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

Your Nintendo Switch username is the name other players see when you're online. You change it by going into your account settings, selecting your profile, and editing the name field. Nintendo lets you change your username once every 90 days, so you don't have to worry about making a permanent choice. The process works the same whether you're on a Switch, Switch Lite, or Switch OLED.

The name you choose appears in your profile, in online games, and in your friends list. It's separate from your Nintendo Account email address, which stays the same. If you're changing your username because you want a fresh start or because your current name no longer fits, the steps below will walk you through exactly what to do.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your username once every 90 days through your account settings on the console itself.
  • The change takes effect when ready and shows up to other players the next time they see your profile.
  • Your Nintendo Account email address does not change when you change your username.
  • If you've already changed your username recently, you'll see a countdown timer showing when you can change it again.

Step 1: Open your account settings

From the Switch home screen, press the X button to open the quick settings menu in the top right corner. Select "System Settings" from the menu that appears. This opens the full settings panel where you can adjust everything about your console and account.

Once you're in System Settings, scroll down the left side menu until you see "Users." Select it. You'll see a list of all the user profiles on your Switch. Tap the profile you want to change — this is usually your own profile, but if someone else's username needs changing, select theirs instead.

Step 2: Find and select your profile name

After you select your profile, you'll see a screen showing your profile information. At the top, you'll see your current username displayed. Below that are several options, including "Profile," "Nickname," and other settings. Select "Profile" to access the section where you can edit your name.

The Profile section shows your username, profile picture, and other account details. Look for the option that says "Nickname" or "Change Nickname" — this is where you edit the name other players see. Select it to open the text field where you can type your new username.

Step 3: Type your new username and confirm

A keyboard will appear on your screen. Delete your current username and type the new one you want. Nintendo usernames can be up to 10 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and some symbols. You cannot use spaces, but you can use underscores or hyphens if you want to separate words.

Once you've typed your new username, select "OK" or "Confirm" to save the change. The system will ask you to confirm one more time. Select "Yes" or "Confirm" again, and your new username is live. Other players will see your new name the next time they view your profile or see you in an online game.

What happens if you've changed your username recently

If you've already changed your username within the last 90 days, the system will show you a message saying you can't change it yet. The message includes a countdown timer that tells you exactly when you'll be able to change it again. This 90-day rule applies to every account on your Switch, so if multiple people use the console, each person has their own 90-day timer.

The 90-day wait is a safety feature — it prevents someone from repeatedly changing their name to avoid being blocked or reported by other players. If you need to change your username urgently because of harassment or safety concerns, contact Nintendo Support directly through their website. They can sometimes override the timer in those situations.

How your username appears to other players

Your new username shows up when ready in your own profile and in your friends list. When you're playing online games, other players will see your new name in the game's lobby, in chat, and on leaderboards. If you're in the middle of a game when you change your name, you may need to restart the game or go back to the home screen for the change to show up in that game.

Your username is different from your Nintendo Account email address. Changing your username does not change your email, your password, or any of your account security settings. Your friends can still find you by your email address if they need to add you, and your game saves and purchases stay linked to your account no matter what username you choose.

If you want to change your profile picture or other details

While you're in your profile settings, you can also change your profile picture, your user icon, and other information. Select "Profile Picture" to upload a new image or choose from Nintendo's default options. You can change these details as often as you want — there's no waiting period like there is for your username.

If you want to change your Nintendo Account email address or password, you'll need to do that through the Nintendo Account website on a computer or phone, not through your Switch console. Go to accounts.nintendo.com, sign in, and look for "Profile" or "Account Settings" to make those changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can change your username back to a previous name as long as you wait 90 days from your last change. The 90-day timer applies to any change, including changing back to an old name. If you change your mind when ready after changing your username, you'll have to wait the full 90 days before you can switch back.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends list doesn't change, and they'll see your new username in their friends list automatically. If someone wants to add you as a friend using your username, they'll need to search for your new name, but anyone already on your friends list will see the update right away.

Does changing my username affect my game saves or purchases?

No. Your game saves, downloaded games, and any purchases you've made stay linked to your account. Changing your username is purely cosmetic — it only changes what other players see when they look at your profile or play with you online.

What characters can I use in my username?

You can use letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), underscores, and hyphens. You cannot use spaces, special characters like @, #, or !, or emoji. Your username can be up to 10 characters long. Nintendo will reject usernames that contain offensive language or impersonate real people.

What if I forgot my current username?

Your current username is displayed at the top of your profile in the System Settings. If you can't remember it, go to Users, select your profile, and select Profile — your current username will be shown there. You can also see your username in any online game you play by checking the player list or your profile card.