Why Does It Say My Nintendo Account Is Already Linked?

The dreaded message: “This Nintendo Account is already linked to another user.” It’s a common frustration for Nintendo Switch owners, particularly those sharing consoles or managing multiple accounts. The core reason behind this message is that Nintendo enforces a strict one-to-one relationship between a Nintendo Account and a user profile on a Nintendo Switch. Simply put, a single Nintendo Account cannot be simultaneously linked to multiple user profiles on the same console. This is designed to manage digital game ownership and prevent account sharing abuses.

However, there are many nuanced situations that trigger this message. It could be a simple mistake, such as accidentally trying to link the same account to two profiles. It could also be a more complex issue involving past console usage, linked Epic Games accounts, or conflicting account information. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial to resolving the problem. Let’s dive deeper and explore the potential culprits and how to troubleshoot them.

Understanding the Nintendo Account Ecosystem

Before tackling specific fixes, it’s vital to grasp how Nintendo’s online ecosystem works. A Nintendo Account is your key to accessing online services, downloading digital games from the eShop, and syncing save data. Each Nintendo Switch console can host multiple user profiles, each representing a different player. These user profiles are, by default, local accounts to the console only. To unlock the full online functionality for any user, including downloading games and syncing game saves, one must link it to a Nintendo Account.

This linking process creates a bond between the user profile and the Nintendo Account. This bond is, unless you take specific actions, permanent. Nintendo makes it difficult to “unlink” accounts to reduce the risk of someone getting control of your account. The system is designed to prevent abuse and digital game sharing beyond what is intended by Nintendo. If you aren’t able to link a Nintendo Account, it is likely the account is already bound to an existing user. Now let’s troubleshoot!

Troubleshooting the “Already Linked” Error

Here’s a structured approach to diagnosing and resolving the “already linked” error:

1. Double-Check the Obvious: Are you absolutely certain you’re using the correct Nintendo Account? Verify the email address and password associated with the account. It’s easy to have multiple Nintendo Accounts created over the years, especially if you’ve owned older Nintendo consoles like the 3DS or Wii U.

2. Identify the Existing Link: If you’re sharing a console, determine which user profile is already linked to the Nintendo Account you’re trying to use. Consult with other household members to identify which profile uses the correct Nintendo Account.

3. Consider Past Console Usage: Did you previously own a different Nintendo Switch and link the account to it? Even if you no longer use that console, the link might still exist. While you can link your Nintendo Account to multiple Switch consoles, only one can be designated as the “primary console.” This can sometimes cause confusion, though it shouldn’t directly prevent linking to a new user profile if the account isn’t already linked to a profile on the current console.

4. Epic Games Account Conflicts: This is a common culprit, particularly if you play Fortnite. Your Nintendo Account might already be linked to an Epic Games account. And, that Epic Games Account may then have been linked to another Nintendo Account. Epic Games enforces a one-to-one relationship between console accounts (like Nintendo Accounts) and Epic Games accounts. To resolve this, you must first unlink the Nintendo Account from the existing Epic Games account through the Epic Games website (epicgames.com). Then, you can relink it to the desired Epic Games account. This process is a common source of frustration, but it’s a necessary step.

5. Date of Birth and Country of Residence: As stated in the original article, ensure the date of birth and country of residence listed on your Nintendo Network ID (if you have one from a 3DS or Wii U) match the information on your Nintendo Account. Discrepancies can prevent linking.

6. The Nuclear Option: Deleting the User Profile (Use with Caution): As a last resort, you can delete the user profile that’s currently linked to the Nintendo Account. Be warned: this will erase all save data associated with that user profile. If you’re comfortable with this and have backed up your save data (if you have Nintendo Switch Online), this will completely unlink the Nintendo Account. Afterwards you can link to the user profile you want.

7. Contact Nintendo Support: If all else fails, reach out to Nintendo Support directly. Their representatives can investigate your account and identify any hidden or unusual linking issues.

How To Unlink A Nintendo Account from an Epic Games Account.

1. On a PC, visit https://www.epicgames.com/account/.
2. Select “Connected Accounts”.
3. Find the Nintendo Switch Icon and select “Unlink”.

How to Relink a Nintendo Account to Epic Games.

