Alex Ruben
How To Create and Link a Nintendo Account on Your Nintendo Switch 2
Getting your Nintendo account set up and linked properly to your Nintendo Switch 2 might seem straightforward, but sometimes it’s weirdly complicated. There’s the usual headache of managing emails, QR codes, and login verification, especially if your internet connection acts up or you’re not exactly tech-savvy. This guide should help make it a bit clearer. Basically, once you get everything linked correctly, you’ll be able to access online multiplayer, download games from the eShop, use cloud saves, and enjoy all that Nintendo online stuff. The whole process involves a few steps: creating your account on a web browser, verifying your email, then linking everything via QR codes and verification codes on your console.
How to Create and Link Your Nintendo Account to Nintendo Switch 2
Creating an account and linking on the Switch can be tricky if you don’t know the right menus or where to find the options. Here’s a rundown of what usually works, with some extra tips thrown in. Because of course, Nintendo kind of likes to make it harder than necessary, so don’t be surprised if you end up bouncing between screens a few times.
First, make sure your Nintendo Switch is online and powered up. Navigate to the System Settings from the home menu, then go to User > Link Nintendo Account. Sometimes, the prompt to create a new account or link an existing one is right there. If not, that’s when the manual route begins.
Head to a web browser on your phone or PC and go to account.nintendo.com. This is the magic portal for creating a new account. Click Create an Account. You’ll be prompted for your email, date of birth, and some other basic info. Fill it out with care—double-check your email address because that’s how they send the verification code. Expect to provide a nickname, password, country, and gender, just like any other sign-up form.
The reason this helps is because, without a properly created Nintendo account, you’re basically stuck. When you try to link it on your Switch later, it won’t recognize your credentials or it might save your profile under a weird default name, which is kinda annoying. Expect a verification email shortly after signing up. Sometimes it hits your spam folder, especially if your email provider is picky. Enter the code from that email on the device or website, and this confirms your account creation.
Once verified, return to your Switch. Open the System Settings, then go back to User > Link Nintendo Account. Your account should show up now, or you can choose to log in with your new credentials. If it asks you to scan a QR code, grab your phone, open the camera app, and point it at the QR code displayed on your Switch’s screen. This is often the easiest way to automatically bring up the account linking webpage on your phone—rather than manually typing in long codes or passwords.
If a QR scan doesn’t work (some phones or settings can be finicky), there’s usually a manual link or code you can type on the Nintendo website. Expect to receive a second verification code sent to your phone or email—this is for added security. Enter that code on your Switch or the webpage, and voila, your account is linked.
Finally, personalize your profile by choosing a nickname and a profile picture. On one setup it worked the first time, on another, it took a few tries or a reboot to get everything synced. Usually, the whole process takes about 5-10 minutes if you’re quick with emails and QR codes, but delays happen, especially if traffic on Nintendo servers is heavy or your internet is flaky.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If you don’t receive the verification email, check your spam folder. Sometimes, email providers block these kinds of notifications or mark them as suspicious. Make sure your Switch has an active internet connection—obvious but easy to overlook. Also, keep your system firmware up to date because sometimes older software versions mess with account linking. Also, if you’re stuck at the QR code prompt or the link fails, try restarting your Switch or resetting your internet connection; weird glitches happen.
Conclusion
Linking your Nintendo account might seem like a drag, but once it’s done, it’s smooth sailing from there — you get access to multiplayer, the eShop, cloud saves, and all the online features Nintendo offers. If things don’t work immediately, just remember to double-check your email, reconnect your internet, or try the whole process again. Usually, it’s a matter of patience and small technical fiddles. Fingers crossed this helps — worked for multiple setups, so hopefully, it gets you there without much fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I forget my Nintendo account password?
You can reset it on the login page of Nintendo Account Login. Click Forgot Password?, then follow the instructions to get a reset link or code sent to your email. Not sure why it works, but sometimes the reset email lands in spam or takes a few minutes.
Can I link multiple Nintendo accounts to one Switch device?
Not exactly. One user profile can only be linked to one Nintendo account at a time. But you can create multiple profiles on the Switch, each one linked to different accounts, if you want several people using the same device.
Is creating a Nintendo account free?
Yep, completely free. No hidden charges. It just opens the door to all the online services and purchases you want to make.