How to Create a Nintendo Account: In 5 Steps with Photos

You don’t have to be a ’90s kid to be ecstatic about Nintendo’s latest consoles and games. But before you can race your friends in Mario Kart or dig up fossils in Animal Crossing, you’ll need to create a Nintendo account.

Things to Know About Nintendo Accounts

If you’re here, you are probably wondering why you need a Nintendo account and how to use it. Creating a Nintendo account is vital to playing games, tracking progress, and connecting to social media. You’ll even need a Nintendo account to download games. From your Nintendo account, you can buy games, play online, and save game progress to the cloud.

You must be at least 13 years old to create an account. Adults can create a child’s account and link it to an account owned by someone at least 18 years old. After creating your Nintendo account, we’ll show you how to link it to your Switch.

How to Create a Nintendo Account on a Web Browser

If you’re wondering, we’re listing the web browser instructions first because it’s much easier than creating an account on a Switch. You can create a Nintendo account, then easily create a profile and link your Nintendo account on your Switch.

So, if you have a computer nearby and you like to take the easier path to success (no shame here), follow these steps to create your Nintendo account:

Step 1: Go to the Nintendo Website

Open your favorite web browser and click this link. Confirm your age to move forward.

Note: You can’t create a Nintendo account if you aren’t thirteen years old. So, this is where younger players should go and ask a parent or guardian for help.

Step 2: Fill Out the Form

Choose a nickname for your account (this is not your Gamer Tag), and input your email address, birth date, and all other vital information.

Or click Google or Sign up with Apple to make the process faster. If you choose one of these options, you can sign in to an existing account and link it to Nintendo. Just beware, anytime you need to sign into your Nintendo account, you’ll have to sign into your email or Apple account first.

Note: Use a strong password with letters, numbers, and symbols. You don’t want interlopers accessing your financial information or game progress.

Step 3: Agree to Nintendo’s T&Cs

Select the I Agree box at the bottom of the page.

Note: If you don’t like spam emails, de-select the first box so you won’t receive promotional emails. However, if you like to stay up-to-date on everything Nintendo offers, check the box.

Step 4: Click Submit

After completing the form, click Submit at the bottom of the page.

Step 5: Verify Your Account

Open your email account, and click on the email from Nintendo. Retrieve the four-digit code. Then, input the code on the Nintendo website.

Now, you have a brand new Nintendo account.

How to Create a Nintendo Account on a Switch

As mentioned above, creating a Nintendo account is much simpler on a web browser. But if you don’t have a computer handy or like a challenge, you can create a Nintendo account on your Switch.

If you choose this method, you will still need to access your email on a smartphone, tablet, or computer before you can complete the setup.

Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Click the Home Button

Grab your Nintendo Switch and ensure it’s charged up and powered on. Then, click the Home button to go to the home screen.

Step 2: Click the Settings Icon

Use your cursor to highlight the Settings cog and tap the A button on the right controller.

Step 3: Click Users

Use the left joystick and scroll down to Users. Then, tap A.

Step 4: Click Add New User

Move the cursor to the right with the left joystick and tap A when you highlight Add User.

Step 5: Click Create New User

The Create New User option should be highlighted already. Click A to select it.

Step 6: Select Your Icon and Username

Helpful hint: Select More Options to change your color theme and access more profile image options.

Step 7: Click Link Nintendo Account

Finally, click Link Nintendo Account to proceed. If you choose to Create a new account, you’ll need to click the option to receive the instructions in your email. Input your email address and use a phone, tablet, or computer to verify your email address.

Note: If your Switch needs an update, tap Update before proceeding.

For a helpful walkthrough of these steps, check out this video:

How to Create a Child’s Nintendo Account

Kids under 12 years of age can’t create their own Nintendo accounts. But that doesn’t mean they have to grow up to enjoy Zelda and Pokemon on their Switch. As a parent or guardian, you can link a minor’s Nintendo account to yours.

Here’s how to create a child’s Nintendo account:

Step 1: Go to the Nintendo Website

Click this link and sign in to your Nintendo account.

Note: If you don’t have one yet, use the instructions above to create one. It’s free, and you don’t have to use your account for anything other than moderating your child’s account.

Step 2: Click Family Group

Click Family Group in the menu to the left.

Step 3: Click Add Member

Scroll down a bit and tap Add Member.

Step 4: Click Create an Account for Children Under 12

Now, click Create an Account for Children Under 12. Then, follow the prompts to create a new Nintendo account for them.

Helpful hint: You can help your child choose a username and icon. The username they choose may be one they will have well into adulthood.

How to Link a Nintendo Account on a Switch

We wouldn’t leave you without the most important steps of all. If you created your Nintendo account to use on your Nintendo Switch (10/10 on the recommendation scale), then you’ll need to link your new Nintendo account to the console. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Click the Home Button

Click the Home Button on the right Switch controller.

Step 2: Click the Settings Cog

Hover over the Settings cog at the bottom of the screen and click A.

Step 3: Click Users

Move the cursor down to Users and click A.

Step 4: Click the User

Hover over the user whose Nintendo account needs to link to, then click A.

Or, click the Create New option and follow the prompts to add a new user.

Step 5: Click Link Nintendo Account

Follow the prompts to link an existing Nintendo account to your Switch.

Let’s Get Ready to Nintendo!

Creating a Nintendo account is relatively easy. But it can be a real headache sometimes. If you stick to the steps above, input all your data correctly, and ensure your Switch is up-to-date, you won’t have any problems creating your Nintendo account and playing games.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Wachiwit/Shutterstock.com.