How to Kick Someone Off Your Nintendo Account: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you need to remove someone from your Nintendo Account? Whether it’s a family member who’s outgrown the shared access, a friend who no longer needs it, or a more complex situation, knowing how to manage your Nintendo Account access is crucial. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to do it, along with answers to frequently asked questions.

The primary way to “kick someone off” your Nintendo account is to remove them from your Family Group or, if they are using your account directly on a console, by deregistering the console or removing the user account from the Switch. The specific method depends on their relationship to your account and the level of access they have. If they are part of your Family Group, you can remove them through your Nintendo Account settings online. If they are a user on your Switch console, you can remove their user profile directly from the device.

Understanding Nintendo Accounts and Family Groups

Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the structure of Nintendo’s account system.

• Nintendo Account: This is your overarching account, linked to your email address and used to manage purchases, online services, and other settings.

• Child Account: These are accounts created for users under the age of 18. They are managed and supervised by a parent or guardian through a Nintendo Account.

• Family Group: A Family Group allows you to link multiple Nintendo Accounts, primarily for managing Child Accounts and sharing Nintendo Switch Online benefits.

Removing a Family Group Member

This is the most common scenario for removing someone from access to your Nintendo Account features and benefits.

1. Log in to your Nintendo Account: Using a web browser, visit the official Nintendo Account website.

2. Access Family Group Settings: Once logged in, navigate to the “Family Group” section. This is usually found under your profile settings.

3. Select the Member to Remove: You will see a list of members in your Family Group. Choose the account you wish to remove.

4. Remove the Member: There should be an option to “Remove from Family Group.” Click this option.

5. Confirm the Removal: You will likely be presented with a confirmation screen. Review the information carefully, and then confirm the removal. Keep in mind, they are likely to lose access to certain games associated with your primary system.

Important Considerations:

• Removing a Child Account from the Family Group doesn’t delete the account itself. The child can then create their own general Nintendo Account (if they are over 13) or remain with a Child Account not tied to your Family Group.
• If you’re removing a Child Account, it’s wise to discuss it with the child beforehand to manage expectations and potential disruptions to their gameplay.

Removing a User Account from a Nintendo Switch Console

If someone is using your Nintendo Account on a Switch console, you can remove their user account from the device. Warning: This will delete all save data associated with that account on that specific console!

1. Access System Settings: From the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu, select “System Settings.”

2. Navigate to Users: Scroll down and select “Users.”

3. Choose the User Account: Select the user account you want to remove.

4. Delete User: Select “Delete User.” You will be prompted with a warning about data loss.

5. Confirm Deletion: If you understand the consequences and want to proceed, confirm the deletion.

Alternatives to Deletion:

• Archiving Data: If you want to preserve the user’s save data, consider archiving it before deleting the user.
• Transferring Data: If the user has their own Nintendo Account, you can transfer their save data to their own account and console.

Deregistering a Primary Console

You can deregister a primary console through the Nintendo Account website. This can effectively cut off access to digital games for users on that console who are not using the account that owns the games.

1. Log in to your Nintendo Account: Using a web browser, visit the official Nintendo Account website.

2. Access Shop Menu: Select “Shop Menu.”

3. Deregister Primary Console: Select “Deregister Primary Console.”

4. Confirm Deregistration: You will likely be presented with a confirmation screen. Review the information carefully, and then confirm the deregistration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I delete individual games from the Nintendo eShop account?

No, it’s not possible to delete individual games from your Nintendo eShop account’s purchase history. Once a purchase is made, it’s permanently associated with the account. However, you can archive or delete the game data from your Switch console to free up space.

2. Can I remove a Child Account from my Nintendo Account entirely?

You can remove a Child Account from your Family Group, which severs the direct link and parental controls. To delete the Child Account itself, you would typically need to contact Nintendo Support, as there isn’t a direct deletion option available to parents through the account settings.

3. What happens to a Nintendo Child Account when they turn 18?

Once a Child Account is created, it will not automatically convert to a general Nintendo Account when the user turns 18. It remains a Child Account unless changes are made by the parent/guardian.

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

Using a web browser, visit the Nintendo Account website. Sign in to the Nintendo Account you wish to deactivate. Select Shop Menu. Select Deregister Primary Console. This will remove the console’s primary status for that account, limiting access to digital games for other users on that console.

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

No, deleting a user account on the Nintendo Switch only removes the user profile and its associated save data from the console. The linked Nintendo Account is not deleted and can still be used on other devices.

6. Are Switch games tied to my account, or to the console?

Purchases on the Nintendo Switch eShop are tied to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase. You can register one primary console per Nintendo Account. Digital games can be played by anyone that uses the primary console.

7. Can I get a refund for a game I accidentally purchased on the Nintendo eShop?

Nintendo’s policy is generally not to provide refunds or exchanges for mistaken purchases. They encourage users to read game descriptions and view screenshots before making a purchase.

8. Can I unlink an email address from a Nintendo Account?

Yes, you can change the email address associated with your Nintendo Account. Go to the Nintendo Account website and sign in. Select User information, then scroll down to E-mail address and click Edit.

9. What’s the difference between a Nintendo Account and a Nintendo Network ID?

A Nintendo Account is the modern account system used on the Switch and for online services. A Nintendo Network ID (NNID) was used on older consoles like the Wii U and 3DS. While you can link a NNID to a Nintendo Account, they are distinct entities.

10. Can I have two Switches linked to the same Nintendo Account?

Yes, you can link your Nintendo Account to multiple Nintendo Switch consoles. However, you can only activate one primary console per Nintendo Account.

11. If I sell my Switch, will the buyer have access to my digital games?

If your Nintendo Account is still linked to the Switch and it is set as the primary console for your account, the buyer will have access to your digital games. It is crucial to unlink your account and deregister the console as primary before selling it.

12. Is it legal to sell my Nintendo Account?

Nintendo’s terms of service prohibit the sale or transfer of Nintendo Accounts. Selling your account could result in it being banned.

13. If I delete a game on my Nintendo Switch, do I lose my save data?

Deleting or archiving software will not impact your save data unless you delete user account on switch. Save data is stored separately. Once deleted, software can be redownloaded using the same Nintendo Account with which it was purchased.

14. Can two Nintendo Accounts share digital games on separate consoles?

Digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them. However, all users on a system will be able to play games purchased by any Nintendo Account that has registered the system as their primary console. Other consoles will only be able to play digital games from the account used to purchase it.

15. Where can I find more information about gaming and education?

For insightful resources and discussions on the intersection of gaming and education, be sure to visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website! The Games Learning Society offers a wealth of information on how games can be used effectively in educational settings.

Conclusion

Managing your Nintendo Account access is essential for maintaining control over your digital purchases, ensuring the security of your account, and setting appropriate boundaries for family members. By understanding the different methods for removing users, deregistering consoles, and managing Family Groups, you can ensure that your Nintendo experience remains safe, enjoyable, and tailored to your specific needs.