Where to find your username settings

Your Nintendo Switch username lives in the System Settings menu, not in the game library or home screen. Open System Settings from the home screen (the gear icon), then select Users and Accounts. You'll see a list of user profiles on your Switch — pick the one you want to change.

Once you've selected a profile, look for the option that says Profile. This is where Nintendo stores your username, profile picture, and other account details. The exact wording varies slightly depending on your Switch model and software version, but Profile is always the section you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username is stored in System Settings under Users and Accounts, then Profile — not in game settings or the home screen.
  • You can change your username once every 90 days, and the change takes effect when ready across all your games and online play.
  • Your old username becomes available for other players to use after you change it, so you cannot reclaim it later.
  • If your Switch is linked to a Nintendo Account, changing the username on the console also changes it on your Nintendo Account across all devices.

The step-by-step process

From the Profile screen, select Edit next to your current username. A text box will open where you can delete the old name and type in the new one. Nintendo Switch usernames can be up to 10 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and some symbols — but not spaces or special characters like @ or #.

After you type your new username, select OK or Confirm (the button name depends on your software version). The Switch will check whether the name is available and whether it violates Nintendo's content policy. If the name is taken or contains banned words, you'll see an error message and need to try a different one. Once the system accepts it, your new username is live when ready.

The change syncs to your Nintendo Account if your profile is linked to one. This means your new username will show up in your Nintendo Switch Online profile, on the Nintendo website, and in any online games you play — all within a few minutes.

The 90-day waiting period between changes

Nintendo enforces a 90-day cooldown between username changes. This means once you change your username, you cannot change it again for 90 days from that date. The timer starts the moment you confirm the new name, not when you first opened the settings menu.

If you try to change your username before 90 days have passed, the Edit option will be grayed out and you'll see a message telling you when you can change it next. There is no way to bypass this waiting period — it applies to all players equally. Plan your username change carefully, because you're locked in for three months.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old one becomes available for any other player to use. You cannot reclaim it later, even after the 90-day waiting period ends. If you change your mind about your new username and want to go back to the old one, you'll have to wait 90 days, change to something else, wait another 90 days, and then hope nobody else has claimed your original name in the meantime.

This is why it's worth thinking through your new username before you confirm the change. Write it down, say it out loud, check the spelling — anything to make sure you're happy with it for at least the next three months.

Changing your username on a linked Nintendo Account

If your Switch profile is connected to a Nintendo Account (the account you use for the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo Switch Online, or the Nintendo website), changing your username on the console will also change it on your Nintendo Account. The two are linked, so there's only one username to manage.

If you want to change your username but your profile isn't linked to a Nintendo Account yet, you can link it anytime from the same Users and Accounts menu. Select your profile, then look for Link to Nintendo Account. You'll need an active Nintendo Account to do this, but creating one is free and takes a few minutes.

Troubleshooting a username that won't change

If the Edit option is grayed out, you're still within the 90-day waiting period from your last change. Check the message on screen — it will tell you the exact date you can change it again. There's no workaround for this restriction.

If you see an error message saying the username is unavailable or violates content policy, the name you chose is either already taken or contains words Nintendo's filter has flagged. Try a different combination of letters and numbers. Usernames with numbers at the end (like "Player2024") are usually accepted without issue if you're stuck.

If your Switch won't let you access the Profile section at all, make sure you're in System Settings and have selected the correct user profile. Some parental controls can restrict username changes — if that's the case, the account owner or administrator will need to adjust those settings first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once?

Yes, but only once every 90 days. After you change your username, you're locked out of making another change for exactly 90 days. The system will show you the date you're may be able to access to change it again.

Will my friends still see me in their friend list after I change my username?

Yes. Your friend list connection stays the same — only your display name changes. Your friends will see your new username the next time they open their friend list or play a game with you online.

What if someone else takes my old username after I change mine?

That's possible, and there's nothing you can do about it. Once you change your username, the old one enters a pool that any player can claim. If you want it back later, you'd have to hope it's still unclaimed after you've waited 90 days and changed to something else.

Does changing my username affect my game saves or progress?

No. Your game saves, achievements, and all your progress stay exactly the same. The username change only affects how your name appears to other players — it doesn't touch any of your game data.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my username?

No. Nintendo Switch usernames can only contain letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), and a few symbols like hyphens and underscores. Spaces, @, #, and most other special characters are not allowed.