# Switch 2 and Switch consoles updated to version 23.5.0 as Nintendo quietly re-introduces eShop gifting

> **Open Intelligence Dossier** · First detected: 2026-11-10 12:00 UTC · Category: Technology

## Executive Summary
Nintendo updates Switch and Switch 2 consoles to version 23.5.0 while quietly re-introducing eShop gifting.

## Intelligence Brief
According to reporting from Polygon.com and Eurogamer.net, Nintendo has deployed a fresh firmware update across its hardware ecosystem. Both the original Nintendo Switch and the upcoming or current Switch 2 consoles are receiving software version 23.5.0. Alongside this system update, the company has brought back the eShop gifting feature. Coverage indicates that this functionality has returned quietly, with the platform holder implementing the feature directly onto the hardware without extensive public fanfare.


Specialized gaming outlets are paying close attention to the mechanics of this rollout. Eurogamer.net and Polygon.com have both tracked the deployment of version 23.5.0 alongside the eShop gifting revival. The coverage emphasizes the quiet nature of the release, noting that the return of gifting represents a notable shift for the digital storefront. Neither outlet specifies the exact technical backend changes required for the update, focusing instead on the immediate user-facing availability of the gifting option on the consoles.


The context surrounding this development involves the long-term evolution of Nintendo's digital infrastructure. Previous iterations of the Switch platform lacked native, streamlined gifting options directly on the console interface for extended periods. Bringing eShop gifting back via a major firmware revision bridges a gap for users looking to purchase digital games for other accounts. The current coverage does not yet detail the complete geographical availability or any specific restrictions tied to the newly restored gifting service.


Looking ahead, observers are monitoring how users interact with version 23.5.0 and the eShop gifting tools. Future coverage will likely track whether Nintendo issues further official statements regarding the feature or if additional platform updates follow. For now, the available facts establish only that the firmware is live across both console generations and that the digital storefront now permits users to send gifts once again, as documented by the reporting outlets.

## Multi-Source Evidence Table
| Source Outlet | Headline | Verification URL |
|---|---|---|
| OpenCritic | Nintendo Switch 2 Gets Brand-New Console Update for November 2026 | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMioAFBVV95cUxPNHlyV0luMGJUWjI4TU1fblR4eng4Yy05Vi1IR2hPYjVLdGM3ZzlGd1h6a2FkSlBhcnN0OUxUUEg3VHZMZzI1ZzVubXJZc19oOHBPS0E5TGZ0ajhFMFlVSERpbkRvZzVYY0VndjFLMUxmY0x0eVc3dERmODc4N2RFQmlGR0Nsd1R3MDBKYUhMdTJtdG4yZjdUZEVVWks2N19Q?oc=5) |
| games.gg | Nintendo releases Switch 2 and Switch firmware update 23.5.0 | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiiwFBVV95cUxQZWltUlNlSEhfYWY2U1lZZm1QMzZ5N05tWHVYNUtMS21XbGs3bUd1cExlcFEwMm1OS0gyVWFJOFdkWGsxTTJxOGZZeWNVNXZVS3hzSGs0R0dQVnNmemNaZVROM0tMb3lEWXhQWEN1dURKM0Y1ZDdET0twRkZUYVVVNlUwNElxb00wbFhn?oc=5) |
| The Verge | Nintendo will soon let you gift games on Switch and Switch 2. | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMioAFBVV95cUxQaFRRNDU0WHREcGdKQXI2VEt4N2t1YU1RV2lBR25oNGdSUXZDTUdlTTBLWHVEMDlSMUpmUmREcHFqSFh3QVZaRmRTTU1nWktPVVNmX3doMXJnM3hxUmNHbmMtaWxWT3RwcjR2UWlycjRibmNQcHpXMEs0VGxlMGo2QzhCWU1RSHhHQS1CTHdoSnRHQVl6dmYxN2ttUmZMQXZi?oc=5) |
| Push Square | PS5 Now the Only Console without a Digital Game Gifting Option | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipAFBVV95cUxOcVcwLWdOMEF3OWZzMWVpMExRQ0NwSGV1M0o5Z2lvQ1V5RHJBMmY2Vm5JM2dPRkdNcm9GcFBFekNqaUVZbWZtcmljYkRnSGhDa1hYQ3hxVlVQN29jOWV5eEhlYXN2Ymg0RUtPNW5pb29TWXA2U1FDQkRoaW9WN1BNald5Zk1FM2luN3d3ZlhWbGZXMGVBMVJPYUxyb2JQd1FFMHpUdw?oc=5) |
| Kotaku | Nintendo Switch Players Will Soon Be Able To Gift Digital Games, Kinda | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMingFBVV95cUxNbWU0NzJpYU1wX2l5eERXOTlLaW1XSlliNW9RTkxXM0p1bHdhTk55UU4zTEw1aVBEbUQ0d3ZPdzgwTUc0aVpyaDhhZFFMckxTbEc2ZHlUSks2S2tFZGtvRU05ejBJTjlBTEhLU1NBUjduVzZUbHJSclFoMlJ1U2RIWldBbFlEZUpPMjhnUWpJYjhrcmJsa0t6elRHZThyUQ?oc=5) |
| Notebookcheck | Just in time for Christmas: Nintendo prepares digital gifting for Switch | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitwFBVV95cUxNYnZXUXFMWnpReWpLaEdZXzBHNlUyemRhZlF3YUtIYmRPaEUtc2pqRUJOYkNHS0VMaXY1VWpDbXZRa2MwRFJxVjd5SWw2Tjg2ZF9IdHc1VTVqQ3lIWGFNZDdrUnc3VWdYN25EUElCWUF2azRFTVNzTDI5V2lHclU3RUNtVWsxRTlZYWJIT0Zua0poS2ZTYjJUOVJPY0dCOU9hZXN0QWc3ZzlTTzdVdjJ6cDZxVWhIcFk?oc=5) |
| Polygon.com | Nintendo Adds eShop Gifting to Switch Consoles | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMid0FVX3lxTE1MVGpKS3JjazI0R3dXS2FmbG9PSzlLVGo2Z2ZweVFuV3B2X3dnUE1DQ0pxZ2ltYjJIeXhrWk1UTWt2LUVhakFubVMyU0I3ZmFJaDdMNVhXSzZ5RHRuRXB4eXE1VEQ5WlU0d0V0anJWdmU2UC03cjYw?oc=5) |
| Eurogamer.net | Switch 2 and Switch consoles updated to version 23.5.0 as Nintendo quietly re-introduces eShop gifting | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMixAFBVV95cUxObU83RzR4TWxUTkxHOUNwOUhoa3hMQTdFQnREYkVCYnZ3MDVDN2xJdkNIMzhLS2NVT0xhdFlXNUc3WlpDUGVnVGdMeTNNaWxrVlFZaXlhUDNmZS1tOWl2d1BQUmRkTF81b0x3OFlwazd5Mk9IZmdiRm9ZRUs2N3RtZEhoWkV0NlBzWktQajVwZGpDVFFLOXotTE1rVHdYRHVfZWFsMmNBVXVtTkpmd3NURXE3NkdFazB1dWJsdzVFU05zcmRw?oc=5) |

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*Canonical Source: https://pulse.byoviral.com/trend/2026-11-10/switch-2-and-switch-consoles-updated-to-version-23-5-0-as-nintendo-quietly-re*