Can I Use My Wii U Account on the Switch?
The short answer is: Yes, but not directly in the way you might think. You cannot simply “transfer” your Wii U account to a Nintendo Switch and continue playing all your Wii U games. However, you can link your Nintendo Network ID (NNID), the account used on the Wii U, to your Nintendo Account, which is the account system used on the Nintendo Switch. This process is crucial for accessing certain features and retaining some benefits, but it’s essential to understand the differences between these two account systems.
Understanding the Differences: NNID vs. Nintendo Account
Before delving into the linkage process, it’s crucial to differentiate between the Nintendo Network ID (NNID) and the Nintendo Account. The NNID was the account system used on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS consoles. It was necessary for online play, accessing the eShop, and purchasing digital content on these systems.
On the other hand, the Nintendo Account is the more modern account system used by the Nintendo Switch. This account is more versatile, as it’s also used for other Nintendo services such as My Nintendo, and mobile games. While both systems serve a purpose, they are distinct in their nature and functionality.
Linking Your Nintendo Network ID to Your Nintendo Account
While you cannot directly port over your digital Wii U library, linking your NNID to your Nintendo Account offers some key advantages. Here’s what you need to know:
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Why Link Them? Primarily, linking the two accounts allows you to accumulate Gold Points on your Nintendo Account for purchases made on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS eShops prior to their closure. Even though the eShops are closed, any past purchases associated with your NNID will contribute to your overall Nintendo Account balance of Gold Points. Additionally, it’s crucial for certain functionality that requires online access and it ties your past purchases to your overall Nintendo digital ecosystem.
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How to Link: The linking process is done on a Nintendo Switch, not a Wii U. Here are the steps:
- On the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu, select System Settings.
- Go to the Users section, then select your user.
- Navigate to the Linked Accounts option.
- Choose to Link a Nintendo Network ID.
- You’ll be prompted to sign in using your Nintendo Account, and then follow on-screen instructions to complete the link.
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Important Note: You can only link one NNID to one Nintendo Account. Make sure you are using the correct Nintendo Account before you link.
What Linking Doesn’t Do: Game Transfers
It’s vital to understand that linking your NNID to your Nintendo Account does NOT transfer your digital Wii U games to your Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Switch is a new system that is not backward compatible with games designed for the Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS. This means you cannot access your purchased digital games on your Switch.
While some games have received enhanced re-releases or ports on the Switch, those are treated as separate purchases, meaning you would need to buy them again. The link only preserves your account association for benefits such as Gold Points, and helps streamline your Nintendo digital ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify how your Wii U account interacts with the Nintendo Switch:
Can I play my Wii U games on my Nintendo Switch?
No, Wii U games cannot be played on Nintendo Switch. The Switch is not backward compatible with Wii U games, both physical and digital. You may need to purchase a remastered version of the game if it is available on the Switch.
Does linking my NNID transfer my purchased Wii U games to my Switch?
No, linking your NNID does not transfer your Wii U games to your Switch. It only allows you to earn Gold Points on your Nintendo Account for past purchases made on your Wii U using the NNID.
Can I use my NNID to purchase games on the Switch eShop?
No, the Nintendo Switch eShop uses the Nintendo Account, not the Nintendo Network ID. The NNID is linked to your Nintendo Account but it is not used for purchasing games on the Switch platform.
What is the benefit of linking my Nintendo Network ID to my Nintendo Account?
Linking your accounts allows you to earn Gold Points on your Nintendo Account from previous purchases on the Wii U and 3DS eShops. It also streamlines your Nintendo online experience by connecting your past digital purchases to your current account.
Can I unlink my Nintendo Network ID from my Nintendo Account?
While you can’t “unlink” them as a single action, you can change the linked Nintendo Network ID to a different one. However, you can’t have more than one NNID linked to one Nintendo Account. If you no longer want to use a NNID, deleting the Nintendo Account on the associated system effectively unlinks it for future use with that account.
Can I transfer my save data from my Wii U to my Nintendo Switch?
In general, game saves cannot be transferred across platforms. However, some games, like Minecraft, provide a transfer tool to move data to the Nintendo Switch. This is not common.
Can I use a Nintendo Network ID on a different Wii U?
Yes, you can use an existing NNID on another Wii U, but a system transfer is required to move your account and digital content. Without a system transfer, it is not possible to use your digital purchases from your original Wii U on the new console. System transfers of your NNID are not allowed on other Nintendo systems.
Is a Nintendo Network ID the same as a Nintendo Account?
No, a Nintendo Network ID is used on the Wii U and 3DS, while a Nintendo Account is used on the Switch, mobile devices, and other online services. They are different account systems that can be linked for benefits.
Are Wii U games tied to an account?
Technically, Wii U games are tied to the Nintendo Network ID, but in practice, since the NNID is tied to the Wii U console, the purchases are effectively tied to the console itself. A system transfer will bring over your digital purchases if done correctly.
Can I create a new Nintendo Network ID on my Nintendo Switch?
No, the Nintendo Switch does not support the creation of a new Nintendo Network ID. The system uses the Nintendo Account. You can only link your existing NNID to your Nintendo Account.
Can I still buy games on the Wii U eShop?
No, the Wii U eShop was closed on March 27, 2023. Purchasing any digital content on that platform is no longer possible.
Can I use my Wii U friend list on my Nintendo Switch?
No, your Wii U friend list does not transfer to your Switch. The friend system is different and based around your Nintendo Account, not your NNID.
Is the Wii U still supported by Nintendo?
No, Nintendo has discontinued the Wii U console, as of January 31, 2017, and eShop support ended on March 27, 2023. Online services for the Wii U will be discontinued as of April 2024.
Can I transfer my Minecraft Wii U world to Minecraft on the Nintendo Switch?
Yes, Minecraft on Wii U includes a tool to transfer save data to Minecraft on Nintendo Switch. This is not a common feature among all games.
What should I do with my Wii U now?
While you can no longer purchase new games, the Wii U still functions as a console for any physical games you own. It can also serve as a way to replay digital games you have purchased prior to the eShop closure, until Nintendo decides to discontinue online services for the console in April of 2024.
Conclusion
While you can’t directly use your Wii U account on the Switch in terms of transferring game libraries, understanding the relationship between the Nintendo Network ID and the Nintendo Account is important for retaining any accrued benefits from past purchases. By linking your accounts, you ensure that any previous digital purchases contribute to your Nintendo Account Gold Points. Remember, while you can enjoy your memories of the Wii U and potentially play those games again on the Wii U, you’ll need to repurchase any Wii U games that you wish to play on the Nintendo Switch.