How Long Does It Take for a Nintendo Switch Account to Be Deleted?
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The simple answer is 30 days. When you initiate the process of deleting your Nintendo Account, it enters a 30-day deactivation period. During this time, the account is essentially in a state of limbo, giving you a chance to change your mind. After this 30-day window, the Nintendo Account is permanently deleted from their systems and cannot be restored. It’s a one-way ticket to the digital abyss, so be absolutely sure before you click that final button.
Deleting a Nintendo Account is not the same as deleting a user account on your Nintendo Switch console, though the two are often intertwined. Understanding the distinction is crucial, as deleting a user account only removes the profile and save data from the console itself, but does not touch the underlying Nintendo Account if it is linked.
Deleting Your Nintendo Account: The Step-by-Step
Deleting your Nintendo Account is a multi-step process designed to ensure you understand the consequences. Here’s how to do it:
- Sign In: Access the Nintendo Account website using a web browser and sign in to the account you wish to delete.
- Privacy and Other Settings: Navigate to the “Privacy and Other Settings” section of your account. This is usually found within the account settings menu.
- Delete Account Link: Look for a “Delete Account” link, typically located at the bottom of the page.
- Read the Information: Carefully read the onscreen information regarding Nintendo Account deletion. This is where Nintendo spells out exactly what you will lose, so pay close attention.
- Deactivate and Delete: Once you have read and understood the implications, click “Deactivate and Delete” to begin the 30-day deactivation period.
Important Considerations Before Deleting
Before you hit that final delete button, consider these crucial points:
- Loss of Digital Content: You will lose access to all digital games, DLC, and in-app content purchased or acquired with that Nintendo Account.
- My Nintendo Rewards: Your mission status, points, and rewards in the My Nintendo rewards program will be forfeited.
- Save Data: While deleting the Nintendo Account itself doesn’t directly delete save data on the console, you’ll lose access to save data backups stored in the Save Data Cloud service if they’re linked to that account.
- Nintendo Network ID (NNID): Note that deleting your Nintendo Account does not delete your Nintendo Network ID or any linked social network accounts.
- Primary Console Deregistration: If you’re planning to use your games on a different Switch, you’ll need to deregister your primary console first.
Deleting a User Account on Your Nintendo Switch
Deleting a user account from your Nintendo Switch is a separate process from deleting your Nintendo Account. This only removes the local profile and data from the console itself. Here’s how:
- System Settings: From the HOME Menu, select “System Settings.”
- Users: Scroll down to highlight “Users,” then select the appropriate user account to access the profile settings.
- Delete User: Scroll to the bottom of the settings and select “Delete User.”
- Confirmation: Check the box next to “Delete” to confirm, then select “Next.”
- Final Deletion: Select “Delete this User.”
Consequences of Deleting a User Account
- Save Data Loss: Deleting a user account will delete all save data associated with that account on the console.
- Irreversible Action: Save data cannot be recovered once it is deleted unless it was backed up using the Save Data Cloud feature.
- Unlinking from Nintendo Account: If the user account is linked to a Nintendo Account, deleting the user account effectively unlinks them. However, the Nintendo Account itself still exists unless you delete it separately following the steps outlined above.
FAQs: Deleting Your Nintendo Account
Here are some frequently asked questions about deleting your Nintendo Account and related processes:
1. Can I instantly delete my Nintendo Account?
No, there is no instant deletion. You must wait for the 30-day deactivation period to expire before the account is permanently deleted.
2. Can I reactivate my Nintendo Account during the 30-day deactivation period?
Yes, you can reactivate your account by simply logging back in during the 30-day period. This will cancel the deletion process.
3. What happens to my digital games if I delete my Nintendo Account?
You will lose access to all digital games and downloadable content purchased or acquired with that Nintendo Account. They are tied to the account and cannot be transferred.
4. Will deleting my Nintendo Account delete my save data?
Deleting your Nintendo Account doesn’t directly delete save data on your Nintendo Switch console. However, you’ll lose access to save data backups stored in the Save Data Cloud service if they are linked to that account. Save data stored locally on the console remains until the user account associated with it is deleted.
5. Does deleting my Nintendo Account affect my Nintendo Network ID (NNID)?
No, deleting your Nintendo Account does not delete your Nintendo Network ID. These are separate entities.
6. Can I unlink my Nintendo Account from my Nintendo Switch without deleting anything?
No, you cannot unlink a Nintendo Account from a user account on a Nintendo Switch without deleting the user account. Once linked, the only way to sever the connection is to remove the user account from the console.
7. What happens to my My Nintendo rewards if I delete my Nintendo Account?
You will lose all mission status, points, and rewards associated with your My Nintendo account.
8. Can I get a refund for digital games if I delete my Nintendo Account?
Nintendo does not typically offer refunds for digital games if you delete your account. It is unlikely you will receive any money back.
9. How many Nintendo Accounts can I have on one Nintendo Switch console?
You can have up to 8 Nintendo Accounts linked to different user accounts on a single Nintendo Switch console.
10. What happens to a Nintendo child account when they turn 13?
Nothing automatically happens. The child account remains a child account, even after the user turns 13. This is unlike some services where the account automatically upgrades to a full adult account. To change it requires parental intervention.
11. If I delete a user on Switch, will I lose my games?
The games themselves, if digitally purchased, are tied to the Nintendo Account, not the user account. Deleting a user account will make those digital games unplayable on that particular profile, but they can be redownloaded on another Switch linked to the same Nintendo Account. Physical games are unaffected, though DLC purchased with a specific user account may become unusable until the game is re-purchased.
12. Can I recover a deleted Switch user account?
Only if the deletion occurred within the 30-day deactivation period for the linked Nintendo Account. If the Nintendo Account is still active, you can reactivate it, which will also restore the user account on the Switch. Otherwise, once the 30 days have passed and the Nintendo Account is permanently deleted, the user account and its associated save data are gone for good.
13. How many times can you deregister a Switch account?
You can deregister a primary Nintendo Switch console from the console itself as many times as you like. However, remotely deregistering a primary console from your Nintendo Account can only be done once per year.
14. What happens if I delete a game I paid for on Switch?
Deleting or archiving software will not impact your save data. Once deleted, software can be redownloaded using the same Nintendo Account with which it was purchased. You aren’t losing the license to play the game; you are simply removing it from your console.
15. Is my Nintendo account a child account?
Nintendo Accounts for children can be created for users age 0 through 17. General Nintendo Accounts can only be created by users age 13 and older who have an email account. If you’re unsure, check your account settings or contact Nintendo support.
Understanding the deletion process for both Nintendo Accounts and user accounts on your Nintendo Switch is vital to avoid unexpected data loss or access issues. Be sure to carefully consider the consequences before taking any irreversible action. You can also expand your knowledge of games and learning by visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.