How to Link Your Nintendo Network ID to Your Nintendo Account

Abraham Smith

If you’ve been a Nintendo fan for a long time, you might have noticed that after the release of the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo abandoned the Nintendo Network ID in favor of the Nintendo Account.


Keeping track of multiple Nintendo accounts can be confusing. So if you want to learn how to consolidate your Nintendo accounts by linking your Nintendo Network ID to your Nintendo Account, read on to find out how.


What is the difference between a Nintendo Network ID and a Nintendo Account?

A Nintendo Network ID is an account that gives the user access to online services such as eShop, Miiverse and Wii U Chat on the Wii U and 3DS consoles.

A Nintendo Account, on the other hand, is an online account that allows you to use online services such as the eShop and online games on the Nintendo Switch console. A Nintendo Account also grants the user access to the My Nintendo Rewards system.

Linking these two accounts makes it easier to transfer funds between them. For example, if you have a lot of money saved up on your Nintendo Network ID account but want to transfer it for use in the Nintendo Switch eShop, you can do so.

This also works the other way around, allowing you to send money from your Nintendo Account to your Nintendo Network ID and use it to buy games in the Wii U or 3DS eShops.

This method is currently the only way to add funds to the Wii U or 3DS eShops. As of March 2023, Nintendo will be closing the Wii U and 3DS eShops, so make sure you buy all the games on your wish list for those consoles by then.

If you want to learn more about how to merge your Nintendo Account and Nintendo Network ID funds, check out our guide on how to transfer funds to Wii U or 3DS before the eShops close.

There are two ways to link your Nintendo Network ID to your Nintendo Account. However, the easiest way is through the Nintendo Account website. Follow the instructions below if you want to link your accounts using a computer or smartphone.

  1. Go to the Nintendo Account website and enter your username and password to log in.
  2. Scroll down until you find it Connected Accounts Section.
  3. Press To edit.
  4. Choose Nintendo Network IDand enter your username and password to link your accounts.

Linking these accounts will also reward you with Nintendo Platinum Points, which can be redeemed on the My Nintendo website. Check out our guide to discover more ways to earn and use My Nintendo Platinum Points.

If you prefer to link your Nintendo Network ID to your Nintendo Account via your Nintendo Switch, follow the instructions below.

  1. choose yours user icon from the Nintendo Switch home screen.
  2. Go to friend selectionmark the Wii U or 3DS icon with the L and R buttons and press Next. If the Next button is grayed out and you can’t select it, it means you have already linked your accounts.
  3. Enter your Nintendo Account password and press OKthen press Next.
  4. Enter your Nintendo Network ID username and password and press log in to link your accounts.

Your Nintendo Switch menu needs to be updated to version 3.0 or later as that version is required to show this Wii U and 3DS icons. So, make sure to update your system before starting the process.

Now that your Nintendo Accounts are linked, check out the Wii U and 3DS eShops

Juggling multiple accounts for a business can be a little tricky to manage. But by linking your Nintendo accounts, you can make life a little easier.

If you’re considering consolidating your Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo Accounts, do so in time to snag some goodies in the Wii U and 3DS eShops before they close for good.

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