1. On a PC, visit https://www.epicgames.com/account/.
2. Select the Nintendo Switch icon to sign in to the account associated with your Nintendo Account.
3. Select “Sign In” when prompted to sign in to your Nintendo Account.
4. Enter the e-mail address and password associated with your Nintendo Account.

How to Permanently Delete Game Data from a Switch

1. From the HOME Menu, select “System Settings.”
2. Scroll down and select “Data Management,” then “Delete Save Data.”
3. Select the game title for which you want to delete the save data.
4. If available, select the User for which you want to delete the save data, or select “Delete All Save Data for this Software.”

The Importance of Digital Literacy and Account Management

The challenges surrounding Nintendo Account linking highlight the growing importance of digital literacy, especially for families. Teaching children (and even some adults) about responsible account management is crucial to avoiding these common pitfalls. This includes:

• Understanding the concept of linking accounts.
• Keeping track of login credentials.
• Avoiding the creation of unnecessary accounts.
• Understanding the consequences of deleting user profiles.

Games Learning Society

The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) recognizes the pivotal role that video games play in learning and development. Understanding complex systems such as the Nintendo Account ecosystem, contributes to a deeper appreciation of how games impact cognitive skills.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Nintendo Account linking:

1. Can a Nintendo Account be linked to 2 devices?

Yes, a Nintendo Account can be linked to multiple Nintendo Switch consoles. However, only one console can be designated as the primary console for that account.

2. How many users can be linked to a Nintendo Account?

A Nintendo Account can only be linked to one user profile per Nintendo Switch console. However, one can create up to 8 user accounts on one console.

3. Will I lose my games if I delete a user on Switch?

If the user is not linked to a Nintendo Account and you delete the user, your downloaded games for that user will be inaccessible. If the user is linked to a Nintendo Account, purchases made by that account can be redownloaded as long as you still have access to that Nintendo Account. The game saves will be lost if not backed up through Nintendo Switch Online.

4. Is it possible to unlink a Nintendo Account from Epic Games?

Yes, you can unlink a Nintendo Account from an Epic Games account through the Epic Games website (epicgames.com).

5. Why won’t my Nintendo Account link to my Epic Games account?

This usually occurs because the Nintendo Account is already linked to a different Epic Games account, or vice versa.

6. How do I relink my Nintendo Account to Epic Games?

You can relink your Nintendo Account to Epic Games by visiting epicgames.com, signing in to your Epic Games account, and connecting your Nintendo Account in the “Connections” section.

7. Can I have my games on two switches?

Yes, you can download and play your digital games on any Nintendo Switch console linked to your Nintendo Account. However, only one console can be the primary console.

8. Does a Nintendo Account cost money?

Creating a Nintendo Account is free. However, some online services, such as playing games online with friends, require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, which does cost money.

9. How do I change my supervised account on Nintendo switch?

You can lift parental controls restrictions on a supervised Nintendo Account by logging into the admin or parent/guardian Nintendo Account in the family group settings and selecting the option to stop supervising.

10. Can you have 2 Epic Games accounts with same email?

No, each Epic Games account requires a unique email address. You cannot have two Epic Games accounts using the same email.

11. How do I unlink a connected account?

The process to unlink a connected account varies depending on the platform. Typically, you can find these settings in the account settings menu under “Connected accounts,” “Linked accounts,” or “Apps.”

12. How do I find all the accounts linked to my name?

Checking your credit report is the easiest way to find accounts linked to your name and Social Security number. This primarily applies to financial accounts, not gaming accounts.

13. What does unlink account mean?

Unlinking an account means severing the connection between two separate accounts, preventing them from sharing data or functionality.

14. Can I delete my linked account and create a new one?

Yes, you can delete a linked account and create a new one. However, understand that deleting an account typically erases all associated data, which can not be recovered.

15. Do you get your money back if you delete a game on Nintendo?

Nintendo generally does not offer refunds for downloaded games or DLC, even if purchased by mistake or if you don’t like the game.

The “already linked” error can be frustrating, but by understanding the Nintendo Account system and following these troubleshooting steps, you can usually resolve the issue and get back to enjoying your favorite games. Remember to practice good account management habits to prevent future headaches.