You can change your Nintendo Switch username through your account settings, and it takes about two minutes

Your Nintendo Switch username is the name that appears to other players online and on your profile. You can change it whenever you want, and Nintendo lets you do it directly from your console without contacting support. The process is the same whether you use a local profile or a Nintendo Account linked to your console.

The username change happens in your account settings. You do not need a computer, and you do not need to create a new profile — you are just editing the existing one. If you have never changed your username before, or if you changed it a long time ago, the steps below will walk you through it.

Key Takeaways

  • Open your profile settings from the home screen, select your profile icon, and choose "Profile" to find the username field.
  • You can change your username as many times as you want, and the change takes effect when ready on your console.
  • If you use a Nintendo Account (the online service account), your username there is separate from your console profile name.
  • Other players will see your new username the next time they interact with you online or check your profile.

How to change your username on the console itself

Start from the home screen of your Nintendo Switch. In the top-left corner, you will see your profile icon — it is a small circle with your avatar or a default image. Press the X button on your controller to open the home menu if you are in a game, then tap that profile icon.

A menu will appear with options including "Profile," "Settings," and "Sign Out." Select "Profile." On the next screen, you will see your current username displayed near the top. Look for an option to edit or change it — this is usually a pencil icon or an "Edit" button next to your name. Tap it, and a text field will open where you can type your new username.

Type your new username using the on-screen keyboard. Nintendo Switch usernames can be up to 10 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and some symbols. Once you have typed the name you want, select "OK" or "Confirm" to save it. The change takes effect when ready, and you will see your new name on your profile right away.

What happens to your online presence when you change your username

When you change your console username, other players will see the new name the next time they check your profile or play with you online. If you were in the middle of a game when you changed it, they may still see your old name until they refresh or restart their game. Your friend list and any messages you sent before the change are not affected — they stay in place with your new username attached.

If you play games that have their own usernames separate from your Switch profile (like Fortnite or Splatoon 3), changing your Switch username does not change those game-specific names. You would need to change those inside each game's settings if you want them to match.

The difference between your console username and your Nintendo Account name

Your Nintendo Switch console has a local profile with a username, and if you have a Nintendo Account (the paid online service), that account has its own separate username. These are two different things, and changing one does not change the other.

Your console username is what appears on your Switch profile and in local multiplayer games. Your Nintendo Account username is what you use to sign into the Nintendo eShop and online services. If you want to change your Nintendo Account name, you do that through the Nintendo website, not through your console. Most players only need to change their console username, but if you use online services, you may want to keep both names consistent for clarity.

Restrictions and things to know before you change

Nintendo does not limit how many times you can change your username — you can do it as often as you want. There is no waiting period between changes, and there is no cost. The only real restriction is the 10-character limit and the character set available on the on-screen keyboard.

If you have parental controls set up on your console, a child account may not be able to change its own username without a parent or guardian entering a PIN. If you are the account owner and you have forgotten your PIN, you will need to reset it through your console settings before you can make changes to child accounts.

What to do if you cannot find the username field

If you open your profile and do not see an option to edit your username, make sure you are looking at the right profile. On a Switch with multiple profiles, each one has its own settings. Tap the profile icon for the account you want to change, not a different one.

If you are still stuck, restart your console and try again. Sometimes the menu does not load completely the first time. If the username field is still missing after a restart, your console may need a software update — go to System Settings, then System, then System Update to check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Yes. There is no limit on how many times you can change your username, and there is no waiting period between changes. You can change it back to your old name whenever you want, or change it to something else entirely.

Will changing my username affect my game saves or progress?

No. Your game saves are tied to your profile, not your username. Changing your name does not touch your saves, achievements, or any progress in your games. Everything stays exactly where it was.

Do I need to change my username on the Nintendo eShop too?

Only if you want to. Your eShop account and your console profile are separate. You can change your eShop username through the Nintendo website if you want them to match, but it is not required.

What if my child's account has parental controls and I cannot change the username?

Parental controls can restrict changes to child accounts. You will need to enter the parent PIN to make changes. If you have forgotten the PIN, go to System Settings, Parental Controls, and follow the steps to reset it using your email address.

Can other players see my old username after I change it?

No. Once you change your username, the old one is gone from your profile. Other players will only see your new name. Old messages or friend requests will show your new username when they look back at them.