Where to find your username on your Switch

Your Nintendo Switch username appears in the top-left corner of your home screen, next to your profile picture. Open your Switch, look at the account icon in the upper left, and your username is displayed right there. If you want to see it in a different place or confirm it before making changes, you can also find it in your account settings.

The quickest way is to glance at your home screen — that's where Nintendo puts it so you see it every time you turn on the device. If multiple people use the same Switch, each profile shows its own username in that corner when that account is active.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username displays in the top-left corner of the home screen next to your profile picture every time you use your Switch.
  • You can also find your username by going to System Settings, then Users, then selecting your profile and viewing Account Info.
  • The username you see on your Switch is the same one other players see when you play online or add friends.
  • If you cannot see your username clearly on the home screen, the System Settings route will always show it in full.

Finding your username through System Settings

If the home screen display is too small or you want to see your full username in a larger view, go to System Settings. Press the X button on your controller to open the home menu, then scroll down and select System Settings.

Once in System Settings, select Users, then choose your profile from the list. Select Account Info, and your username will appear at the top of the screen. This method also shows you other account details like your Nintendo Account email and when the account was created.

What your username means for online play

The username on your Switch is what other players see when you play online games, join voice chat, or add friends. It is the name that appears on your profile card when someone looks you up. This is different from your Nintendo Account email, which is private and used only for logging in and account recovery.

If you play games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 3, or any other online title, your Switch username is what shows up in lobbies and on leaderboards. Friends see this name when you send them a friend request or when they look at your profile.

Usernames across different profiles on the same Switch

Each person who has a profile on your Switch can have a different username. When you switch to another profile by selecting a different account icon, the username in the top-left corner changes to match that profile. This means you can have one Switch with multiple usernames if multiple people use it.

If you are the owner of the Switch and you created the main profile, your username is the one that appears by default. Guest profiles and child accounts can also have their own usernames, each visible when that account is active.

Why you might not see your username clearly

On some Switch models with smaller screens or if your profile picture is very large, the username text might be hard to read. The System Settings method is more reliable in this case because it displays your username in a larger, clearer format. You can also take a screenshot of your home screen and zoom in on the image to read it more easily.

If you see a blank space where your username should be, your account may not be fully set up. Make sure you have completed the initial account creation process and that your profile is linked to a Nintendo Account.

Checking your username before you change it

Before you change your username, it is a good idea to write down your current one or take a screenshot. This way you have a record of what it was, which can be useful if you want to change it back later or if you need to tell someone what your old username was.

Your current username is also worth checking if you have not used your Switch in a while and you are not sure what name you chose. The home screen and System Settings will both show you exactly what is currently set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see other players' usernames on my Switch?

Yes. When you add friends, join online games, or look at leaderboards, you see the usernames of other players. You can also search for friends by their username in the Friends menu if you know what they chose.

Is my Switch username the same as my Nintendo Account name?

No. Your Nintendo Account has an email address you use to log in, but your Switch username is what displays on your profile and to other players. You can change your Switch username without changing your Nintendo Account email.

What if I forgot my username and cannot see it on the home screen?

Go to System Settings, select Users, choose your profile, and select Account Info. Your username will be displayed there. If you still cannot find it, you can also check the Nintendo Switch Online app on your phone, which shows your profile information including your username.

Do I need to know my username to change it?

No. You do not need to remember your old username to create a new one. You just need to go into your account settings and select the option to change your username. The system will let you enter a new one regardless of what the old one was.