Nintendo has rolled out a firmware update for both Switch and Switch 2 consoles, bringing the system software to version 23.5.0. This update introduces support for a new digital gifting feature on the Nintendo eShop, which will allow members of a Nintendo Account family group to send eligible games, downloadable content, and upgrade packs to each other. The feature is set to go live on 17 November 2026.
A post on Nintendo’s official blog details that the gifting function is restricted to family group members, with a maximum of eight accounts per group. It also notes that supervised accounts will be unable to send digital gifts, and certain products will not be eligible for gifting. Additionally, Nintendo has implemented limits on the number of digital gift purchases that can be made within a given timeframe.
Details of the eShop gifting feature and its limitations
The gifting feature marks a return of sorts, as Nintendo previously supported a similar option on the Wii through the Wii Shop Channel, which allowed users to gift WiiWare and Virtual Console titles to friends. However, that service was discontinued in 2019 along with the closure of the Wii Shop Channel, and the new system is more constrained, restricting gifting to family groups rather than the wider friend list.
The update adds accessibility improvements as well, including the ability to configure accessibility settings during the first-time setup process on Switch 2. The system’s accessibility options have also been expanded to include Portuguese (Portugal) for text-to-speech and GameChat voice conversion features.
Other improvements and update rollout
Besides the gifting support and accessibility enhancements, Nintendo states the update includes various general adjustments and fixes intended to improve the overall user experience on Switch and Switch 2 consoles. Following the system update, the digital gifting feature will become available after a scheduled Nintendo eShop update on 17 November.
This update is particularly relevant to Nintendo players heading towards the holiday season, enabling gift exchanges of games and DLC within family groups. No changes to the availability or functionality on Xbox or PlayStation platforms have been reported in relation to this update.
