How To Find Nintendo Network ID: In 3 Steps With Photos

Nintendo is one of the most popular handheld devices, with thousands of free games. You can also buy premium games through your Nintendo Account, and build a community by adding friends. Before you add a person, you have to find the Nintendo Network ID (NNID) on your Nintendo 3DS family’s or Wii U console.

If you’re a newbie or just shifted from another console, finding the ID can be tough. A Nintendo Network ID helps users access multiple online features (player interactions, multiplayer gaming, etc.) on the Nintendo 3DS family or the Wii U console. Earlier, NNIDs allowed users to purchase things from Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS or Wii U. On the other hand, a Nintendo Account enables gamers to use Nintendo’s applications and services on Switch, PCs, or any other smart devices.

How To Find Nintendo Network ID

You don’t need extensive tech knowledge to find Nintendo Network ID on your Wii U or Nintendo 3DS console. Just follow these three simple steps below.

Step 1: Click the Home Button

Hold your Wii U console in your hand and press the “HOME” button present at the bottom of the device. It’s the middle button with the “Home” icon. Doing so will open the HOME Menu on the next screen. 

However, some Nintendo screens/applications may not allow users to access the HOME Menu easily. If that’s happened to you, don’t worry; you can still see the menu on your console. We have discussed this topic in detail later in the article.

Step 2: Click Friends’ List

Assuming your console opened the HOME Menu right away, the next step is to tap the “Friend List” on the menu screen. It’s the extreme left or the first option.

Step 3: View Your Nintendo ID

You can easily see your Nintendo Network ID at the upper-right corner of your screen, written in orange. Tap on your profile to access more details.

How To Access the Nintendo Network ID Menu

You may often have issues accessing the Nintendo Network ID menu from the HOME button. You can resolve this issue by following a few steps. The good thing? There are just two steps!

Remember, you can only use this troubleshooting method on New Nintendo 2DS XL, New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL, Nintendo 3DS XL, Nintendo 3DS, and Nintendo 2DS. If you have any of these models, follow the below steps to get started:

1. Navigate the HOME Menu on your Nintendo console.
2. Tap on the “System Settings” option to find Nintendo Network ID.
3. Select “Nintendo Network ID Settings.”

At this point, you should have now accessed the Nintendo Network ID menu. You can now make different changes to your ID from this menu, including:

• Profile Settings. This option will help you modify your gender, email address, time zone, and region. However, you may not be able to change your country or birthdate.
• Mii Settings. It will allow you to change or update your Mii from the Mii Maker.
• Email Confirmation. It will authenticate the new email address you added to your Nintendo Network ID.
• Email Preference. You can choose whether you want to receive email notifications or not.
• Password Modifications. You can change your NNID’s password or request a new, temporary one from this option.
• Non-Nintendo Device Settings. This option will allow you to access Nintendo Network services from a PC or smartphone that’s not Nintendo’s.
• Other. The last settings option will be to delete your active Nintendo Network ID after reading and accepting the Nintendo Network Services Agreement.

How To Create and Modify a Nintendo Network ID

If you’re new to Nintendo consoles and don’t know how things work here, you first need to create your Nintendo Network ID. You won’t need a parent or guardian’s permission if you’re 13 or above. Now, follow the below steps to create and modify your Nintendo Network ID:

1. First, turn on your Nintendo 3DS and connect it to a WiFi connection.
2. Select the “System Settings” option.
3. Then, choose “Nintendo Network ID Settings.” If this option isn’t available on your system, you’ll have to update it.
4. Click the “Create a New ID” option. 
5. Now, make your Mii if you don’t have one already and tap “Next.” Nintendo users create and use Mii characters as their identity on Mii channels and games. 
6. Review Nintendo’s Network Services Agreement and choose “I Accept” on the screen’s bottom. 
7. Next, enter your home nation, gender, birthdate, region, and time zone in their respective fields. You won’t be able to change your country and birthdate after account creation. 
8. Type your unique Nintendo Network ID (NNID). You will use this name to represent yourself in the Nintendo Network. Don’t include your birthdate or personal information in your NNID, as others can easily view it. Remember, you can find Nintendo Network ID, but you can’t change it once it’s confirmed. 
9. Finally, choose your NNID’s password, enter your email address, and confirm. Then, review your information to see if it’s accurate and select the “Link” option. And you’re done. 

