How to Unlink a Switch Account: A Comprehensive Guide

Unlinking a Nintendo Account from a user account on a Nintendo Switch can be a bit tricky, as it’s not a straightforward process. The core issue is that Nintendo designed their system to deeply integrate the Nintendo Account with the user profile on the console. Here’s the bottom line: You cannot directly unlink a Nintendo Account from a Switch user profile. To effectively “unlink” them, you must delete the associated user account from the Nintendo Switch console. This action removes the connection between the Nintendo Account and that specific user on the console.

However, before you rush to delete anything, it’s crucial to understand the implications and explore potential alternative solutions, especially regarding save data and account ownership.

Understanding the Implications Before Unlinking

Deleting a user account comes with a significant consequence: All save data associated with that account will be deleted. This includes progress in games, settings, and any other data tied to that specific user profile. Once deleted, this data is unrecoverable.

Therefore, before proceeding, consider these points:

• Back Up Save Data (If Possible): Some games support cloud saves via Nintendo Switch Online. If you have a subscription and the game supports it, ensure your save data is backed up to the cloud. Note that not all games support cloud saves.
• Local Save Data: If cloud saves are not an option, the save data is stored locally on the Switch console. If you want to preserve this data, you would need to transfer the entire user profile to another Switch console. However, this is not possible on newer OLED consoles, and it is very important to understand that you will not be able to transfer local save data to another profile on the same console.
• Digital Purchases: Games purchased through the Nintendo eShop are tied to the Nintendo Account, not the user profile on the console. This means that redownloading a game on another console is not going to work. If the Nintendo Account is the Primary Console the games can be played by anyone on the Switch system.

Step-by-Step Guide to “Unlinking” via User Deletion

Here’s how to proceed with deleting the user account to effectively “unlink” the Nintendo Account, assuming you understand the risks and have taken necessary precautions:

1. Access System Settings: From the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu, select System Settings.

2. Navigate to User Settings: Scroll down the left-hand menu and select Users.

3. Choose the User Account: Select the user account you wish to delete (and thus, “unlink”).

4. Scroll Down to Delete User: Scroll down the menu and select Delete User.

5. Confirm Deletion: A warning message will appear, emphasizing that all save data will be lost. Read it carefully. If you’re sure you want to proceed, select Delete.

6. Final Confirmation: You may be prompted to enter the Nintendo Account password for the account being deleted. Enter the password and confirm the deletion.

What Happens After Deletion?

Once the user account is deleted:

• The Nintendo Account is no longer linked to that specific user profile on the console.
• All save data associated with that user profile is permanently deleted.
• The user profile is removed from the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu.
• The Nintendo account can be linked to any user account on a new Nintendo Switch console.

Alternatives to Deletion

Before deleting a user account, explore these alternatives:

• Creating a New User Account: If the goal is simply to have a separate profile with a different Nintendo Account, creating a new user account is the easiest solution. This allows you to keep the existing user account (and its save data) intact.
• Transferring the User: It’s possible to transfer your save data to another Nintendo Switch. It must have both profiles available.
• Contact Nintendo Support: For complex situations or if you believe there might be an error, contacting Nintendo Support directly is always a good idea. They might be able to offer specific solutions or guidance.

FAQs: Unlinking Switch Accounts

1. Can I unlink a Nintendo Account without losing data?

Yes, you can potentially unlink the account without losing data if your save data is saved locally on your Switch and you’re playing on your own Switch profile. However, deleting the profile will permanently delete your save data.

2. Can you unlink a Switch account from a child account?

Only Nintendo Accounts that were added as an existing account can be removed from the parent/guardian’s account. Nintendo Accounts that were created as a Nintendo Account for a child (usually age 12 and under) cannot be removed from the parent/guardian’s account – even if the Nintendo Account user is over age 13.

3. How do I unregister a Switch account?

Using a web browser, visit accounts.nintendo.com. Sign in to the Nintendo Account you wish to deregister the primary console for. Select “Shop Menu”. Select “Deregister Primary Console“.

4. What happens if you remove an account from Switch?

Deleting a user account will delete all save data associated with the account. Save data cannot be restored once it is deleted. Consider this option carefully!

5. How do I change my primary account on a Switch?

To change the primary console for your Nintendo Account, you will need to deregister your current primary console, then set the new primary console. Once you’ve registered a primary console, your digital purchases can be played by anyone that uses the primary console.

6. Can I link 2 Nintendo Switch accounts to a family account?

A Nintendo Account family group allows up to 8 Nintendo Account users to connect together into one group. Family groups can include a mixture of general accounts, parent/guardian accounts, and supervised accounts.

7. Will I lose my games if I delete a user on Switch?

The games are attached to your Nintendo Account, not to the user profile on the console. You can redownload the games from the eShop on any Switch where your Nintendo Account is logged in. The games can only be redownloaded from the primary console.

8. Why does it say my Nintendo account is already linked?

A Nintendo Account cannot be linked to more than one user on a single Nintendo Switch console. If the Nintendo Account you are trying to use has already been linked to another user, simply create your own Nintendo Account and link it to the new user with which you wish to use the system’s online features.

9. Can 2 Nintendo Accounts on the same Switch share an online subscription?

Players using a family membership can access the Nintendo Switch Online service via the same Nintendo Switch system or multiple systems – everyone does not have to use the same system. Multiple users on the same console are not automatically covered by a family membership.

10. Can I have my games on two Switches?

Purchases made using a Nintendo Account can be redownloaded and played on any Nintendo Switch console it is linked to. You can link your Nintendo Account to user profiles on multiple consoles. Only one Nintendo Switch console can be the primary console for your Nintendo Account at any given time.

11. Why can’t I unlink my Nintendo Switch account?

As mentioned previously, once a Nintendo Account is linked to a user account, this link cannot be undone. The associated user account must also be deleted to “unlink” a Nintendo Account from a Nintendo Switch console.

12. How many times can you link a Nintendo Switch account?

Up to 8 user accounts can be created on the Nintendo Switch. A user account can also be linked to a Nintendo Account at any time after it is created.

13. Can only one Nintendo Account be linked to a Switch?

How many Nintendo Accounts can I have on one Nintendo Switch console? Up to 8 Nintendo Accounts can be linked to a Nintendo Switch console at a time.

14. What is the difference between Primary vs. Secondary Account on Nintendo Switch?

Primary Switch: Your account can launch any game offline or online and can play them without limit.

Secondary Switch: Your account can only launch games when you have an online connection. If you go offline, you cannot access the game.

15. How long does it take for a Nintendo Switch account to be deleted?

After 30 days, the account is permanently deleted from their files, and Nintendo is unable to restore the account or any associated licenses or funds.

Hopefully, this guide provides a clear understanding of how to manage Nintendo Accounts and user profiles on the Nintendo Switch. Remember to proceed with caution when deleting user accounts to avoid losing important save data.

For more on the educational side of gaming, please visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org is dedicated to researching and promoting the use of games in education and learning.