Can I keep my digital (Nintendo eShop) games if I get a new Switch?

This question comes up often: if you get a new Switch — like, say, if you're shifting from an original Switch to the bigger, brighter Switch OLED model — can you keep all of the digital games you bought on the Nintendo eShop?

The answer: yes!

Your digital game purchases are tied to your Nintendo eShop account, and can be downloaded to whichever Switch your Nintendo ID is currently connected to.

A few things to know:

• You should transfer your saves so you don't lose all your game progress! If you still have your original Switch, use the built-in transfer feature to make this process quick and easy.
• While you won't have to pay for the games a second time, you will need to manually re-download all of the games from the eShop. They aren't transferred from Switch to Switch automatically. Games are not stored on the microSD card, so even moving that card from Switch to Switch won't do it.
• Make sure you factory reset your old Switch if you plan on selling it to prevent the new owner from accidentally buying games on your account.