How Long Does It Take for Nintendo to Delete Your Account?
The answer is straightforward: After you initiate the deletion process for your Nintendo Account, it enters a 30-day deactivation period. During this window, you can reverse the process and reactivate your account. However, once those 30 days are up, your Nintendo Account is permanently deleted and, critically, cannot be recovered.
This 30-day buffer is designed to protect you from accidental deletions or changes of heart. It gives you time to reconsider and ensure you truly want to sever ties with your Nintendo Account and all the associated data. Let’s delve into the specifics and related questions you might have about this process.
Understanding the Nintendo Account Deletion Process
Before diving into the FAQs, it’s crucial to understand what deleting your Nintendo Account entails. When you delete your account, you lose access to everything associated with it. This includes:
- Digital Games and Content: All digital games you’ve purchased from the Nintendo eShop are tied to your Nintendo Account. Deleting the account makes them unplayable.
- Save Data: While save data stored locally on your Nintendo Switch might remain, save data backups stored in the Save Data Cloud service become inaccessible.
- My Nintendo Rewards: You’ll lose any My Nintendo points, rewards, and mission status associated with your account.
- Linked Apps and Services: Access to apps linked to your account, such as Nintendo Switch Online, will be terminated.
Therefore, carefully consider the implications before proceeding with account deletion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions users have about deleting their Nintendo Accounts:
1. Can I delete my Nintendo Account faster than 30 days?
Unfortunately, no. Nintendo enforces the 30-day deactivation period. There is no way to expedite the deletion process. You must wait the full 30 days for the account to be permanently deleted.
2. What happens if I try to use my Nintendo Account during the 30-day deactivation period?
If you attempt to log in to the Nintendo Account website or on a Nintendo Switch console with a deactivated account, you will encounter error messages. The system will recognize that the account is undergoing deletion.
3. How do I reactivate my Nintendo Account during the 30-day period?
To reactivate your account, simply log in to the Nintendo Account website with your credentials. The system will prompt you to reactivate the account. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
4. Will deleting a user on my Nintendo Switch also delete the linked Nintendo Account?
No, deleting a user profile on your Nintendo Switch does not delete the linked Nintendo Account. The Nintendo Account remains active unless you specifically initiate the account deletion process through the Nintendo Account website. However, software purchased with the account cannot be played until the Nintendo Account is re-linked to a new user account.
5. If I create a new Nintendo Account, can I transfer my games and save data from the old account?
Generally, you cannot directly transfer games and save data between Nintendo Accounts. While save data backups stored in the Save Data Cloud can be downloaded to a new user linked to a new Nintendo Account, digital games are permanently tied to the original account. This is a critical factor to consider before deleting your Nintendo Account.
6. What happens to my Nintendo Switch Online subscription when I delete my Nintendo Account?
Your Nintendo Switch Online subscription is tied to your Nintendo Account. Deleting the account will cancel your subscription. You may lose any remaining time on the subscription. Consider cancelling the subscription before deleting your account to avoid unnecessary charges.
7. Can I sell my Nintendo Account?
No, you cannot sell your Nintendo Account. According to the Nintendo Account Agreement, accounts are non-transferable. Selling or attempting to sell your account violates the terms of service and could result in further action from Nintendo.
8. Can I get a refund for games I purchased if I delete my Nintendo Account?
Nintendo does not typically offer refunds for downloaded games or DLC simply because you delete your account, didn’t like the game, or made a mistaken purchase. All sales are generally considered final.
9. How do I delete a Nintendo Account for a child?
If you are an adult (18+) with a Nintendo Account, you can create and manage Nintendo Accounts for children (age 17 and under). To delete a child’s account, you must log in to your adult account on the Nintendo Account website and manage the child’s account settings from there.
10. Will I lose my save data if I delete my Nintendo Account even if it is backed up to the cloud?
Yes, you will effectively lose access to your save data. The save data itself might still technically exist in the cloud, but it is linked to the deleted Nintendo Account. Since you can no longer access the account, you cannot download or use the cloud saves. If you make a new Nintendo Account you will not be able to use those cloud saves.
11. What actions can lead to Nintendo banning my account?
Nintendo can ban your account or console for violating their terms of service. Common reasons for bans include:
- Fraudulent transactions
- Jailbreaking your Switch
- Downloading mods
- Hacking
- Any other activity that violates the Nintendo Account Agreement
12. Can I remove a game from my purchase history on my Nintendo Account?
It is not possible to delete individual games from your Nintendo eShop purchase history. While you can delete the game from your console, the purchase record remains associated with your account.
13. What if my Nintendo Switch is broken and I can’t deregister the console before deleting the account?
If you have a broken Nintendo Switch and cannot deregister it, you can deregister your primary console through the Nintendo Account website. Simply log in to your account, navigate to the Shop Menu, and select Deregister Primary Console.
14. Can I merge two Nintendo Accounts into one?
No, Nintendo does not offer a service to merge two Nintendo Accounts. Each account is treated as a separate entity. You can, however, link up to 8 Nintendo Accounts to a single Nintendo Switch console.
15. Does the user age affect the process of deleting a Nintendo account?
No, the process of deleting a Nintendo Account is the same regardless of the user’s age. However, the ability to create and manage Nintendo Accounts for children is restricted to adult accounts. It’s crucial to consider this and fully understand the deletion process.
Final Considerations
Deleting your Nintendo Account is a serious step with significant consequences. Ensure you understand the implications before proceeding. Remember the 30-day deactivation period provides a safety net, but once that window closes, your account and all associated data are gone forever. It is best to contact Nintendo if you have any questions. You may find useful information from the Games Learning Society to improve your knowledge and skills in digital games.
Games have become an integral part of our culture and education. You can explore more about how games can positively impact learning and development by visiting the GamesLearningSociety.org.