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Is the Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 Region Locked?

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Is the Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 Region Locked?

2025-12-25
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is the nintendo switch region locked

Nintendo Switch offers gamers a diverse range of games, such as Pokemon game series, Minecraft, Zelda, Super Mario, and so on. However, many players have one concern - is the Nintendo Switch region locked? In today’s blog, I will explain this question and show you how to get region locked games on Nintendo. Let’s get started.

Chart of Nintendo Product Region Lock Status

Nintendo Product Region Lock Status Type Remarks
FC (Famicom) Region-locked Console Different cartridge design and lockout mechanism compared to NES
SFC (Super Famicom) Region-locked Console Japanese and American versions can be used with unofficial adapters or by removing the cartridge shell; European version has a different CIC chip
Nintendo 64 Region-locked Console Japanese and American versions can be used by removing or replacing internal plastic tabs; European version has a different CIC chip
GameCube Region-locked Console Region-locked discs; can be bypassed using third-party tools such as Freeloader
Wii Region-locked Console /
Wii U Region-locked Console /
Switch No region-locking Console Chinese versions have region-locked cartridges
GB/GBC/GBA No region-locking Handhelds /
NDS/NDSi/NDSi XL No region-locking Handhelds DSi-exclusive games are region-locked, with cartridge numbers starting with TWL-
3DS/2DS/3DS XL/New 3DS/New 3DS XL Region-locked Handhelds /
Nintendo Switch 2 No region-locking Console Global versions are region-free, similar to Switch; physical cartridges work across regions; eShop and DLC depend on account region; a Japan-only domestic edition has account/language limitations

Is the Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 Region Locked?

No. Both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 are not region-locked for physical games.

Since the original Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, Nintendo has removed region locking on game cartridges, and Switch 2 follows the same policy.

This means you can play physical game cards from any region on both Switch and Switch 2 consoles.

play region locked games on nintendo switch

However, while the consoles themselves are region-free, Nintendo services are region-based, which is why buying games from your local region is still recommended for the best experience.

Benefits of Changing Nintendo Switch Region

Tips 1 Play Region-Specific Games

Although the Nintendo Switch is not region locked, certain games are available only in specific areas. Changing the Nintendo switch region helps you to purchase and play those games.

Tips 2 Save Your Money

Different regions often have different prices for games. You can compare and choose the cheaper one to save your money. Also, changing the Nintendo region sometimes allows you to use eShop gift cards or codes from other regions.

Tips 3 Complete the Collection

Some games are released earlier in certain regions. If you want to try the games earlier, you can change your Nintendo Switch region and collect the games.

How to Change Nintendo Switch Region?

Method 1: Change the Nintendo switch region on current account

Step 1: On your switch, go to “Settings” from the main menu.

go to settings on nintendo switch

Step 2: Scroll to “System” and choose “Region”.

choose system and region

Step 3: On the Region interface, choose the region you want to change to and click “OK”.

click ok in region interface

Step 4: When the popup appears, choose “Next”.

choose next

Step 5: Select “Accept” and restart your switch.

select accept and restart nintendo switch to change region

Method 2: Add a new user account on your switch

Step 1: Go to “Settings” and choose “User” on your switch.

go to user in settings

Step 2: Choose “Create New User”.

choose create new user

Step 3: Now follow the guide and enter your account information. Remember when you set the region, choose a different region so that you can enjoy benefits from another region.

finish the account guide and change nintendo switch region

Bonus: Change AR Games Location in 1 Click

Besides Nintendo Switch games, many players also play AR games, and Pokemon GO is one of the most popular one. If you want to auto walk in Pokemon GO and change location anywhere, then LcoaChange is the best choice.

LocaChange supports changing iOS/Android location to anywhere with 1 click, even if you don't play games, you can also use it to change location in other LBS apps, such as Life360, SnapChat, Tinder and so on, which can effectively protect your personal pravicy.

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Key Features of LocaChange

  • Change your iPhone/Android location with just 1 click.
  • Seamless compatible with both the latest iOS Beta & Android systems.
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  • Hide location on Life360, SnapChat, Tinder, Whatsapp without anyone knowing.
  • Free trial is available for everyone.

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Use LocaChange to change location on iOS/Android devices:

Step 1: Download and install LocaChange into your Computer.

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Step 2: Connect your phone to your computer with a USB cable or WiFi connection.

connect your phone to your computer

Step 3: Choose any of the teleport mode, two-spot mode, multi-spot mode, enter any location you want to jump or transfer, and click the Move button to change your GPS location.

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Conclusion

I think I have made a clear explanation about the question - is Nintendo Switch region locked, and I also share 2 methods to change Nintendo switch region. If you find it useful, you can save this article and share it to your friends.

Also, if you need to change iOS or Android device location, don't hesitate to try the locaiton changer LocaChange. It is 100% safe and effective to use, whether you want to teleport in AR games like Pokemon GO or protect personal pravicy on social apps!

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Philip Williams

X
  • Pokémon GO
  • GPS Spoofing
  • AR Gaming
  • AR gaming and GPS spoofing specialist with over a decade of software experience. He is a trusted writer on Pokémon GO tips and safe location-changing strategies, helping over 2 million users worldwide. As an Apple enthusiast and expert in location-changing technology, he brings both technical depth and gaming insight to every guide.
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