How to Make a Nintendo Account on Switch
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Today, I'll be showing you how to make a free Nintendo Account.
Navigate to Nintendo's account creation page, login with various social network profiles or create a new account, fill in a few fields, and reap the benefits of being a Nintendo Account member.
I'll be going over all the details of creating an account, step-by-step, in this picture guide.
But before we begin, what exactly is a Nintendo Account and why should you make one?
If you are interested in checking out the most popular Nintendo Switch games, you can find them by clicking here.
What is a Nintendo Account?
A Nintendo Account is a free account that provides exclusive services and features to members.
A Nintendo Account provides access to Nintendo content such as
- the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo devices
- the Nintendo eShop through web browsers
- social media functions on the Nintendo Switch
- online functionality on the Nintendo Switch
- an exclusive customer reward program called My Nintendo that provides points back on purchases, digital goodies, discounts, and more.
- compatibility with Nintendo smartphone apps
A Nintendo Account is must-have for all Nintendo fans.
Better yet? You can sign up for a Nintendo Account even if you do not have a Nintendo system. Nice!
Why should you make a Nintendo Account?
There are two main reasons you should make a Nintendo Account:
- To access the Nintendo eShop
- To gain access to My Nintendo rewards
To access the Nintendo eShop
As mentioned above, a Nintendo Account is necessary to be able to access the Nintendo eShop.
What is the Nintendo eShop? It's the digital store for each of Nintendo's console, including the Nintendo Switch family line of consoles.
You need a Nintendo Account (connected to your Nintendo Switch profile) in order to access the Nintendo Switch digital store AND most online functionality on the console.
Due to this, a Nintendo Account is essential for Nintendo Switch owners and digital downloaders.
To access My Nintendo rewards
A Nintendo Account is also needed to join My Nintendo.
What is My Nintendo? My Nintendo is Nintendo's customer loyalty program as mentioned above.
Earn free cash-back reward points from most digital and physical purchases, gain access to digital rewards such as exclusive wallpapers and game discounts, and much more.
My Nintendo member is free to join but requires a Nintendo Account to do so.
How To Create A Free Nintendo Account
It's time to make a free Nintendo Account.
- This method uses direct account creation through Nintendo
- You can optionally create a Nintendo Account using a social network login
- I'll be using a desktop computer and web browser to create a Nintendo Account although account creation can be done on a smartphone
You will need basic personal information and a valid email account (along with internet connection) to create a Nintendo Account.
Details you'll need to know when creating a Nintendo account include
- A nickname
- a valid email address
- your date of birth
- your gender
- a password
- your region
- and your time zone
NOTE: Account creation steps, details, and methods are current at the time of publication.
1) Go To Nintendo Accounts Site
Open a web browser (such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, etc.).
Type Accounts.Nintendo.com into the address bar.
You will be taken to Nintendo's account creation page with options to sign in or to create a new account.
Scroll down until your see Create a Nintendo Account.
2) Click Create A Nintendo Account
Click on the Create a Nintendo Account button to start the account creation process.
You will be taken to a screen that will ask for your date of birth.
3) Submit Your Date Of Birth
Enter your date of birth which includes the month, day, and year by using the dropdown menus.
Click on Submit when you are done.
You'll be taken to the account creation page.
ATTENTION: You cannot change your birth date later.
4) Chose Your Creation Method
You can create a Nintendo Account easily by using a social network login.
In this handy guide, we'll make a Nintendo Account directly with Nintendo.
Scroll down to see additional information you must fill out.
5) Enter Name And Create Password
Enter a nickname for your account. Your username must be 10 characters or less.
- Your nickname will not be shown to others and will only be used in communication with Nintendo
Enter a valid email address not tied to another Nintendo Account.
Enter a password. Your password must be at least 8 characters in length.
Scroll down to continue entering information.
6) Enter Additional Information
Confirm your password by reentering your password.
Verify your date of birth is correct.
Choose your gender.
- You can select Male, Female, and Choose Not To Answer as your gender
Select your country or region from the dropdown menu.
Finally, select your time zone from the dropdown menu.
Scroll down.
7) Review The User Agreement
Decide if you want receive emails from Nintendo.
Then, read the Nintendo Account User Agreement in full.
Click on the box next to each.
