How To Set Up A Different Nintendo Account
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Setting up a new Nintendo Account is a straightforward process that can unlock a world of gaming possibilities. Whether you’re looking to create separate profiles for family members, manage multiple save data, or simply take advantage of different eShop regions, understanding how to set up and manage additional accounts is essential for any Nintendo Switch owner. Here’s a detailed walkthrough:
How to Create a New Nintendo Account:
The core process revolves around these key steps:
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Accessing User Settings: Start by powering on your Nintendo Switch and navigating to the HOME Menu. Select “System Settings” which is the gear icon located on the bottom row.
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Adding a New User: Scroll down on the left-hand menu to highlight “Users” and then select “Add User”. This will initiate the process of creating a new profile on your console.
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Choose a User Icon: You will now be prompted to select an icon for your new user profile. This will be the visual representation of the user and will be seen on the HOME Menu and in games. Pick an icon that you like and then click “Next”.
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Enter a Nickname: You’ll be asked to enter a nickname or username for this new profile. This is how you’ll identify this user on your system. Choose a name and click “OK”.
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Confirmation: You’ll be shown a confirmation screen. Review the selected icon and nickname, and if everything looks good, select “OK” again to complete the local user account creation.
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Linking to a Nintendo Account (Optional): At this point, your new user profile exists on the console. To fully utilize all the online features and to make game purchases, you need to link it to a Nintendo Account. If you don’t have one or are creating a separate one, you’ll need to select “Create New Nintendo Account” from the prompt. You can either create the new Nintendo account via the switch or on a separate browser and then link the existing Nintendo account.
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Follow the On-Screen Prompts: The Nintendo Account creation process will require you to provide some personal information, such as your date of birth, email address, and location. A verification email will be sent for you to confirm your account, so ensure you have a valid email address you can access. You’ll be prompted to create a username and password for the new Nintendo Account.
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Final Linking: Once you have the Nintendo Account created you will have to link it to the new profile via the Switch or browser if you created the account separately. Then select “Link” and input your Nintendo Account login credentials (email address and password) to complete the account linking process.
With these steps, you’ve successfully set up a new Nintendo Account. Keep in mind that a single email address can only be associated with one Nintendo Account. For multiple accounts, you will need to use different email addresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are 15 common questions about Nintendo Accounts, designed to provide further clarification and insights.
1. Can I Have Multiple Nintendo Accounts on One Switch?
Yes, you can have multiple Nintendo Accounts linked to a single Nintendo Switch. Up to 8 user accounts can be created on one console, and each can be linked to a different Nintendo Account. This allows for individual preferences, save files, and separate eShop access for each user.
2. Do I Need a Separate Nintendo Account for Each Switch I Own?
No, you do not necessarily need a separate Nintendo Account for each Switch. You can link your existing Nintendo Account to multiple consoles. However, it’s important to note that only one of these consoles can be designated as your primary console. This primary console is where anyone can play your digitally purchased games. All other consoles will require the profile associated with the digital games to be used to play said games.
3. How Do I Set Up a Second Nintendo Switch with My Existing Account?
To set up a second Switch with your existing account, create a new local user profile on your second Switch using a desired nickname. Then during the step where you can link to an existing account, link your existing account by inputting your username and password. This action will connect your account to the second system, enabling you to access your digitally purchased games.
4. What Is a Primary Nintendo Switch Console?
The primary console is the first Nintendo Switch that you use to connect to the Nintendo eShop. This designation grants all user profiles on the console access to any digital content purchased with the account of the primary user. This also means that for any other users on the primary console will be able to access your online services with the primary account user’s membership.
5. Can Others Play My Games on Non-Primary Switch Consoles?
Yes, but with some restrictions. On non-primary consoles, only the user that owns the game can play the digitally purchased content. Anyone on the primary console can access and play the games as long as the user has a local user account on that system.
6. Can I Share My Nintendo Switch Online Membership?
If you have an individual membership, then only the Nintendo Account that purchased the membership can access Nintendo Switch Online services. However, a family membership allows up to eight Nintendo Accounts, including those not on the same console, to access online features. Multiple users on the same console are not automatically covered by a family membership, and they would need their own Nintendo account to be added to the family membership.
7. Can I Use the Same Email Address for Multiple Nintendo Accounts?
No, you cannot. Only a single email address can be linked to one Nintendo Account. You will need different email addresses for multiple accounts. If you attempt to use an email already registered, you will receive an error message.
8. How Do I Switch Between Nintendo Accounts on My Switch?
To switch between user profiles on your Nintendo Switch, simply go to the HOME Menu and select the user icon you want to use. This will switch you to that profile, and you can then start the game from that account.
9. What Happens if I Delete a User Profile from my Switch?
If you delete a user profile, you will not lose the games that were purchased by the Nintendo Account associated with that profile. They are tied to the account itself. You can redownload those games if you log back in with that account via the Eshop.
10. Can I Unlink a Nintendo Account from a User Profile?
You cannot directly change or remove a currently-linked Nintendo Account from a user profile. However, you can switch the user profile to another Nintendo Account but you cannot unlink it. If you want to use an account on a new user profile you can delete the old profile if you would prefer.
11. Will I Lose Game Data if I Unlink a Nintendo Account?
Unlinking a Nintendo Account does not inherently cause you to lose your game data. However, this is dependent on if the saves are stored to the local system. As long as the save data is saved locally on the Switch and not on your old profile you will not lose the data. You might need to move the saved game data between profiles via system settings.
12. How Do I Make a Switch Console My Primary Console?
To make a Nintendo Switch console your primary console, simply use that console to access the Nintendo eShop with your Nintendo Account. This will automatically register that system as the primary console for the logged-in account.
13. Can Family Members Share Games on My Switch?
Yes, family members can share games on your primary Nintendo Switch. All user profiles on the primary console can access and play digitally purchased games from the account that owns them. Other users on your non-primary consoles, will have to play with the account that purchased the games.
14. How Much Does Nintendo Switch Online Cost?
Nintendo Switch Online individual memberships cost $3.99 per 30 days. This subscription includes access to online multiplayer, a selection of classic NES and SNES games, and cloud saves for compatible games. You may choose to upgrade to a more comprehensive membership that includes more benefits for a higher cost.
15. Why Can’t Others Play My Games on a Non-Primary Switch Console?
This occurs because you are not using the primary console for the Nintendo Account that purchased the game. On non-primary consoles, only the profile that purchased the game can start the game. To play the games on a non-primary console you must be logged into the account that owns the game.