What Happens When You Delete Your Nintendo Network ID? A Comprehensive Guide
Deleting your Nintendo Network ID (NNID) is a significant decision with lasting consequences. In short, deleting your NNID means severing ties to your digital purchases, friend lists, and other associated data on your Wii U and Nintendo 3DS systems. Crucially, Nintendo eShop activity and balances are wiped clean. While you have a 30-day grace period to reactivate the account, after that, it’s gone for good. Understand the ramifications before you hit that delete button!
The Implications of NNID Deletion
Deleting your NNID isn’t merely removing a username. It’s effectively erasing a digital identity that holds considerable value, especially if you’ve invested in downloadable games and content. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll lose:
- Loss of Digital Games: Any games you’ve purchased and downloaded through the Nintendo eShop on your Wii U and/or 3DS will become unplayable. This is perhaps the most significant consequence.
- Eshop Balance Gone: Any remaining funds in your Nintendo eShop balance are forfeited. There is no way to recover these funds once the account is deleted.
- Friend List Erasure: Your entire friend list, built through countless online interactions, will vanish.
- Deletion of Registered Email: The email address associated with your NNID will be unbound from the account.
- Wii U Specific Impacts: If your NNID is linked to a Wii U, deleting it will remove all associated information from that console as well.
- Mii Loss: Your custom Mii character, often used as your online avatar, may also be affected, particularly if your Nintendo Account was created using your NNID. You may need to create a new Mii.
- Unrecoverable Data: Save data tied to specific digital games may become inaccessible. In some cases, it might be recoverable, but it’s not guaranteed.
It’s worth emphasizing that while deleting your NNID frees up the email address for use on a new account after the 30 day grace period, it absolutely does not transfer your purchased content. Think carefully before proceeding.
Alternatives to Deletion
Before taking such a drastic step, consider if there are alternative solutions:
- Contact Nintendo Support: If you’re facing issues with your NNID, such as a forgotten password or email address, contact Nintendo Customer Support first. They might be able to help you regain access without resorting to deletion.
- Consider Creating a New User on Your Switch: If the issue stems from wanting separate profiles, remember the Nintendo Switch allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts on a single console. This provides a cleaner separation without nuking your digital library.
Reactivation Within 30 Days
As mentioned, Nintendo provides a brief window of opportunity to reverse your decision. For 30 days following deletion, you can reactivate your NNID. This is crucial if you accidentally deleted your account or changed your mind. After the 30-day period, the account is permanently gone.
NNID and Nintendo Switch: What’s the Connection?
It’s essential to understand the relationship between NNIDs and Nintendo Accounts, especially in the context of the Nintendo Switch. While NNIDs were primarily used for the Wii U and 3DS, Nintendo Accounts are now the standard for the Switch.
You can link your existing NNID to your Nintendo Account, but it primarily serves to transfer any remaining Nintendo eShop balance. It doesn’t magically make your Wii U and 3DS games playable on the Switch, and it won’t add much to your experience.
Impact on Games and Learning
The potential loss of digital games when deleting an NNID also touches upon the broader topic of game preservation and the accessibility of educational games. The GamesLearningSociety.org, for example, understands the value of preserving gaming experiences for future generations. Losing access to digital games, especially those with educational value, can be a real loss. For more information visit the Games Learning Society website.
Final Thoughts
Deleting your Nintendo Network ID is a one-way street (after 30 days). Make sure you fully understand the implications before taking the plunge. Explore alternative solutions, and always consider the value of the digital content you stand to lose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I recover a deleted Nintendo Network ID?
Yes, but only within 30 days of deletion. After that, the account is permanently deleted and cannot be restored.
2. Can I delete my Nintendo Network ID and make a new one with the same email?
Yes, but only after the 30-day waiting period following the deletion of your previous NNID. Only one Nintendo Account can be linked to a single email address at any given time.
3. Can I merge two Nintendo Network IDs?
No. Nintendo does not offer a service to merge two separate Nintendo Accounts or NNIDs into one.
4. How do I reset my Nintendo Network ID without email?
The best approach is to contact Nintendo Support directly. Call them at 1-800-255-3700. They can assist you in recovering your account even if you’ve forgotten the associated email address.
5. What can I do with a Nintendo Network ID?
A NNID allows you to access online features on Wii U and 3DS systems, including the Nintendo eShop, online multiplayer, and features like Miiverse (which has been discontinued).
6. Is my Nintendo Account the same as my Nintendo Network ID?
No. A Nintendo Network ID (NNID) is used on Wii U and 3DS systems. A Nintendo Account is used on the Nintendo Switch, smart devices, and computers. They are distinct but can be linked.
7. Will I lose my games if I delete my Nintendo account?
Yes, if you are referring to the Nintendo Account that is linked to your Switch. The digital games purchased with that account will become unplayable. Physical games will still work, but any DLC associated with the deleted account will be unusable. If you are referring to your NNID, then you will lose your games on the WiiU and 3DS.
8. How do I delete my Nintendo Network account?
On your Wii U or 3DS, go to the Nintendo eShop, navigate to Settings/Other, and select Delete Account. You’ll need to enter your system’s serial number to confirm.
9. How much does a Nintendo Network ID cost?
Creating and using a Nintendo Network ID is completely free.
10. Is the Nintendo Network ID still active?
Yes, NNIDs are still active on Wii U and 3DS systems. However, the ability to create a new Nintendo Account using an NNID, Facebook, or Twitter has been discontinued.
11. Do I need a Nintendo Network ID for Switch?
No. You need a Nintendo Account for the Nintendo Switch. You can link an existing NNID to your Nintendo Account, but it’s not required.
12. How do I change my network ID switch?
You cannot change your Nintendo Network ID once it has been created. The only option is to delete the account and create a new one, which means losing all associated data.
13. How do I delete my Nintendo switch email account?
Log in to your Nintendo Account on the Nintendo website, go to Privacy and Other Settings, and click the Delete Account link.
14. How many systems can a Nintendo Network ID be connected to?
A single Nintendo Network ID can be linked to one Wii U and one system in the Nintendo 3DS family.
15. Can two people use the same Nintendo online account?
Yes, with a Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership. This allows multiple accounts to access online services, even on different consoles.