ATTENTION: You must accept the Account User Agreement and click on the box next to it before continuing on to the next page.
8) Submit Account Information
Click on Submit once you have read the Account User Agreement and checked the box.
You will be taken to a verification page.
9) Account Creation Is Not Yet Complete
Your account creation is not yet complete.
A verification code has been sent to your email address, and you must enter the code into the verification box below.
The code will expire in 24 hours.
You'll find a verification box along with additional information as you scroll down the page.
10) Check Your Email For Verification Code
Check your email for the code. DO NOT close the Nintendo Account creation page.
Memorize or copy the code and return back to the Nintendo Account verification page.
11) Enter Verification Code
Enter the verification code emailed to you in the verification field.
Click Verify to be taken to the next step.
12) Your Nintendo Account Has Been Created
Your Nintendo Account has been successfully created.
Make sure you save your email, password, and account details so you'll be able to sign in.
Scroll down.
13) Click OK
Click the OK button to be taken to your Nintendo Account dashboard where you can manage various settings.
14) Sign Out
When you are done with your Nintendo Account session, click on your profile picture in the upper right hand corner (on desktop).
A dropdown menu with the option to sign out will appear. Click on Sign out.
A sign out confirmation page will appear, reminding you to keep your login credentials safe and saved for repeat logins.
Click Sign out to sign out of your Nintendo Account.
15) Use Your New Nintendo Account
Congratulations! You now have a Nintendo Account.
If you are a Nintendo Switch owner, you can now connect it to a Nintendo Switch profile from a Nintendo Switch console in order to access online features, the Nintendo eShop, and much more.
Useful Bucket List Game Guides For You
How To Download Nintendo Switch Games
How To Update Your Nintendo Switch
How To Change Your Nintendo Switch Profile Image
How To Redeem Nintendo eShop Gift Cards
How To Connect Nintendo Switch To WiFi
My Favorite Nintendo Switch Gear For You
I've played thousands of hours of Nintendo Switch, and I couldn't live without these Nintendo Switch accessories.
They've helped make my Nintendo Switch play sessions more comfortable and more enjoyable. These are affiliate links and if you decide to use them, I'll earn a commission from them that supports this site.
Candidly, these are the same gear and services myself, my spouse, and my friends love and use on a daily basis.
I suggest them all so check them out!
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
The included Joy-Cons are nice, but the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is the real deal.
This is a fully sized controller with a + directional pad that is comfortable to hold for long play sessions.
I love that the Pro Controller includes advanced rumble, motion controls, amiibo scanning support, and a rechargeable battery that will last you for days.
This is a nice selection for yourself when playing on the TV or when you want to play multiplayer games.
View the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller here.
Or view the third party Nintendo Switch Pro Controller I also use here.
Extra Storage
Expanding your Nintendo Switch is mandatory if you plan on playing or downloading games.
Even screenshots, videos, and save files take up precious storage.
That's why I highly suggest at least a 400 GB or larger microSD card capacity (I'm personally using a 1TB card and loving it) if you're really planning to take your Nintendo Switch to the max.
View Nintendo Switch microSD cards here.
Nintendo Switch Online Plan
If you plan on playing Nintendo Games online (like Animal Crossing, Super Smash Bros., Monster Hunter, or Mario Kart), you have to get a Nintendo Switch Online plan.
A plan lasts for a year and can be purchased for an individual or for a family of up to 8 users.
I highly suggest a family plan if you have more than one Nintendo Switch gamer in your household as it provides immense cost savings.
Either way, you'll gain access to online features, exclusive deals, free member-only games, full game trials, and more. I've been enjoying my family plan for years with zero complaints.
View Nintendo Switch Online plans here.
If you want to stay up to date with my favorite Nintendo Switch accessories, tools, services, and gear, check out this resource I crafted for you!
Read More Great Articles
Now you know how to create a free Nintendo Account.
Bookmark this site to stay up to date with even more Nintendo guides, news, information, and more.
Check out all Nintendo related articles on Bucket List Games.
(Screenshots taken by me. Images sourced from product pages, websites, or social media and are credited appropriately. Logos, images, etc. belong to their respective owners. All information current at time of publication.)
IMAGES: Nintendo
How to Make a Nintendo Account on Switch
Source: https://bucketlist.games/how-to-create-a-free-nintendo-account-picture-guide-2021/