Understanding Nintendo Accounts: Child vs. Adult Accounts

The world of Nintendo accounts can be a bit confusing, especially when trying to navigate the differences between child accounts and adult accounts. This article aims to clarify these differences, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of how each account type functions and their specific limitations and benefits.

At its core, the primary difference between a child and adult Nintendo Account revolves around age restrictions and parental supervision. Adult Nintendo Accounts, often referred to as general accounts, are designed for users aged 13 and older. These accounts operate with full autonomy, having their own email addresses, unrestricted access to the Nintendo eShop, and the ability to manage their own settings. On the other hand, child Nintendo Accounts are specifically created for users aged 0-17, and they require a parent or guardian’s adult Nintendo Account for supervision and management. These accounts don’t have direct email registration and rely on the parent’s account for notifications. This distinction is paramount for ensuring a safe and age-appropriate gaming experience for younger users.

Key Differences Summarized

Here’s a breakdown of the core differences:

• Age Restriction: Adult accounts are for ages 13+, while child accounts are for ages 0-17.
• Email Registration: Adult accounts require a unique email address; child accounts do not and are linked to the parent/guardian’s email for notifications.
• Account Independence: Adult accounts operate independently, while child accounts are managed by a parent/guardian’s account.
• eShop Access: Adult accounts have unrestricted eShop access; child account purchases can be restricted.
• Linkage: Adult accounts can link to Google and Apple accounts, while child accounts can only link to a Nintendo Network ID.
• Nintendo Switch Online: Adult accounts can use individual memberships, whereas child accounts require a Family Membership to use online services.

Adult (General) Nintendo Accounts: Full Autonomy

An adult Nintendo Account offers complete autonomy in the Nintendo ecosystem. These accounts:

• Require a unique email address for registration.
• Allow users to manage their own account settings and preferences.
• Provide unrestricted access to the Nintendo eShop, allowing purchases and downloads.
• Can link to other services like Google and Apple accounts.
• Can purchase an individual Nintendo Switch Online membership.
• Can set up and manage family groups including child accounts.

This type of account is best suited for users who have full control over their gaming habits and finances. It enables them to explore the Nintendo universe without the direct intervention of a parent or guardian, offering a more independent gaming experience.

Child Nintendo Accounts: Supervised Gaming

Child Nintendo Accounts, on the other hand, are designed for younger users and come with necessary parental supervision. These accounts:

• Do not require an email address for registration; notifications are sent to the parent/guardian’s email.
• Are managed through a parent/guardian’s adult Nintendo Account via the Family Group feature.
• Often have restricted eShop access, which can be controlled by the parent/guardian.
• Can only link to a Nintendo Network ID.
• Require a Family Nintendo Switch Online membership to access online gaming features.
• Are automatically added as a supervised account to the parent/guardian’s family group.

These accounts offer parents and guardians the means to create a secure and appropriate gaming environment for their children. Controls on purchases and gameplay time are essential for nurturing responsible gaming habits.

The Transition at Age 18

It’s crucial to note that a child Nintendo Account does not automatically transform into an adult account when the user turns 18. Once created, it remains a child account, linked to the parent’s family group. To gain the full functionality of an adult account, the user will need to create a brand new one using their own email once they turn 13 and meet the age requirement. This is why it is vital to understand these account types during the initial setup.

Nintendo Family Group

The concept of a Nintendo Family Group is central to the management of child accounts. It allows a parent or guardian (the administrator) to manage up to seven child accounts through their own adult account. This feature offers several benefits, including:

• Centralized Management: Allows parents to monitor all child accounts from one central hub.
• Purchase Restrictions: Enables parental controls for eShop purchases.
• Nintendo Switch Online Access: Grants access to online services for child accounts under a Family Membership.
• Safety and Security: Provides a safer and more controlled gaming experience for younger users.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Nintendo accounts to help give more clarity:

What happens to a child Nintendo Account when they turn 18?

A child account does not automatically convert to an adult account at 18. It remains a supervised account linked to the parent/guardian’s Family Group. The user will need to create a new adult Nintendo Account once they are eligible.

Can a child Nintendo Account play my purchased games?

Yes, digital games are linked to the purchasing account. However, all users on a primary console can play games purchased by any account registered to that console.

Can a 12-year-old have a Nintendo Account?

Not directly. Users aged 12 and under cannot create their own Nintendo Account. However, an adult account holder can create and add a child account for them within a family group.

What can a child Nintendo Account do?

A child account provides access to various services, including My Nintendo rewards, birthday discounts, and digital software purchases (with parental controls).

Can a child Nintendo Account make purchases?

Yes, but parents/guardians can restrict eShop purchases. They can also add funds to the child’s account balance through credit cards or prepaid cards.

Can two Nintendo Accounts share games?

Yes, digital games can be played on any console linked to your Nintendo Account. However, only one console can be registered as the primary console, allowing any user on that console to access the game.

Can a 13-year-old have their own Nintendo Account?

Yes, a user who is 13 or older can create their own adult Nintendo Account.

Are Nintendo Accounts free?

Yes, creating a Nintendo Account is free.

Can I use the same Nintendo Account on two switches?

You can link your Nintendo Account to multiple consoles, but only one can be the primary console. Games can be played on a non-primary console, but only by the account owner.

Does each family member need their own Nintendo Account?

Each family member can have their own Nintendo Account. Child accounts (ages 0-17) are linked to the parent’s Nintendo Account. Users 13+ can make their own accounts.

Can child accounts share games on Nintendo Switch?

Yes and no. On the primary console of an account, all users can share that accounts digital game library. All users do need a separate copy of a digital game if the other consoles linked are non-primary consoles or to play multiplayer together.

What happens if I delete a child account on Nintendo?

Deleting a child account will also delete any data on the account and the profile. The parent/guardian has 30 days to reactivate the account.

Can a child Nintendo Account play online?

Yes, they can if the parent/guardian has purchased a Family Nintendo Switch Online membership. An individual membership is linked to the purchasing account, and cannot be shared.

Can I merge two Nintendo Accounts?

No, it is not possible to merge multiple Nintendo Accounts into one.

How do I turn a Nintendo child account into a regular account?

You cannot directly convert a child account into an adult account. Once a child account is created, it cannot be changed even once the user turns 18. The user will need to create a new adult Nintendo Account and transfer any important data over.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between child and adult Nintendo Accounts is essential for navigating the Nintendo ecosystem, especially for families. By grasping these differences, parents and guardians can provide a safe, enjoyable, and age-appropriate gaming environment for their children, while older users can benefit from the independence and full access of an adult account. By using these guidelines, it will be easy to determine what type of account you or your family will need.