Yes, you can change your Nintendo Switch username, but the process depends on your account type

You can change the username associated with your Nintendo Account, which is what appears when you play online. However, the local profile name on your Switch console itself cannot be changed after creation — you would need to delete that profile and create a new one, which removes all local save data tied to it. Most players want to change their Nintendo Account username instead, which takes a few minutes and keeps all your games and progress intact.

Nintendo allows one free username change per account. After that, each additional change costs $1.99. You make the change through the Nintendo Account website, not through the Switch console itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Nintendo Account username (used online) can be changed for free once; additional changes cost $1.99 each.
  • Your local Switch profile name cannot be changed without deleting the profile, which erases all locally stored save data on that console.
  • You change your Nintendo Account username on the Nintendo Account website, not on the Switch console.
  • The change takes effect when ready across all games and online services where your account is used.

How to change your Nintendo Account username

Go to accounts.nintendo.com and sign in with the email and password for your Nintendo Account. Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select Account Settings. On the left side menu, click Profile. You will see your current username displayed; click the pencil icon next to it to edit.

Type your new username. Nintendo usernames must be between 6 and 32 characters and can include letters, numbers, and underscores. You cannot use spaces or special characters like hyphens or periods. Once you enter a name, Nintendo checks whether it is already taken — if it is, you will see a message and need to try a different one. When you find an available name you want, click Change to confirm. The new username appears when ready in your profile and in any online games.

What happens to your games and progress

Changing your Nintendo Account username does not affect your games, save files, or online progress. All your digital games remain on your account, your save data stays where it is, and your online friends list does not change. Your username change is purely cosmetic — it only changes what other players see when you play online.

If you have multiple Switch consoles linked to the same Nintendo Account, the username change applies to all of them. If other people use your Switch console with their own accounts, their usernames and progress are not affected.

Why you might want to delete and recreate your local profile instead

If you want to change the name that appears on your Switch console itself — the local profile name shown on the home screen — you cannot edit it directly. Your only option is to delete the profile and create a new one with the name you want. Before you do this, understand that deleting a profile removes all save data stored locally on that console for that profile.

However, if your save data is backed up to the cloud through Nintendo Switch Online, you can recover it after creating the new profile. When you sign in with your Nintendo Account on the new profile, you can read your cloud saves. This works for most games, though some titles do not support cloud backup. Check whether your games support cloud saves before you delete a profile.

The cost of changing your username more than once

Your first username change is free. If you want to change it again, Nintendo charges $1.99 per change. This fee applies each time you change your username after the first one, so if you change it three times total, you pay $1.99 twice (the first change is free, the second and third cost money).

There is no limit to how many times you can change your username, but each change after the first one incurs the fee. You can change it as often as you want if you are willing to pay for it.

Restrictions on usernames

Nintendo has rules about what usernames are allowed. Your username cannot contain profanity, slurs, or hateful language — if you try to use one, the system will reject it. You also cannot impersonate Nintendo staff or use names that look like official Nintendo accounts. Usernames must be unique across the entire Nintendo network, so if someone else already has the name you want, it is not available.

If you choose a username that violates Nintendo's policies, your account can be suspended or banned. Nintendo monitors usernames and can force a change if they determine one violates their terms of service.

What to do if you forget your Nintendo Account password

If you want to change your username but cannot remember your Nintendo Account password, go to accounts.nintendo.com and click Forgot your password? on the sign-in page. Enter the email address associated with your account. Nintendo sends a password reset link to that email — click the link and follow the steps to create a new password. Once you have reset your password, you can sign in and change your username.

If you no longer have access to the email address tied to your account, you will need to contact Nintendo Support. They can help you regain access to your account, though the process may take several days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on the Switch console itself without going to a website?

No. You must go to accounts.nintendo.com to change your Nintendo Account username. The Switch console does not have a built-in option to change it. You can only change the local profile name on your console by deleting and recreating the profile, which erases local save data.

If I change my username, will my friends still be able to find me?

Yes. Your friends list does not change when you update your username. They will see your new name the next time they check their friends list or play with you online. You can also search for friends by their new username if they change theirs.

Does changing my username affect my Nintendo Switch Online membership?

No. Your Nintendo Switch Online subscription stays active and tied to your account regardless of username changes. Your membership status, cloud saves, and online play features all continue to work normally.

What if someone else takes the username I want after I change mine?

Usernames are first-come, first-served. If you change your username and someone else claims your old one, you cannot get it back. If you think you might want to return to an old username, you would need to change back to it before someone else does.

Can I change my username if my account has been suspended?

No. If your account is suspended or banned, you cannot make changes to it, including username changes. You must resolve the suspension with Nintendo Support first. Contact them through the Nintendo Support website to find out why your account was suspended and what steps you need to take.