Seriously, why does creating a gaming account feel like solving a puzzle sometimes? I remember trying to create a Nintendo account before my nephew's birthday last year. Wanted to preload some games for his new Switch, but got stuck for 20 minutes because I didn't realize you need to verify your email twice. Talk about frustrating!
Good news though – it's actually super simple when you know the tricks. Whether you're setting up for online play, buying digital games, or just tracking stats, I'll walk you through exactly how to create Nintendo account without the headaches. No corporate jargon, just real talk from someone who's messed up so you don't have to.
Why Bother Creating a Nintendo Account Anyway?
Look, I get it – extra logins are annoying. But trust me, this one's worth it. Without a Nintendo Account:
✘ You can't play online – Forget Smash Bros tournaments or Animal Tea Parties
✘ No eShop access – Digital deals? Game demos? Nope
✘ Game saves stay trapped on your console (cloud saves require membership)
✘ Miss out on free games like Tetris 99 or Pac-Man 99
Last Nintendo Direct had this Zelda sale... my buddy without an account missed 30% off Breath of the Wild. Still bugs him!
What You'll Need Before Starting
Don't be like me trying to do this while half-asleep at midnight. Grab these first:
| Essential | Why It Matters | My Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Email Address | Verification and account recovery | Use one you actually check daily |
| Password Manager | Safer than reusing passwords! | Seriously, just get Bitwarden (free) |
| Birthdate | Age verification for content | Use real one - affects game access |
| Region | Determines eShop currency/prices | Match your Switch's country setting |
Heads up: Nintendo might lock accounts if they suspect fake info. Happened to a friend who set his region to Japan for cheaper games – took 3 support tickets to fix. Annoying!
Step-by-Step: Creating Your Nintendo Account
Where to Start the Process
First decision: doing this on your Switch or computer?
Creating a Nintendo account on Switch:
- Go to System Settings > Users > Add User
- Choose "Create New Account" when prompted
- Follow the on-screen wizard
Pro: Immediately links to your console
Con: Typing with Joy-Cons is torture
Personally? I always use a computer. Way faster typing. Here's how:
- Open any browser (Chrome/Firefox/Safari)
- Go to accounts.nintendo.com
- Click the fat red "Create a Nintendo Account" button
The Sign-Up Form Explained
Okay, form time. Looks straightforward but has traps:
| Field | What to Put | Common Mistakes |
|---|---|---|
| Nickname | Public display name | Don't use your real name! |
| Active email address | Typos cause verification fails | |
| Password | 12+ characters, mix cases | Avoid common words ("zelda123") |
| Birthdate | Real month/day/year | Under-13s get restricted accounts |
| Country/Region | Match Switch location | Changing later requires support |
Ugh Moment: The password rules are stricter than a school librarian. Needs uppercase AND lowercase AND numbers. Mine got rejected 4 times before I gave up and used their password generator.
The Annoying Email Verification Dance
Submit the form? Check your email immediately. You'll get something like this:
- Sender: [email protected]
- Subject: "Please verify your email address"
- Contains: Purple "Verify email" button
Click that button! It opens Nintendo's site showing "Verification complete." But wait – now go back to your email. See a SECOND message?
Yep, two emails total. First confirms verification, second confirms account creation. Why two? No clue. But if you miss the second one, you might panic thinking it didn't work. Ask me how I know...
Profile Setup: Don't Skip This!
After verifying, you'll land on your account dashboard. Crucial things to do NOW:
- Enable 2-Step Verification: Seriously, just do it. Found under "Sign-in and security settings"
- Add PayPal/Card: Under "Shop Menu" for faster checkouts
- Privacy Settings: Control who sees your activity
My lazy friend skipped 2-step verification. His account got hacked last month – someone bought $200 in Fortnite V-bucks. Took 6 weeks to get refunded.
Linking Your Nintendo Account to Switch
Account's made? Great! Now connect it to your console:
- On Switch home screen, open System Settings
- Scroll to Users > select your profile
- Choose "Link to Nintendo Account"
- Enter your new login credentials
Boom! Now you can:
• Access Nintendo Switch Online features
• Redeem download codes
• Buy games from eShop
• Backup saves to cloud
• Track play activity
Kid's tip: Want multiple accounts? Add new Users in System Settings and repeat the link process for each. Siblings won't fight over save files this way.
