5/7/2026 · 6 min read
Nintendo Switch 2: How to Set Up a US Nintendo Account and Access the US eShop from Anywhere
Nintendo Switch 2 is here — but international buyers are blocked from US eShop prices and exclusive titles. Here's exactly how to create a US Nintendo Account using a virtual phone number from OTPStream, step by step.
# Nintendo Switch 2: How to Set Up a US Nintendo Account and Access the US eShop from Anywhere
Nintendo Switch 2 launched in 2025 to massive global demand — and with it came exciting new titles including the return of beloved franchises like Star Fox. But millions of international buyers quickly discovered a frustrating reality: **the US Nintendo eShop has better prices, more games, and earlier access to new releases.**
The catch? Creating a US Nintendo Account requires a **US phone number for SMS verification**. If you're in the UK, India, Australia, Europe, or anywhere outside America, you don't have one by default.
This guide explains exactly how to set up a US Nintendo Account using a virtual phone number — so you can unlock the full potential of your Nintendo Switch 2.
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## Why a US Nintendo Account Is Worth Having
Here's what you're missing without one:
| Feature | US eShop | International eShop | |---------|----------|---------------------| | Nintendo Switch Online | $19.99/year | $27–$40/year equiv. | | Game prices | Lower base prices | Often 15–30% higher | | Sale access | All US sales | Regional sales only | | Release dates | Day 1 US releases | Sometimes delayed | | Exclusive titles | All titles available | Some titles region-locked | | eShop gift cards | Readily available | Less accessible |
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## What You Need
- A [virtual US phone number](https://otpstream.com) from OTPStream (for SMS verification) - A valid email address not already linked to another Nintendo Account - A US Nintendo eShop gift card (available on Amazon globally) or a Wise virtual US card for purchases - Your Nintendo Switch 2 console or a browser
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## Step-by-Step: Creating a US Nintendo Account
### Step 1: Get a Virtual US Phone Number
Go to [OTPStream.com](https://otpstream.com) and: - Select **United States** as your country - Filter by "Nintendo" to see numbers with high success rates - Purchase a number — typically $0.10–$0.30
### Step 2: Go to the Nintendo Account Creation Page
Open a browser and go to [accounts.nintendo.com](https://accounts.nintendo.com/register) — or on your Switch 2, go to **System Settings → Nintendo Account → Create Account**.
### Step 3: Fill in Your Account Details
- **Date of birth**: Use your real date - **Country/Region**: Select **United States** - **Email**: Use a dedicated email address (not your main one, to keep accounts organized) - **Password**: Use a strong, unique password
### Step 4: Verify Your Phone Number
When Nintendo asks for a phone number: - Select +1 (United States) - Enter your OTPStream virtual number - Click **Send Verification Code**
Go to your OTPStream dashboard and wait for the 6-digit code (arrives in under 60 seconds). Enter it on Nintendo's site.
### Step 5: Link to Your Switch 2
On your console: **System Settings → Nintendo Account → Sign In**. Log in with your new US account credentials.
### Step 6: Set Your US Account as the Primary Account
For the best experience — especially for sharing purchases with family members — set your US account as the **Primary Console** account. This allows all profiles on your Switch 2 to play games purchased on the US account.
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## Buying Games from the US eShop
Once your US account is set up, purchasing games is straightforward:
**Option 1: Nintendo eShop Gift Cards** Buy US Nintendo eShop gift cards on Amazon (search "Nintendo eShop Card US"). These are delivered digitally and work instantly with any US Nintendo Account.
**Option 2: Wise Virtual Card** Create a Wise account and get a virtual US Mastercard. This works directly on the Nintendo eShop without needing gift cards.
**Option 3: PayPal (US)** If you have a US PayPal account, it can be linked to your Nintendo Account for purchases.
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## New Switch 2 Titles to Check Out First on the US eShop
The Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup has several titles that benefit from US eShop pricing:
- **Star Fox (remastered/new entry)** — one of the most searched Switch 2 games right now - **Mario Kart World** — launches alongside Switch 2 globally, but US pricing is lowest - **Donkey Kong Bananza** — exclusive Switch 2 title, US eShop only at launch for some regions - **The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom** — available on Switch 2 via backward compatibility
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## Nintendo Switch Online: Is the US Tier Worth It?
Yes — especially for Switch 2 owners. The US **Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack** at $49.99/year (family plan: $79.99/year for up to 8 accounts) includes:
- Online multiplayer for all Nintendo titles - **Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour** online features - NES, SNES, N64, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy library access - Cloud saves - **Nintendo Switch 2 GameShare** — share downloadable games with nearby friends
Compare this to the UK price of £39.99 (~$50) for a single account or Japan's ¥4,900 (~$33) — the US is often the most cost-effective for English speakers.
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## Common Questions
**Can I have both a US and a home-country Nintendo Account?** Absolutely. You can have up to 8 Nintendo Accounts on a single Switch 2 console. Many users maintain a US account for purchases and a local account for Nintendo-linked online features.
**Do US purchases work with any region console?** Yes. Nintendo Switch 2 is region-free. Any game purchased on the US eShop plays on any Switch 2 console worldwide.
**What if I need to re-verify my number?** Just get a new OTPStream number. Re-verification is rare (usually only triggered if you lose account access and reset your password). Each new verification costs under $0.30.
**Can I use the US account for Nintendo Switch Online multiplayer?** Yes — online play works on any Nintendo Switch Online subscription regardless of the account's country setting.
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## Start Gaming on the Switch 2 Without Borders
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a global console. Your access to its full game library shouldn't be limited by geography.
👉 **[Get your virtual US number at OTPStream.com →](https://otpstream.com)**
Pick a US number, verify your Nintendo Account in minutes, and unlock the entire US eShop — including all Switch 2 launch titles at US prices.