop balance — via GIPHY
Currency Note
Can You Get Banned for Changing Region on Switch?
Short Answer
Unlike Steam (which has banned accounts for region exploitation) or PlayStation (which can flag accounts for suspicious activity), Nintendo takes a hands-off approach. Millions of Switch owners use multiple regional accounts without issues.
What Could Theoretically Cause Problems
- Aggressive exploitation of regional pricing differences (bulk buying to resell)
- Fraudulent payment methods
- Modding or piracy (unrelated to region switching)
What's Completely Fine
- Creating accounts in different regions
- Changing your account's region
- Buying games from regions with better prices occasionally
- Using gift cards from other regions
Nintendo's Official Stance
Nintendo vs Xbox vs PlayStation: Region Flexibility
Nintendo
Xbox
PlayStation
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Nintendo | Xbox | PlayStation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change account region | Anytime | Every 3 months | Never |
| Physical games region-free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Balance transfers | No | No | N/A |
| VPN needed | No | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Multiple accounts | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| Ban risk | Very low | Low-Medium | Medium-High |
| Baltic states supported | Yes | PC only | No |
Bottom Line
What About VPNs?
Unlike Xbox or PlayStation, you don't need a VPN for Nintendo eShop. The eShop checks your Nintendo Account's country setting, not your IP address.
Setting up a VPN on your router to route Switch traffic through another country is possible but unnecessary. Just change your account region instead.
The only scenario where a VPN might matter is if Nintendo starts checking IP addresses in the future (they currently don't). For normal eShop purchases, skip the VPN complexity.
If you're dealing with VPN requirements for other platforms, check our Gaming VPN Tricks Guide .
Quick Recap: Getting Started
Check if your country is supported
Baltic states, most of EU, and now Singapore/Malaysia/Thailand are covered
If unsupported, change your account region
Or create a new account for a supported country
Buy region-appropriate gift cards
Your local credit card won't work
Match DLC regions to game regions
To avoid compatibility issues
Don't stress about bans
Nintendo doesn't enforce region restrictions
You, ready to explore every region's eShop — via GIPHY
The Bottom Line
The Nintendo Switch remains the most accessible console for players in unsupported regions. No permanent locks, no waiting periods, no complex workarounds — just straightforward account settings and gift cards.
Now go download some games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still Have Questions?
The Nintendo community is generally helpful with region questions. Check r/NintendoSwitch for the latest discussions and experiences from users in your region.
Related Platform Guides
Dealing with regional restrictions on other platforms? Check out our other guides:
Xbox Game Pass Not Available? Complete Workaround Guide
Access Game Pass from unsupported countries with gift cards and region switching.
PSN Not Available in Your Country? Here's What Works
Complete guide to PSN access for Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Balkans and more.
PC Gaming Stores Region Lock Guide
Steam, Epic, GOG, and other PC storefronts — what works and what doesn't.
Gaming VPN Tricks: Regional Pricing & Early Access Guide
VPN strategies for regional pricing, early access, and bypassing geo-blocks.