Guide to Shipping Nintendo Switch Overseas

3 min readDec 9, 2020

2020 hasn’t been easy for a lot of people around the world. Families and friends are forced to stay away from each other because of COVID-19. Especially when it’s almost holiday seasons, missing your loved ones is unbearable since you can’t be there with them. But hey, if you can’t be there, you can still show your love with gifts and tell them you care!

I’ve recently shipped a Nintendo Switch from Hong Kong to the States to my nephews since they are so obsessed with watching people playing Animal Crossing online. Lots of international courier services do not accept items with li-ion batteries like Nintendo Switch, iPhone, iPad. Luckily I found Spaceship and they were able to find international courier service that actually ship my parcel safe and sound.

Get HK$50 off for your holiday shipment this Christmas!

Get HK$50 off for your holiday shipment on Spaceship this Christmas!

Courier Options for Shipping Nintendo Switch

After getting no luck with shipping a Nintendo Switch with other courier companies, I actually did some research and realised Nintendo Switch contains li-ion batteries. Apart from the consoles, the controllers, and accessories like Fit Ring are with li-ion batteries, which is regarded as fully regulated dangerous goods. Only FedEx Express accepts parcels with li-ion batteries when shipping overseas from Hong Kong.

After speaking to logistic specialists from Spaceship, I then realised I have to be extra careful when packing my parcels and processing Customs declaration documents, otherwise my parcels might get bounced back and I’ll have to pay for the surcharge and everything! (Who knows how difficult it would be shipping stuff overseas!)

Shipping Nintendo Switch

Once I’ve confirmed my shipment on Spaceship and scheduled a door-to-door pick-up service (convenient!), I’ll have to prepare the documents and pass them to the courier staff.

Logistic Specialist at Spaceship informed me that I have to include an UN 3481 li-ion batteries label, which is essential for Customs checking and declarations. They also gave me some advice on how to pack my parcel and how to fill the box with adequate packing materials so the Nintendo Switch will arrive safe and sound.

Phew! Who knows how hard it would be shipping a Nintendo Switch overseas? Big thumbs up to the logistic specialists at Spaceship! I was able to track my parcel and make sure my nephews get their early Christmas gift on time! They can finally play the favourite game with me this holiday!