Looking to score some new games on your Nintendo Switch without breaking the bank? You’ve come to the right place. But before we dive in, let’s get one thing straight: those “free code generator” websites are all scams.
In this guide, we’ll show you the five real, legitimate methods we personally tested to earn free Nintendo eShop codes safely. No phishing links, no malware, and definitely no fake surveys that lead nowhere. These are proven strategies that actual gamers use to build their Switch library without spending extra cash.
First, A Warning: The Truth About “eShop Code Generators”
If you’ve searched for “Free Nintendo Switch codes” before, you’ve seen them: websites promising unlimited free balance with the click of a button. These are 100% fake.
Their goal is to trick you into completing fraudulent surveys, stealing your personal information, or infecting your device with malware. Think about it logically: a real Nintendo eShop code is like digital cash. No legitimate company can “generate” official Nintendo codes from thin air—they’re created and distributed exclusively by Nintendo’s secure servers.
What these scam sites actually do:
- Harvest your email address for spam campaigns.
- Install tracking cookies or malware on your device.
- Steal login credentials through fake “verification” pages.
- Force you through endless survey loops that never deliver codes.
A real eShop code must be earned through official programs, purchased legitimately, or received as a gift. Now, let’s talk about the methods that actually work.
Method 1: The Best & Easiest Way – Using the GiftCards Daily App
Full disclosure: this is our app. But we built it specifically to be the best and most straightforward way for gamers to earn rewards. Instead of empty promises, we provide real tasks from trusted partners, and you earn real points you can redeem for official Nintendo eShop codes.
How It Works
- Download the App: Create your free account on GiftCards Daily in under 60 seconds.
- Complete Offers: Earn points by playing new mobile games, taking surveys, watching videos, or testing apps. Each task displays its point value upfront—no surprises.
- Redeem Your Code: Cash out your points for a Nintendo eShop gift card, delivered directly to your email within 24-48 hours.
Why GiftCards Daily Stands Out
Unlike generic reward platforms that prioritize ads over user experience, our app was purpose-built for the gaming community:
- Transparent Point System: See exactly how much you’ll earn before starting any task.
- Fast Payouts: Most users receive their eShop codes within 48 hours of redemption.
- Mobile-Optimized: Complete tasks on the go, perfect for earning during commutes or downtime.
- Verified Offers Only: We vet every partner to ensure legitimate earning opportunities.
- No Hidden Fees: What you earn is what you get—we never charge withdrawal fees.
Learn more about how our rewards system works or check out our user testimonials.
Method 2: Other Trusted Reward Websites
Besides our app, a few other well-established platforms offer a reliable way to earn points that can be redeemed for eShop cards. They require a bit more time and patience, but they are legitimate options with proven track records.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of the oldest and most famous “Get Paid To” (GPT) sites in the rewards industry. They’ve distributed over $600 million in rewards since 2008.
- Earning Methods: Online shopping cashback, watching sponsored videos, completing surveys (typically 10-20 minutes each), and web searches.
- The Reality: Swagbucks has a huge variety of ways to earn, but their interface can be overwhelming for beginners. You’ll need to navigate through multiple tabs to find high-paying offers. The minimum payout is 500 SB points (roughly $5), which is reasonable.
InboxDollars
InboxDollars takes a slightly different approach by paying users in cash rather than points, though you can still convert earnings to gift cards including Nintendo eShop.
- Earning Methods: Reading promotional emails, survey completion, and online shopping rebates.
- The Reality: InboxDollars is a solid choice for consistent earners, but their $30 minimum payout can be a barrier. It typically takes 3-4 weeks of daily activity to reach the cashout threshold. However, they do offer a $5 signup bonus to help you get started faster.
Comparison: Which Platform Should You Choose?
| Platform | Minimum Payout | Average Time to First Reward | Best Feature |
| GiftCards Daily | $5 equivalent | 1-2 weeks | Gaming-focused offers |
| Swagbucks | $5 (500 SB) | 2-3 weeks | Shopping cashback |
| InboxDollars | $30 | 3-4 weeks | Cash-based system |
For most Nintendo Switch owners looking specifically for eShop codes, GiftCards Daily offers the fastest path to redemption with gaming-relevant tasks.
Method 3: My Nintendo Points Program
Don’t forget Nintendo’s own loyalty program! The My Nintendo rewards system is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most direct ways to offset your gaming costs.
How Nintendo Points Work
- Gold Points (The Cash Equivalent): Earned by purchasing digital or physical games.
- Digital purchases: 5% back in Gold Points.
- Physical purchases: 1% back in Gold Points (must register within 1 year).
