Guide: What A Nintendo Switch 2 Japanese-Language System Can And Cannot Do

Nintendo is releasing two different types of Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan – the Japanese-Language System (Japan Only), and Multi-Language System which supports multiple languages.

In this guide, we will take a look at what a Japanese-Language System can and cannot do, as well as its pros and cons compared to the Multi-Language System.

What does Nintendo say about the Japanese-Language System?

On the official Nintendo website, it is stated that the operating system of the Japanese-Language System could only be used in Japanese, and that only Nintendo Accounts with their Country/Region set to Japan can only be linked to it.

In practice, this means that it would be impossible to use the operating system in any other language other than Japanese, and it would be impossible to access a non-Japan Nintendo eShop to purchase and download games.

What kind of games can you play on the Japanese-Language System?

You can purchase and download games on the Japanese Nintendo eShop. Please keep in mind that the Japanese Nintendo eShop does not accept credit/debit cards and PayPal accounts registered outside Japan.

As for physical games, you will be able to play Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch games from all regions. According to Nintendo’s FAQ, they cannot guarantee that physical games sold outside Japan work on consoles sold in Japan.  This is the same kind of wording that was used for Nintendo Switch, which in practice, supports physical games for all regions.

Can you play games in English and other languages?

Yes, but with one caveat – that depends on the game.

On Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch, most games start in your system language. For example, if the system language was set to English, the game will automatically start in English.

You can change the in-game language for some titles, but this does not apply to all games. For example, if you want to play a game in English and your system language is set to French, you can change the language within the game itself, so long as it supports it.

On a Japanese-Language System, the only system language is Japanese, so you should assume that you will have to play most if not all games in Japanese, unless the game allows you to manually change the in-game language within the software.

How are Nintendo Switch Online, online play, and other online functionality handled?

Nintendo Switch Online should be handled the same way as before, as Nintendo did not state any restrictions on it. If you are on an individual membership or the user who purchased family membership, payment will be charged to your Japanese Nintendo Account.

If you are part of a family group and aren’t the user who purchased family membership, your subscription should still work regardless of the location of the user who purchased the family membership.

We can also safely assume that online play, friends, Save Data Cloud Backup, and other online functionality such as GameChat and GameShare will be handled the same way as before, so you can play and chat with friends around the world.

How much does a Japanese-Language System cost?

The main advantage of the Japanese-Language System is its price. The retail price for a standalone set is 49,980 yen inclusive sales tax (USD348 at the time of writing). That is roughly 23% cheaper than the 69,980 yen / USD449.99 retail price of the Multi-Language System in Japan, the United States and other countries.

The Switch 2 Japanese-Language System is offered at a lower price compared to other countries in light of the depreciation of the yen. Nintendo wants to offer the console at an affordable price to Japanese consumers, while preventing the export of the console to other countries.

What can you do on a Multi-Language System?

A Nintendo Switch 2 Multi-Language System is the same as the system that is sold by Nintendo in every market outside Japan.

You can use it in any language that Nintendo supports, and you can link a Nintendo Account set to the country/region of your choice (this includes Japan).

You can play Nintendo Switch games from all regions, physically and digitally (this includes games sold in Japan).

Pros and cons of Japanese-Language System

Pros

• Cheaper than Multi-Language System (23% cheaper)

Cons

• Cannot use a non-Japanese Nintendo Account (this means you cannot access a non-Japan Nintendo eShop)
• Cannot use a system language other than Japanese

Pros and cons of Multi-Language System (same as the system sold worldwide)

Pros

• Ability to use Nintendo Accounts from all countries and regions (ability to access Nintendo eShop in all countries/regions, including Japan)
• Ability to use any of the 16 system languages (including Japanese)

Cons

• More expensive than a Japanese-Language System

Conclusion

The Japanese-Language System is recommended for users who understand Japanese and only have a Japanese Nintendo Account. If you do not meet these two conditions, it is highly recommended to purchase a Multi-Language System in your country so you can access the Nintendo eShop in a variety of regions and play games in your preferred language.