Change your Palia username through your Nintendo account

Your Palia username is tied to your Nintendo account, so changing it means updating your Nintendo Network ID. This is the name other players see in-game and on leaderboards. The process takes a few minutes and you can do it from any device with internet access.

You cannot change your username directly inside the Palia game itself — you must go through Nintendo's account settings. Once you update your Nintendo Network ID, the change appears in Palia the next time you log in.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Palia username comes from your Nintendo Network ID, which you change on Nintendo's website, not in the game.
  • You need to know your current Nintendo account password to make any changes to your username.
  • The new username takes effect when ready on Nintendo's side but may take a few minutes to show in Palia.
  • You can change your Nintendo Network ID once every 90 days, so choose carefully if you have changed it recently.
  • If you play Palia on PC through a Nintendo account, the same username change applies across all platforms.

Steps to change your username on Nintendo's website

Go to accounts.nintendo.com and sign in with the email address and password for the Nintendo account linked to your Palia game. If you do not remember your password, use the "Forgot your password?" link on the login page to reset it.

Once you are signed in, look for the account settings menu — this is usually in the top right corner or under a profile icon. Select Profile or Account Settings depending on what Nintendo displays. Find the section labeled Nickname or User ID. Click Edit or Change next to your current username.

Type your new username into the text field. Nintendo has rules about what usernames are allowed: they must be between 6 and 16 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces or special characters like @, #, or &. If your chosen name breaks these rules or is already taken by another player, Nintendo will tell you and ask you to try again.

Review the new username one more time to make sure it is spelled correctly, then click Save or Confirm. Nintendo will ask you to enter your password again as a security check. Type it in and submit. The change is now live on Nintendo's servers.

When the change shows up in Palia

Your new username appears in Palia almost when ready if you are already logged in — you may need to restart the game or wait a few minutes for it to refresh. If you are not currently playing, the new name will be there the next time you launch Palia and sign in.

Other players will see your updated username in chat, on your profile card, and on any leaderboards where you appear. If you were in the middle of a multiplayer activity when you changed your username, those other players may still see your old name until they reload the game or return to the main menu.

The 90-day waiting period between changes

Nintendo allows you to change your Network ID once every 90 days. This means if you changed your username recently, you will have to wait until that 90-day window closes before you can change it again. When you try to change your username and the waiting period is still active, Nintendo's website will show you the exact date when you can make your next change.

If you made a typo or regret your choice, you still have to wait the full 90 days — there is no exception for quick fixes. Plan your username carefully before you confirm the change.

What to do if you cannot access your Nintendo account

If you have forgotten your Nintendo account password, go to accounts.nintendo.com, click Sign In, and then click Forgot your password? Enter the email address connected to your account. Nintendo will send you a password reset link — check your email inbox and spam folder. Click the link, create a new password, and you can then sign in and change your username.

If you do not remember the email address tied to your Nintendo account, or if you cannot access that email inbox, you will need to contact Nintendo Support. Go to support.nintendo.com, select your region, and look for the option to contact support by chat, phone, or email. Have your Palia username and any other account details ready when you reach out.

Changing your username on mobile or console

The steps are the same whether you play Palia on PC, Nintendo Switch, or mobile — you always change your username through accounts.nintendo.com on a web browser. You cannot change it from inside the Palia app or game itself.

If you are playing on a Nintendo Switch, you can also change your username through the Switch's system settings, but this changes your Switch profile name, not necessarily your Nintendo Network ID used by Palia. For consistency, use the web method at accounts.nintendo.com to make sure the change applies to Palia specifically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username affect my game progress or items?

No. Your progress, items, and in-game achievements are all tied to your Nintendo account itself, not your username. Changing your username is purely cosmetic — it only changes what other players see when they look at your profile or encounter you in the game.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my new username?

No. Nintendo only allows letters (A–Z) and numbers (0–9) in usernames. Spaces, hyphens, underscores, and special characters like @, #, or $ are not permitted. Your username must also be between 6 and 16 characters long.

What if the username I want is already taken?

Nintendo will tell you the name is unavailable when you try to save it. You will need to choose a different username. Try adding numbers to the end, using a variation of the name, or picking something entirely different.

How long does it take for my new username to show up in Palia?

The change is when ready on Nintendo's servers, but Palia may take a few minutes to display it. Restarting the game or logging out and back in will speed this up. If you are playing with other people, they may need to reload the game to see your new name.

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

Only if the 90-day waiting period has passed and your old username has not been claimed by someone else. If another player has taken your old username, you cannot use it again.