- Value: 100 Gold Points = $1 USD discount on the eShop.
- Platinum Points: Earned through free activities like linking social media accounts or completing weekly missions. These are mostly for physical rewards (stickers, pins) and wallpapers, not eShop credit.
Example Calculation
Buy The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom digitally for $69.99:
- Earn: 350 Gold Points (5% back).
- Value: $3.50 credit toward your next purchase.
- Strategy: Combine Gold Points with a Gift Card earned from Method 1 to get indie games completely free.
Method 4: Participating in Official Giveaways
Legitimate giveaways from verified sources offer occasional opportunities to win Nintendo eShop codes—but you need to know where to look and how to avoid imposters.
Where to Find Real Nintendo Giveaways
- Official Nintendo Channels: Follow @NintendoAmerica on X/Twitter. Watch Nintendo Direct presentations for promotional campaigns.
- Trusted Gaming Influencers: Look for verified YouTube channels and partnered Twitch streamers.
- Gaming News Sites: Websites like Nintendo Life or IGN often host sponsored contests.
Red Flags to Avoid (Scam Alerts)
- ❌ “You won!” DMs from accounts you didn’t enter a contest with.
- ❌ Giveaways requiring you to download files or visit suspicious links.
- ❌ Contests asking for your Nintendo Account password.
- ❌ “Enter now” posts from unverified accounts with few followers.
Pro Tip: Follow major gaming events like The Game Awards or Nintendo’s anniversary celebrations. These periods see increased giveaway activity from official partners.
Method 5: Using Cashback & Receipt Scanning Apps
This indirect method converts everyday shopping into gaming rewards. While not exclusively Nintendo-focused, these apps accumulate points that can be exchanged for eShop codes.
Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards lets you scan grocery receipts to earn points.
- The Process: Shop for groceries, snap a photo of the receipt in the app, and earn points (250-1,000 per receipt).
- Redemption: Trade points for a Visa Gift Card or Nintendo eShop Card.
- Reality Check: This is the slowest method. Expect to scan 10-15 receipts before earning your first $5. However, it is essentially passive income for purchases you’d make anyway.
Rakuten (Formerly Ebates)
Rakuten offers cashback when shopping at over 3,500 online stores (like Best Buy or GameStop).
- Gaming-Relevant Strategy: Click through Rakuten before buying a Switch console or physical games to earn 1-5% cashback.
- Payout: Cashback is sent via PayPal/Check quarterly, which you can use to buy digital codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these methods really free?
Yes. They require your time and effort to complete tasks, but you will never be asked to pay money upfront. Apps like GiftCards Daily generate revenue through advertiser partnerships, not user fees. When you complete an offer, the advertiser pays us, and we share that revenue with you.
How long does it take to earn a $10 eShop code?
It varies depending on the user. With consistent use of an app like GiftCards Daily (15-20 mins/day), many users earn their first reward within 1-2 weeks. Higher-value offers like mobile game trials can accelerate this timeline significantly.
Is GiftCards Daily safe to use?
Absolutely. GiftCards Daily is a registered business that uses state-of-the-art encryption. We never ask for your Nintendo Account password. You can review our Privacy Policy and see our verified payout history.
Do these codes expire?
Nintendo eShop codes typically do not have an expiration date for the value itself, but we recommend redeeming them immediately. Once added to your account, the balance is valid indefinitely. Note that your account cannot hold more than $200 in funds at one time.
Can I use these methods for Switch Lite or OLED?
Yes! Nintendo eShop codes work identically across all Switch console variants (Original, Lite, and OLED). The funds are tied to your Nintendo Account, not the specific device.
Our Final Recommendation
| Method | Best For | Effort Level |
| GiftCards Daily App | Gamers & Efficiency | Low to Medium |
| Other GPT Sites | Variety of Tasks | Medium to High |
| My Nintendo Program | Loyal Nintendo Fans | Low (Passive) |
| Official Giveaways | Luck & Patience | Very Low |
| Cashback Apps | Regular Shoppers | Low (Passive) |
While there are several legitimate ways to earn Nintendo eShop codes, using a dedicated rewards app like GiftCards Daily is the most direct and efficient method for gamers. It is built for this exact purpose: converting your free time into tangible gaming rewards.
Why we recommend this approach:
- Speed: Fastest path from task completion to code redemption.
- Transparency: No hidden payout thresholds.
- Reliability: Thousands of verified payouts with responsive customer support.
Stop wasting time on fake generators that promise everything and deliver nothing. Download the app, complete a few tasks, and start earning your way to your next favorite game today.
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