Unlinking Your Nintendo Network ID: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re thinking about severing ties between your Nintendo Account and your Nintendo Network ID (NNID)? You’ve come to the right place! This process can seem daunting, but we’re here to break down exactly what happens when you make that decision.

In essence, unlinking your NNID means you’re removing a connection between your older Nintendo systems (like the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS) and your newer Nintendo Account, primarily used on the Nintendo Switch and related online services. This impacts various aspects of your digital Nintendo life, from access to older content to the management of your account balance. Understanding these consequences is crucial before taking the plunge. Specifically, the link between your Mii character, older digital purchases, and your Nintendo Account may be affected.

Delving Deeper: What to Expect

Unlinking your Nintendo Network ID from your Nintendo Account doesn’t obliterate everything, but it does have significant repercussions. Here’s a detailed look at the key changes:

• Mii Character: After unlinking, your Mii associated with your NNID will no longer be displayed within your Nintendo Account settings. This is a purely cosmetic change, but it can be noticeable if you used your Mii extensively.

• Impact on Wii U and 3DS: The NNID remains active on your Wii U and 3DS systems (unless you specifically delete it separately). You can continue to access the Nintendo eShop on these devices as long as the NNID remains linked to them. However, the NNID is only linked to one Wii U console and one 3DS family system.

• Account Management Changes: If your Nintendo Account was initially created using your NNID, you’ll be required to link an alternative service (like a Google Account or Apple ID) or create a dedicated password for your Nintendo Account before unlinking. This ensures you retain access to your Nintendo Account after disconnecting the NNID.

• No Data Transfer: Unlinking your NNID does not automatically transfer any data, purchases, or funds associated with your NNID to your Nintendo Account. This is a crucial point – you need to take specific steps to merge funds (if desired) before unlinking.

• Potential Loss of Funds (If Not Merged): If you have a balance on both your Nintendo Account and your Nintendo Network ID, and you don’t merge them before unlinking, the funds in your Nintendo Network ID will remain tied to that NNID on your Wii U or 3DS. You won’t lose them entirely, but they won’t be readily accessible on your Nintendo Switch.

• No Impact on Switch Save Data: Unlinking your NNID has no direct impact on your save data on the Nintendo Switch. Save data is primarily associated with user profiles on the Switch console itself, and linked to the Nintendo Account, not directly to the NNID.

Why Would You Unlink?

You might be wondering, “Why would someone even want to unlink their NNID?” Here are a few common reasons:

• Account Security: Perhaps you suspect your NNID has been compromised and want to isolate it from your primary Nintendo Account.
• Troubleshooting: In some rare cases, unlinking and relinking can resolve certain account-related issues.
• Simplifying Account Management: You might prefer to manage your Nintendo Account using a more modern login method (like Google or Apple) rather than relying on the older NNID system.

Important Considerations Before Unlinking

Before you proceed, consider these crucial points:

• Merging Funds: If you have balances on both your Nintendo Account and NNID, strongly consider merging them before unlinking. This ensures you can use all your funds on your Nintendo Switch.

• Alternative Login Method: Ensure you have an alternative login method (email/password, Google Account, or Apple ID) set up for your Nintendo Account before unlinking your NNID. You don’t want to lock yourself out!

• Understanding the Consequences: Review the information above carefully to fully understand the potential impact of unlinking.

How to Unlink Your Nintendo Network ID

1. Sign in to your Nintendo Account on the Nintendo website.
2. Navigate to the “Linked Accounts” section.
3. Locate the Nintendo Network ID section.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to unlink your NNID. You will likely be prompted to create a password for your Nintendo Account.
5. Confirm your decision.

Additional Resources

For more information about Nintendo, you can visit the official Nintendo website. If you’re interested in games and learning, check out GamesLearningSociety.org. This website provides educational material related to games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Unlinking Nintendo Network ID

1. Will I lose my games if I unlink my Nintendo Network ID?

No, you will not directly lose your Nintendo Switch games. Digital games on the Switch are tied to your Nintendo Account, not your NNID. However, any games purchased on your Wii U or 3DS using your NNID will remain tied to that NNID on those systems.

2. Can I relink my Nintendo Network ID after unlinking it?

Potentially. You can usually relink your NNID to the same Nintendo Account, as long as the NNID isn’t already linked to another account. However, Nintendo’s systems can be finicky, so it’s best to contact Nintendo Support if you encounter any issues.

3. What happens to my Mii after unlinking my Nintendo Network ID?

Your Mii associated with your NNID will no longer be displayed in your Nintendo Account profile. However, your Mii will remain on your Wii U and 3DS systems.

4. Will unlinking my Nintendo Network ID affect my Nintendo Switch Online subscription?

No, unlinking your NNID will not directly affect your Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Your subscription is tied to your Nintendo Account.

5. I created my Nintendo Account with my Nintendo Network ID. Can I still unlink them?

Yes, but you must link an alternative service (Google Account, Apple ID) or create a dedicated password for your Nintendo Account before unlinking. This is essential to maintain access to your Nintendo Account.

6. Can I merge my Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo Account balances after unlinking?

It’s highly recommended to merge funds before unlinking. While there might be ways to do it after, it involves contacting Nintendo Support and can be a more complex process.

7. Does unlinking my Nintendo Network ID delete my Nintendo Network ID?

No. Unlinking simply removes the connection between your NNID and your Nintendo Account. Your NNID remains active on your Wii U and 3DS systems.

8. Can I transfer my Nintendo Network ID to another Nintendo Account?

No. According to Nintendo’s terms of service, you cannot transfer or sell your Nintendo Network ID to another person or account.

9. Will unlinking my Nintendo Network ID delete my friends list?

No, your Nintendo Switch friends list will not be affected as that is associated with your Nintendo Account. Your Wii U and 3DS friends list, tied to your NNID, will remain unchanged unless you specifically delete your NNID.

10. I’m having trouble unlinking my Nintendo Network ID. What should I do?

Contact Nintendo Support. They are the best resource for resolving any issues you encounter during the unlinking process.

11. Will my save data be deleted if I unlink my Nintendo Network ID?

Your save data on your Nintendo Switch will not be deleted. Save data is primarily associated with user profiles on the console itself, and linked to the Nintendo Account. Save data on your Wii U and 3DS remains tied to your NNID on those respective consoles.

12. Can I unlink my Nintendo Network ID from my child’s Nintendo Account?

Yes, you can unlink the NNID from your child’s account using the same process outlined above. However, ensure you understand the potential consequences, especially regarding access to games and funds on the Wii U and 3DS.

13. Is there a limit to how many times I can unlink and relink my Nintendo Network ID?

There isn’t a publicly stated limit, but excessively unlinking and relinking might raise flags with Nintendo’s security systems. It’s best to avoid doing this unless absolutely necessary.

14. What is the difference between a Nintendo Account and a Nintendo Network ID?

A Nintendo Account is used for modern Nintendo services, primarily on the Nintendo Switch, smart devices, and PCs. A Nintendo Network ID is an older account system used on the Wii U and 3DS families of systems. The Games Learning Society can provide further information on these topics.

15. If I factory reset my Nintendo Switch, will it unlink my Nintendo Network ID?

No, performing a factory reset on your Nintendo Switch will not automatically unlink your Nintendo Network ID from your Nintendo Account. The link persists on Nintendo’s servers. To unlink, you must follow the steps outlined earlier in this article through the Nintendo Account website.