Nintendo has released a significant firmware update for both the Switch and Switch 2, elevating their systems to version 23.5.0. This new update primarily focuses on preparing the infrastructure for a forthcoming feature that will allow digital game gifting among members of a Nintendo Account family group.

Gifting Feature Details

Set to be activated on November 17, 2026, this feature allows family group members to send digital games, downloadable content (DLC), and upgrade packs purchased through the Nintendo eShop to one another. This addition aims to enhance the experience of gifting during the holiday season, as stated by Nintendo: “Just in time for the holidays, a new feature will let family group members gift digital games to other members of their group.”

Family groups can include up to eight members, each of whom can easily be added by anyone with a Nintendo Account.

Important Considerations

While this feature offers exciting opportunities for game sharing, there are some restrictions. Not all products will be eligible for gifting, and accounts classified as supervised will not have the ability to send digital gifts. Additionally, a limit exists on the number of digital gift transactions a user can perform within a specific timeframe.

A Look Back

This isn’t the first time Nintendo has explored gifting capabilities; the Wii console allowed users to gift games more freely via its Wii Shop Channel. That earlier method let players send WiiWare or Virtual Console titles to anyone on their Wii Friend list before its discontinuation in 2019.

Other Notable Updates

• Introducing configuration options for accessibility settings during the initial console setup, enhancing the user experience right from the start.
• Added support for Portuguese (Portugal) in the Text to Speech languages and the GameChat “Convert Text to Speech” functionalities.
• General adjustments and fixes to improve overall system performance and user interaction.