Note: You can only link one active Nintendo Network ID to your console simultaneously. So, if you have any previous Nintendo accounts, delete them before adding a new NNID.

Nintendo Network IDs vs. Nintendo Accounts: What’s the Difference?

If you have been following this guide from the beginning, you might have the idea that “Nintendo Network ID” and “Nintendo Accounts” are different things. They mainly differ in the purpose for which they’re used. But is there any other difference between the two? Let’s find out:

Nintendo Network ID (NNID)

• You can only create and use your NNID on your Wii U console or any model from the Nintendo 3DS family.
• The primary usage of NNIDs is to access online features like advanced interactions with other players or playing online multiplayer modes. Not only that, but users could also use their NNIDs to purchase software and programs on Nintendo eShop on their Nintendo 3Ds and Wii U. However, this feature has been discontinued after Mar 27, 2023.

You can also link your NNID to your Nintendo Account to use your funds interchangeably on your Wii U and Nintendo Switch. To find Nintendo Network ID, tap on the “Friends List” option on your Home menu, which will be in the top-right corner.

Nintendo Account

• A Nintendo Account allows users to purchase advanced online services on Nintendo Switch from the eShop, off-device purchases, and on-drive smart applications. You can also use your Nintendo Account to avail of the My Nintendo loyalty feature.
• You will have to create a Nintendo Account off-device by visiting its official website. 

How To Link Your Nintendo Network ID To Nintendo Account

As you know, you can link and unlink your Nintendo Account and Nintendo Network ID. It will allow you to use your funds in various places. You can do so in two ways: via your Nintendo Switch console or a computer. 

Here is how to link your NNID to your Nintendo Account through both methods:

Nintendo Switch Console

1. Tap the “User” icon on your Nintendo Switch’s Home menu.
2. Then, highlight the “Friend Suggestions” option and Wii U or Nintendo 3DS pictures with the L/R Buttons. Choose “Next” to proceed. 

Note: Your console should be updated to a 3.0 or above to display the Wii U or Nintendo 3DS pictures. Also, you may not be able to see the “Next” option if your NNID is already linked to the Nintendo Account.

3. When the prompt appears, type your Nintendo Account’s password and select “OK” and “Next.”
4. On the next screen, provide your Nintendo Network ID and its password. If you’ve forgotten, you can find the Nintendo Network ID from the “Friends List” option on the HOME menu. 
5. Finally, Sign In to complete the process.

Computer / Smartphone

1. Visit the Nintendo Account website on your PC or smartphone’s browser and enter your credentials to sign in. 
2. Tap “User Info.”
3. Scroll to “Linked Accounts” and select “Edit.” If you’re making changes to your child’s Nintendo Account, you will see the “Link a Nintendo Network ID” option. 
4. Check the Nintendo Network ID’s box.
5. Lastly, follow the prompted instructions, type your NNID and password, and you’re good to go!

No matter what method you opt for, ensure that your NNID and Nintendo Account have similar country and date of birth settings. 

Here is a step-by-step video for further reference:

Can’t Link Your Nintendo Network ID To Your Nintendo Account? Try This Fix

Sometimes, Nintendo shows errors when linking Nintendo Network ID to the Nintendo Account. It could be due to various reasons. If you face any such issue, here is what you should do to fix it quickly:

• First of all, ensure you’ve followed every step correctly.
• If you’re unsure about your NNID or its password, click the “Forgot your NNID?” or “Forgot your password?” options on the screen.
• Review your NNID’s date of birth and ensure it matches your Nintendo Account.
• Check if you have used the same country of residence for your Nintendo Account and Nintendo Network ID. 
• Ensure your NNID isn’t set to “restrict off-device usage.” To find Nintendo Network ID settings, open “NNID settings” on your Nintendo 3DS or Wii U console and change it to enable usage from PCs, Non-Nintendo device settings, or other devices. 

Contact Nintendo Support if you still need help linking your Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo Account.

Wrap Up

You can easily find Nintendo Network ID from the HOME menu of your Wii U console. Simply press the HOME button to access the menu and tap “Friends List,” the first option on the screen. The next screen will display your Nintendo Network ID (NNID) at the top-right corner in orange. You can share it with others to add them to your friends list.

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