Creating Nintendo Account for Kids Under 13
This is where things get... bureaucratic. Nintendo follows COPPA laws strictly:
- Step 1: Create YOUR adult Nintendo Account first
- Step 2: In account settings, choose "Family Group"
- Step 3: Select "Add member" > "Create account for child"
- Step 4: Enter child's nickname and birthdate
Under-13 accounts can't:
| Post public comments | Use social features |
| Add friends without approval | Purchase without parent PIN |
Honestly? The parental controls are pretty solid. You get weekly playtime reports. But setting up the PIN? Make it something memorable. I used my cat's birthday and forgot it two days later.
Nintendo Account vs. Nintendo Network ID
Old 3DS or Wii U owners might be confused:
| Nintendo Account | Network ID (Old) | |
|---|---|---|
| Used For | Switch, apps, online services | 3DS, Wii U, Nintendo.com |
| Can Link? | Yes – merges funds/friends | No longer creatable |
| Required | For Switch online play | Legacy systems only |
If you have an old Network ID, create a Nintendo account first, then link them:
- Log into your Nintendo Account online
- Go to "User Info" > "Linked accounts"
- Select "Nintendo Network ID"
- Enter your old login details
Benefits? Keeps your eShop balance and friends list. Downside: Took me 3 tries because I forgot my ancient NNID password from 2014. Had to reset it!
Common Nintendo Account Questions Solved
I didn't get the verification email!
Check spam folder immediately. If nothing:
- Search "nintendo" in your email
- Ensure you entered email correctly
- Wait 15 minutes (servers lag sometimes)
- Resend from sign-in page
Can I change my country later?
Technically yes... but it's messy:
- Requires calling support
- eShop balance must be $0
- Breaks game subscriptions
Better to create Nintendo account with correct region upfront!
Why was my account suspended?
Common triggers:
- Chargebacks on purchases
- Offensive username/profile
- Payment method issues
Solution: Contact Nintendo Support with account details. Takes 3-5 business days usually.
How to delete Nintendo account?
Warning: This nukes everything! If sure:
- Log in at accounts.nintendo.com
- Go to "Other Settings"
- Select "Delete account"
- Follow confirmation steps
Deletion takes 30 days – you can cancel during this period.
Can I merge two accounts?
Sadly no. Nintendo doesn't allow merging. Your options:
- Keep using both separately
- Transfer purchases manually (impossible)
- Abandon one account
My advice? Pick one main account and stick with it!
After Account Setup: Must-Do Checklist
Congrats! Now boost your account security and utility:
✅ Enable 2-Step Verification: Uses Google Authenticator
✅ Add backup email/phone: Under "Sign-in settings"
✅ Set purchase PIN: Prevents accidental buys
✅ Link PayPal: Faster than card for small purchases
✅ Download Nintendo Switch Online app: For voice chat
✅ Claim free games: Like Tetris 99 or Pac-Man 99
One last tip: Update passwords yearly. Friend got his account stolen because he reused an old password from some sketchy fan forum. Took months to recover his Animal Crossing island!
My Personal Take: What Nintendo Gets Wrong
Look, I love my Switch. But their account system feels outdated:
- No username changes: Stuck with that cringey name you made at 3AM
- Region lock hassles: Travel abroad? eShop might block purchases
- Friend codes: Seriously, it's 2024. Give us usernames!
Still... for playing Mario Kart with friends overseas? Worth the headaches. Just follow this guide when you create a Nintendo account and you'll dodge most annoyances.
When You Might Need Customer Support
Hopefully you won't! But if things go sideways:
- US Phone: 1-800-255-3700 (6am-7pm PT)
- UK Phone: 0345 60 50 247 (£0.13/min)
- Online Chat: Via support.nintendo.com during business hours
Pro tip: Have ready before calling:
- Account email address
- Serial number under your Switch
- Recent purchase receipts (if relevant)
Wait times average 20 minutes. Bring coffee!
Advanced Tips for Power Users
Beyond basic setup:
Multiple Regions Trick
Create additional accounts for other regions:
- Creating a Nintendo account with region set to Japan
- Link to a new Switch user profile
- Access Japanese eShop exclusives!
Downside: Need separate email addresses. And you can't share funds between accounts.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack?
After creating your Nintendo account, consider upgrading:
- Individual: $20/year (basic online + cloud saves)
- Expansion Pack: $50/year (adds N64/Genesis games + DLCs)
Split costs with friends via Family Plan ($35/year for 8 people).
There you have it – everything I wish I knew before making my account. Follow these steps when you create a Nintendo account, avoid my mistakes, and you'll be gaming online in 10 minutes flat. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a Splatoon tournament to lose!
Leave a Message