Are you excited to unlock the full potential of your Nintendo Switch? To access the eShop, play online multiplayer, and sync your gameplay across devices, you need to create a Nintendo account.
Don‘t worry – setting up an account is a straightforward process. With this comprehensive guide, you‘ll learn how to register a Nintendo account through the web or directly on your Switch. I‘ll also provide tips for setting up child accounts and troubleshooting any issues.
Follow along with the step-by-step instructions, visuals, and expert advice. By the end, you‘ll have the keys to get the most enjoyment out of your Switch!
Why You Need a Nintendo Account
Before jumping into the account creation steps, let‘s briefly go over why a Nintendo account so important:
- Access the Nintendo eShop – The eShop is the digital store for purchasing downloadable Switch games. You can‘t even view the eShop without a Nintendo account.
- Play online multiplayer – To experience online play, leaderboards, and other social features in games like Mario Kart 8, you need a linked Nintendo account.
- Enable cloud saving – With a Nintendo Online subscription, you can back up your Switch save data securely to the cloud.
- Earn rewards – By using your account while playing games, you can earn My Nintendo points to redeem for digital rewards.
- Manage parental controls – Parents can restrict purchases and gameplay by linking a child‘s account.
Without a Nintendo account, you‘d miss out on much of what makes the Switch so fun and versatile. So it‘s worth taking a few minutes to set up an account properly.
Creating a Nintendo Account Online
The quickest and easiest method is to create your Nintendo account through a web browser on your phone, tablet, or computer:
Step 1: Navigate to the Nintendo Account Signup Page
Go to accounts.nintendo.com in your browser. This is the official account creation page.
Step 2: Enter Your Account Information
On the signup page, fill in the following details:
- Email address
- Password
- First and last name
- Region
- Date of birth
Make sure all info is entered correctly, especially your email. This is needed to verify the account.
You can also register using Facebook, Twitter, Google, or Apple to speed up the process.
Step 3: Accept the Terms of Service
Scroll down and check the box to agree to Nintendo‘s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. These must be accepted to create an account.
If you‘re making a child account, you‘ll also need to agree to Nintendo‘s COPPA terms.
Step 4: Verify Your Email Address
After submitting, Nintendo will email a 4-digit verification code to your address. Enter this code on the next page to confirm your email and finish making your account.
If you don‘t see the email, check your spam folder. The code expires after a short time if not used.
And that‘s all it takes! In just a few quick steps, you can register a fully working Nintendo account through the web.
Creating a Nintendo Account on Your Switch
Don‘t have easy web access? Not a problem! You can also create a Nintendo account right from your Switch console:
Step 1: Access System Settings
From your Switch‘s main home screen, select the System Settings icon (shaped like a gear).
This will open the settings menu.
Step 2: Open the Users Page
Use the joystick to scroll down to Users, then select it.
This will bring you to the Users page.
Step 3: Select Add User
Scroll right and choose the Add User option.
Step 4: Create a New User
Pick the Create New User option that‘s already highlighted.
Step 5: Set Up Your User Profile
Enter a nickname, choose an icon, and customize your new user.
Step 6: Link a Nintendo Account
Finally, select Link Nintendo Account when prompted.
You‘ll need to enter your email so Nintendo can send a verification code, which you‘ll have to check on another device and input back into your Switch.
Once you verify, your account will be linked!
While a bit more involved than the web method, this allows you to create a Nintendo account directly on your console if needed.
Comparison of Account Creation Methods
To summarize the steps above, here‘s a quick side-by-side look at creating a Nintendo account through the web vs. the Switch:
| Web Browser | Nintendo Switch |
|---|---|
| 1. Go to account creation website | 1. Open System Settings |
| 2. Enter account details | 2. Go to Users page |
| 3. Accept Terms of Service | 3. Select Add User |
| 4. Verify email for activation | 4. Create new user profile |
| 5. Choose Link Nintendo Account | |
| 6. Verify email from another device |
Both methods ultimately accomplish the same goal, but the web browser way is simpler since you don‘t have to juggle devices.
Setting Up a Child‘s Nintendo Account
Want to create a Nintendo account for a child under 13 years old? Here‘s how:
Step 1: Make a User Profile on Your Switch
On your console, create a user profile for your child with their name and icon.
Step 2: Link to an Adult Account
On a web browser, sign into your own Nintendo account, go to Family Group, and create a child account.
Step 3: Manage Parental Controls
You can now restrict purchases, play times, game content, and more through your linked adult account.
With a child account, your kids can access age-appropriate content while you maintain full parental oversight.
Linking Your Account to Your Switch Profile
One final step remains after creating your Nintendo account – linking it to your Switch user profile:
Step 1: Access Your Switch‘s Users Page
From System Settings, go to the Users page.
Step 2: Select Your Profile
Choose the user you want to link the account to.
Step 3: Choose Link Nintendo Account
Select the Link Nintendo Account option.
Step 4: Sign Into Your Account
Enter your account details or sign in through Google/Facebook to link it.
Once connected, you‘re ready to access the eShop, play online, and do everything else with your Nintendo account!
Troubleshooting Account Problems
For most users, making a Nintendo account is quick and seamless. But if you run into trouble, here are some tips:
- Didn‘t get verification email? Check spam folder, or try another email address.
- Forgot password? Use "Forgot Password" link to reset it.
- Already have an account? Sign in instead or use different email.
- Child account issues? Ensure Switch profile properly linked on Family Group page.
- Connection problems? Power cycle your Switch and router.
- Still not working? Contact Nintendo customer support for help troubleshooting.
With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the tools to swiftly create a Nintendo account, link it to your Switch, set up child profiles, and troubleshoot any issues that pop up.
So what are you waiting for? Your Switch is waiting for you to unlock its full potential. Enjoy seamless online multiplayer, instant digital downloads, cloud save backups, parental controls, and everything else a Nintendo account enables.
Game on!
