What Do You Need for a Nintendo Account?

A Nintendo Account is your gateway to the full Nintendo experience, particularly on the Nintendo Switch console. Essentially, it’s a free online account that unlocks a range of services and features. To put it directly, you need very little to create one, but they are essential for accessing many functionalities, most notably: an email address for users 16 and older, or the parent’s/guardian’s Nintendo Account for users under 16. Let’s break down everything you’ll need, and what you can do with one!

Getting Started: The Basics

The primary requirement to create a Nintendo Account is to be at least 16 years old and have a valid email address. If you’re under 16, you’ll need a parent or guardian to create an account for you. This involves them creating their own Nintendo Account and then adding your account to their family group.

Once you meet the age requirement, or have the necessary parental involvement, the steps to create your account are simple:

1. Navigate to the Nintendo Account website.
2. Select “Sign In / Create Account.”
3. Choose “Create a Nintendo Account.”
4. You’ll then be prompted to enter your date of birth. This determines if you are of legal age to create your account yourself.
5. Decide on your sign-in method (using an existing Google or Apple ID, or creating a new account from scratch with your email).

Once this is done you will need to:

6. Agree to the Nintendo Account User Agreement after carefully reviewing it.
7. Verify your email address using the code Nintendo sends to you.

That’s it! Your Nintendo Account is now created and ready for use.

The Importance of a Nintendo Account

A Nintendo Account is much more than just an online profile. It is key to using many important aspects of the Nintendo ecosystem. Here’s why it’s beneficial:

• Purchasing Digital Games: To buy games from the Nintendo eShop, you need a linked Nintendo Account. This account is directly associated with the Nintendo Switch system that you are using, allowing for quick access to your purchased games
• Online Multiplayer: For most Nintendo Switch games that offer online co-op or competitive multiplayer, a Nintendo Switch Online membership and a Nintendo Account are essential. This includes popular titles like Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
• Cloud Save Backups: The Nintendo Switch Online service allows you to store game save data in the cloud. This is a crucial feature to protect progress and seamlessly jump between systems.
• Accessing My Nintendo Rewards Program: With a Nintendo Account, you can earn My Nintendo points for your game purchases and activities, which can then be redeemed for rewards like digital content and exclusive merchandise.
• Family Management: If you have children, a Nintendo Account family group allows parents to oversee their children’s accounts and manage their online experiences.

Essential Requirements: What you’ll need

Here’s a rundown of the items you’ll need to create and fully utilize a Nintendo Account:

• Email Address: A valid email address is essential for those 16 and older to create a personal account. This email will be used to verify your account and for important notifications.
• Date of Birth: Necessary to determine your age and eligibility to create a Nintendo Account independently.
• Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is required to access the Nintendo Account website and to use any of the online services of the Nintendo ecosystem.
• Parental/Guardian Supervision: For individuals under 16, the support and consent of a parent or guardian is essential for the creation and management of the account.
• Strong Password: A secure password is a must to protect your account. Nintendo requires a password that is 8 to 20 characters long and includes at least two categories of characters: uppercase or lowercase letters, numbers, and punctuation. It also needs to not repeat the same letter or character more than twice in a row.
• Optional Payment Method: For Nintendo Switch Online membership, you’ll need a payment method, such as a credit card or PayPal account, to be used for automatic renewal.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

1. What is the difference between a Nintendo Account and Nintendo Switch Online?

A Nintendo Account is a free user profile you need to use online services like the eShop. Nintendo Switch Online is a paid subscription service that grants you access to online play, cloud saves, and more, and requires a Nintendo Account to be accessed.

2. Do I need a credit card to create a Nintendo Account?

No, you don’t need a credit card to create a Nintendo Account. A payment method is only required if you wish to purchase a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

3. Is a Nintendo Account completely free?

Yes, creating and using a Nintendo Account is completely free. However, certain services like online multiplayer require a paid Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

4. Can a child have their own Nintendo Account?

Yes, children under the age of 16 can have Nintendo Accounts that are added to a family group managed by a parent or guardian. This allows for supervision and parental control.

5. How do I link a child’s account to my own?

After you create a Nintendo Account, you can add child accounts through the family group settings. You will need to provide consent and then manage their account from your own.

6. Can I play online without a Nintendo Account?

No, you need a Nintendo Account and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to participate in online multiplayer modes for most games.

7. How much does Nintendo Switch Online cost?

The cost varies, with an Individual membership being available as a monthly, 3-month, or annual plan. A Family membership covers up to eight users and is available as an annual plan. An Individual plan costs $3.99 per month, $7.99 per 3 months, and $19.99 annually.

8. What payment methods can I use for Nintendo Switch Online?

You can use a credit card or PayPal for purchasing and automatic renewal of Nintendo Switch Online memberships.

9. Can I share a Nintendo Account with my family?

No, you should not share an individual Nintendo Account. Instead, you should set up a family group using a Family Membership so everyone can use the online services independently under their own accounts.

10. How can I add money to my Nintendo Account without a credit card?

You can add funds using PayPal if you are 18 or older in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.

11. Do I need a Nintendo Account to buy physical games?

No, a Nintendo Account is not required for buying physical games in a store. However, linking your physical game card to the eShop can unlock reward points.

12. What happens if I don’t renew my Nintendo Switch Online membership?

If you don’t renew your membership, you will lose access to online play and cloud save backups. We cannot guarantee that your cloud data will be retained after an extended period of time after the membership expires.

13. Is Nintendo Switch Online worth it?

It depends on your gaming preferences. If you enjoy online multiplayer, cloud saves, and accessing a library of classic games, then it’s worth considering a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. If you are not looking for these options it may not be for you.

14. Can multiple users on the same Switch console use a family membership?

No, the users on the console are not covered by a family membership. Each player requires a separate Nintendo Account added to the family group to have the services under a family membership.

15. Do I need an email for a child’s Nintendo Account?

No, a child Nintendo Account that is part of a family group does not require an individual email. It’s linked and managed by the parent’s/guardian’s account.

By understanding these details, you’ll be able to make the most of your Nintendo experience with the help of your very own, easy-to-create, Nintendo Account.