What is the Purpose of a Nintendo Account?

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The purpose of a Nintendo Account is to provide access to various online services and features on Nintendo Switch systems, including the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo Switch Online membership service, and the My Nintendo rewards program. A Nintendo Account is required to use online services on Nintendo Switch systems, such as making purchases on the Nintendo eShop, playing online multiplayer games, and accessing cloud saves.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. Why do you need a Nintendo Account?: A Nintendo Account is required to use online services on Nintendo Switch systems, such as making purchases on the Nintendo eShop and playing online multiplayer games.
2. What does a Nintendo Account give you?: A Nintendo Account provides access to certain features on Nintendo Switch, including the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo Switch Online membership service, and the My Nintendo rewards program.
3. Can you play Switch without a Nintendo Account?: Nintendo Accounts are only needed if you plan to do online interactions, such as playing or trading with others in-game or accessing the eShop.

Account Creation and Management

4. How to create and link a Nintendo account for Nintendo Switch?: A Nintendo Account can be created for free on the Nintendo Account website, and then linked to a Nintendo Switch console.
5. Do Nintendo accounts expire?: After 30 days of inactivity, a Nintendo Account may be subject to deletion, but this can be prevented by periodically logging in to the account.
6. Can a 13-year-old have a Nintendo Account?: Nintendo Accounts can only be created by users age 13 and older, but parents or guardians can create and manage accounts for children under 13.

Online Services and Features

7. What can you do with a Nintendo Online account?: A Nintendo Online account provides access to online multiplayer gaming, cloud saves, and a library of classic NES and Super NES games.
8. Do you need a Nintendo Account to play with friends?: A Nintendo Account is required to play online with friends, as it allows for the creation of a friend list and online gaming sessions.
9. Can 2 players play online on the same Switch?: Yes, up to 2 players can play online on the same Nintendo Switch console, using a single Nintendo Account.

Purchases and Subscriptions

10. How much is a Nintendo online account for a year?: The Individual Nintendo Switch Online plan costs $3.99 per month, $7.99 per 3 months, and $19.99 annually.
11. Do you need a credit card for a Nintendo Account?: A credit card or PayPal account is required to purchase a Nintendo Switch Online membership or make other online purchases.
12. Do you need Nintendo online for Mario Kart?: Yes, a Nintendo Switch Online membership is required to play Mario Kart online.

Games and Content

13. What games can you play without Nintendo Switch Online membership?: Certain games, such as Dauntless, Brawlhalla, and Overwatch 2, can be played online without a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
14. Can a Nintendo child account play my games?: Digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them, but all users on a system can play games purchased by any Nintendo Account that has registered the system as their primary console.

Miscellaneous

15. Why do I have to pay 50 cents for a Nintendo Account?: A one-time fee of $0.50 is charged to verify that a parent or guardian has provided consent for a child to create a Nintendo Account, as a parental control measure.