Can You Unlink a Switch Account? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you can unlink a Nintendo Account from a user account on a Nintendo Switch console, but it’s not always a straightforward process. The exact method and implications depend on several factors, including the type of account (adult or child), whether you want to unlink from the console or the parent/guardian’s account, and what you plan to do with the Nintendo Account afterwards. Understanding the nuances is crucial to avoid losing access to purchased games or inadvertently deleting important save data. Let’s dive into the details of unlinking Nintendo Accounts and explore common scenarios.

Understanding Nintendo Accounts and User Accounts

Before we delve into the specifics of unlinking, let’s clarify the relationship between Nintendo Accounts and user accounts on the Nintendo Switch.

• User Accounts: These are the individual profiles you create on your Nintendo Switch console. Up to eight user accounts can exist on a single console. Each user account allows players to personalize their settings and manage their own save data.
• Nintendo Accounts: These are online accounts that you create separately through Nintendo. Linking a Nintendo Account to a user account on your Switch unlocks online features, such as online multiplayer, access to the Nintendo eShop, and the ability to download purchased games.

How to Unlink a Nintendo Account from a User Account on a Switch

The primary method for unlinking a Nintendo Account from a user account involves accessing the System Settings on your Nintendo Switch console. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Navigate to System Settings: From the HOME Menu, select “System Settings.”
2. Select User: Choose the “User” option.
3. Select the User Account: Select the specific user account that is linked to the Nintendo Account you want to unlink.
4. User Settings: Choose “User Settings.”
5. Unlink Nintendo Account: Scroll down to the “Linked Accounts” section. If a Nintendo Account is linked, you’ll see its details here. Select “Unlink Nintendo Account.”
6. Confirm: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm that you want to unlink the account. You may be asked to enter your password.

Important Considerations:

• Impact on Save Data: Unlinking a Nintendo Account from a user account does not automatically delete the user account or its save data. However, if you subsequently delete the user account, all save data associated with it will be lost permanently.
• Access to Purchased Games: If you unlink a Nintendo Account, the user account on the Switch will no longer be able to access digital games purchased with that Nintendo Account.
• Primary Console: The ability to play digital games also depends on whether the console is registered as the primary console for the Nintendo Account. If the console is not the primary console, an internet connection will be required to verify the game license.

Unlinking a Nintendo Account from a Child Account

Unlinking a child’s Nintendo Account from a parent/guardian’s account has specific rules. Nintendo Accounts created specifically as “child accounts” (typically for users under 13) cannot be removed from the parent/guardian’s supervision, even if the child is now over 13. Only Nintendo Accounts that were added as existing accounts to the parent/guardian’s account can be removed.

To remove a supervised child account, follow these steps through a web browser:

1. Go to the Nintendo Account website and sign in to the parent/guardian’s account.
2. Select “Family Group.”
3. Choose the child account you wish to remove.
4. Select “Remove from Family Group.”

Important Considerations:

• Account Deletion: Removing a child account from the family group does not delete the Nintendo Account itself. It only removes it from the parent/guardian’s oversight. The child can then manage their own account independently.
• Age Restrictions: If the child is still under the age of 16 (or the applicable age in their region), they may need to create a new Nintendo Account with their own email address and date of birth.

Unlinking a Nintendo Account Without Console Access

If you don’t have access to your Nintendo Switch console, you can still deregister it as the primary console for your Nintendo Account through the Nintendo Account website.

1. Using a web browser, visit the Nintendo Account website.
2. Sign in to the Nintendo Account you wish to deactivate.
3. Select “Shop Menu.”
4. Select “Deregister Primary Console.”

Important Considerations:

• Deregistering vs. Unlinking: Deregistering a primary console does not unlink the Nintendo Account from a user account on the console. It simply removes the console’s primary status, which affects the ability to play downloaded games offline.
• Access to eShop: You will still need to access the console to actually unlink the Nintendo Account from the user account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I remove an account from my Switch?

Deleting a user account on your Switch removes the account from the console and deletes all save data associated with that account. This data cannot be recovered. If the user account is linked to a Nintendo Account, the Nintendo Account is not deleted, but software purchased with that account cannot be played on that console until the Nintendo Account is re-linked to a user account.

2. Can you have two accounts linked to one Switch?

Yes, you can link up to 8 Nintendo Accounts to a single Nintendo Switch console. This allows multiple users to access their own games and online features on the same device.

3. How do I change linked accounts on my Switch?

To change linked accounts, go to System Settings > User > [Your User] > User Settings > Linked Accounts. From here, you can unlink an existing Nintendo Account or link a new one.

4. Does deleting a user on Switch delete the Nintendo Account?

No, deleting a user account on the Switch does not delete the associated Nintendo Account. The Nintendo Account remains active and can be linked to a new user account on any Switch console.

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

Only Nintendo Accounts added as existing accounts to a parent/guardian’s account can be removed. Nintendo Accounts created specifically as “child accounts” (typically for users under 13) cannot be removed from the parent/guardian’s supervision.

6. How do I remove a Nintendo Account from a Switch without the console?

You can deregister the primary console from your Nintendo Account via the Nintendo Account website under Shop Menu > Deregister Primary Console. However, you still need access to the console to actually unlink the Nintendo Account from the user account.

7. What happens when you link Switch accounts?

Linking a Nintendo Account to a user account grants access to online features like online multiplayer, cloud saves (for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers), and the Nintendo eShop. It also allows you to use your purchased digital games on the Switch.

8. How many accounts can be linked to a Nintendo Switch?

Up to 8 user accounts can be created on a single Nintendo Switch console, and each user account can be linked to a separate Nintendo Account.

9. Can two Switches play the same digital game?

Yes, but with limitations. If one Switch is designated as the primary console for a Nintendo Account, all users on that console can play the digital games purchased with that account. On a non-primary console, only the user linked to the Nintendo Account that purchased the game can play it, and an internet connection is required for verification.

10. Will I lose everything if I delete a game on Switch?

Deleting a game from your Switch does not delete your save data. Save data is stored separately, but you can manually delete it through System Settings > Data Management > Delete Save Data. Games can always be re-downloaded as long as you have access to the Nintendo Account that purchased them.

11. Can two Nintendo Accounts share games?

Digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them. However, all users on the primary console for that account can play the games.

12. How many times can you change primary Switch?

There is no limit to how many times you can change the primary console for a Nintendo Account. However, you can only have one primary console per Nintendo Account at any given time.

13. What happens if I delete a child Nintendo Account?

Deleting a child Nintendo Account will permanently delete the account and all associated data after a 30-day grace period. Any games or purchases linked to that account will be lost.

14. Does deleting a user account delete everything?

Deleting a user account on the Switch deletes the user account itself and all associated save data. It does not delete the Nintendo Account that was linked to it.

15. Does factory resetting a Switch delete everything?

Yes, a factory reset of your Nintendo Switch will erase all data on the console, including user accounts, save data, downloaded games, and system settings. This is a useful step when selling or giving away your console.

Conclusion

Unlinking a Nintendo Account from a user account on a Nintendo Switch is possible but requires careful consideration. Understanding the consequences of unlinking, especially regarding save data and access to purchased games, is crucial. Furthermore, managing child accounts involves specific rules to ensure parental controls are maintained. By following the outlined steps and understanding the FAQs, you can effectively manage your Nintendo Accounts and user accounts on your Nintendo Switch console.

If you’re interested in learning more about the educational benefits of gaming, consider exploring the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Their research explores how games can foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking.