Nintendo account: how to create and log in

What is a Nintendo account?

A Nintendo account is an online user profile that connects you to Nintendo services and allows you to buy digital games, earn rewards, and play online. Understanding how to create a Nintendo account is simple once you know the basics. It is important to know the difference between a few terms: a standard Nintendo account is for online services, a Nintendo Switch account is just the local user profile you make on your physical console, and a Nintendo Network ID is an older account system used for the 3DS and Wii U. Your new account connects directly to the My Nintendo Store and the Nintendo eShop to manage your digital purchases. Setting up your profile is completely free and can be done across multiple devices, which brings us right to the setup process.

How to create a Nintendo account

In order to create a Nintendo account, you need to provide your basic details, verify an email address, and link it to your console or mobile device. The process is quick and gives you full access to the Nintendo eShop.

Creating an account on a mobile phone or computer

If you are wondering where to create a Nintendo account or how to create a Nintendo account on phone browsers, using a computer or mobile device is often the easiest method. Follow these simple steps:

• Open your web browser and go to the official Nintendo account creation webpage.

• Select the option to create an account for yourself.

• Enter your date of birth to verify your age.

• Provide your basic information, including a valid email address. You can use an existing address or create a new email just for gaming.

• Check your inbox for a verification code from Nintendo and enter it on the website to finish the setup.

Creating an account on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

If you want to know how to create a Nintendo account on Switch consoles directly, the process takes just a few minutes. Knowing how to create a Nintendo account for Switch 2 is virtually identical, as the 2026 Nintendo Switch 2 uses the exact same ecosystem as the original console. Here is what you need to do:

1. Turn on your console and go to the System Settings menu from the home screen.

2. Scroll down and select Users, then choose Add User.

3. Create a local Nintendo Switch account profile by picking an icon and a nickname.

4. Once the local profile is made, select the option to link a Nintendo account.

5. Choose the option to create a new account and follow the on-screen prompts to enter your email and verify your details.

How to create a Nintendo account for a child

If you are looking for how to create a Nintendo account for child users, be aware that children under 13 cannot create standard accounts. They require a parent or guardian to manage their profile through a Family Group.

Setting up a Family Group

To learn how to create a Nintendo account family group and add a child, an adult must first have their own standard account. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to your adult Nintendo account on a web browser and go to your account settings.

2. Select the Family Group option from the side menu.

3. Click on Add Member, then choose the option to create a child account.

4. Fill in the child's details, set their permissions, and save the changes to link them directly to your Family Group.

How to log in to your Nintendo account

Performing a Nintendo account login is quick across all your devices. Whenever you need to complete a Nintendo sign in, simply enter the email address and password you used during setup. If you ever forget your Nintendo login details, you can easily recover your credentials. Just click the forgot password link on the login page, enter your registered email address, and you will receive a secure link to reset your password and get back into your games.

Nintendo Switch login

For a standard Nintendo Switch login, you need to link your existing account to a user profile on the console. Go to System Settings, select Users, and choose your local profile. From there, select Link a Nintendo Account and enter your email and password. Once linked, you can play online and access your digital library instantly.

My Nintendo Store and eShop login

Once your account is created, you can access the My Nintendo Store on a web browser or the Nintendo e shop directly from your console. For the web store, simply click the sign-in button at the top of the page. For the Nintendo Switch eShop on your console, opening the eShop icon from the home screen will automatically log you in using the account linked to your current user profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How old do you have to be to create a Nintendo account?

You must be at least 13 years old to create a standard Nintendo account. Children aged 12 and under cannot make their own standard profiles and require a child account managed by an adult through a Family Group.

Can you create a Nintendo account without an email?

A standard account requires a valid email address to complete the registration. However, child accounts created by a parent under a Family Group do not strictly require their own separate email address to function.

Why can't I create a Nintendo account?

If you are having trouble, the most common issues include trying to use an email address that is already in use or encountering age restriction conflicts. Temporary server outages can also pause account creation, so checking your internet connection and trying again later often solves the problem.

How do you create an account for Pokemon Home?

Pokemon Home uses your standard Nintendo account rather than a separate login system. You simply download the app on your mobile device or console and log in using your existing Nintendo credentials.

How to create a Nintendo account in the Philippines?

Since the Philippines does not currently have its own dedicated eShop region, users often need to select a different region. During account creation, users typically set their account region to the United States or the Americas to successfully access the store and purchase games.