How to Change Your Nintendo Network ID Username

You cannot change a Nintendo Network ID username directly — you have to create a new account

Nintendo Network IDs are permanent once created. If you want a different username, you will need to set up a new Nintendo Network ID and link it to your Switch console. The old account and username stay in the system, but you can stop using it and move your activity to the new one.

This is different from changing your Switch profile name, which you can edit anytime. A Nintendo Network ID is the account you use to buy games, play online, and connect to Nintendo's servers. Once assigned, that username cannot be edited or deleted.

Key Takeaways

Nintendo Network ID usernames cannot be changed after creation, so you must create a new Nintendo Network ID if you want a different username.
You can create a new Nintendo Network ID on your Switch by going to System Settings, then Accounts, then Add Account.
Your old Nintendo Network ID remains on your console and in Nintendo's system, but you can stop using it and switch to the new account for online play and purchases.
Games and digital purchases tied to your old account will not automatically transfer to the new one — you will need to manage them separately or contact Nintendo Support if you want to move them.
You can have multiple Nintendo Network IDs linked to the same Switch console, so both accounts can coexist on the same device.

Steps to create a new Nintendo Network ID with a different username

Start on your Switch home screen. Press the X button to open System Settings, then scroll down and select Accounts. Choose Add Account, then Create a New Account. You will be asked whether you want to create a local account or link to a Nintendo Account.

Select "Create a Nintendo Account" to set up a new Nintendo Network ID. You will need a valid email address that is not already tied to another Nintendo Account. Enter your desired username — this is the name that will appear in online games and on your profile. Check that the username is available, then complete the setup by entering a password and confirming your email address.

Once the account is created, it will appear in your Accounts list on the Switch. You can switch between accounts by selecting the profile you want to use before launching a game or going online.

What happens to your old Nintendo Network ID

Your original Nintendo Network ID will remain on your Switch console and in Nintendo's database. It will not be deleted or hidden. If you want to keep the console clean, you can delete the old profile from your Switch by going to System Settings, Accounts, and selecting the old account, then choosing Delete Account. This removes it from your console only — Nintendo still has a record of it.

Any games or digital content purchased under the old account will stay tied to that account. If you delete the profile from your console, you can still access those games if you add the old account back later. However, you will not be able to use the old username again, and you cannot merge the old account's purchases into the new one.

Moving games and purchases to your new account

Games purchased on your old Nintendo Network ID are tied to that account permanently. If you want to play them on your new account, you have two options: play them on the old account, or contact Nintendo Support to discuss your situation.

Nintendo does not automatically transfer digital purchases between accounts. In some cases, if you explain that you created a new account because the old username was problematic or you no longer use it, Nintendo Support may be able to help, but this is not may provide. Before you create a new account, consider whether you want to keep using the old one for your existing game library.

Physical game cartridges work on any account on your Switch, so those will play on your new profile without any issue. Only digital games purchased through the Nintendo eShop are locked to the account that bought them.

Linking a Nintendo Account to your Switch profile

When you create a new Nintendo Network ID on your Switch, you are creating a Nintendo Account at the same time. This account is what connects you to Nintendo's online services, the eShop, and online multiplayer. Make sure you confirm your email address during setup — Nintendo will send a confirmation link, and you need to click it to fully set up the account.

If you already have a Nintendo Account created on Nintendo's website, you can link it to your Switch instead of creating a new one during the account setup process. Choose "Link to Existing Nintendo Account" and sign in with your email and password. This is useful if you want to use a username you created elsewhere.

Using multiple accounts on the same Switch console

You can have as many Nintendo Network IDs as you want on a single Switch. Each one is a separate account with its own username, email, and game library. This is helpful if multiple people use the same console, or if you want to keep your old account active while using a new one.

To switch between accounts, go to your home screen and select the profile icon in the top left corner. Choose the account you want to use, then launch your game or app. Online features and eShop purchases will use whichever account is currently active.

Why Nintendo does not allow username changes

Nintendo locks usernames to prevent impersonation and to keep online communities stable. Once a username is in use, changing it could confuse other players who know you by that name, and it could allow someone to take over a well-known account's identity. By making usernames permanent, Nintendo ensures that the same username always belongs to the same person.

This is stricter than some other gaming platforms — Xbox and PlayStation both allow username changes after a certain period. Nintendo's approach is more conservative, but it means you should choose your username carefully when you first create an account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my old Nintendo Network ID completely?

You can delete the account from your Switch console, but Nintendo keeps a record of it in their system. The username will remain permanently tied to that account and cannot be reused. If you want to stop using the account, creating a new one is the practical solution.

Will my friends see my new username right away?

Yes. Once you create the new Nintendo Network ID and use it to play online, your friends will see the new username in their friend lists and in games. Your old account will no longer appear in their active friends list unless they are still connected to it.

Can I transfer my Nintendo Switch Online subscription to my new account?

Nintendo Switch Online is tied to your account, but you can purchase a new subscription for your new account. If you had an active subscription on your old account, it will remain active on that account only. You will need to buy a separate subscription for your new account to play online.

What if someone else is using my old Nintendo Network ID?

If you believe your account has been compromised, contact Nintendo Support when ready. They can help you find the account, change the password, and investigate unauthorized activity. Do not delete the account — let Nintendo help you regain control of it first.

Do I need a new email address for my new Nintendo Network ID?

Yes. Each Nintendo Network ID must be linked to a unique email address. You cannot use the same email for two different accounts. If you do not have a second email address, you can create a free one through Gmail, Outlook, or another email provider.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.