Nintendo Support

How to Add a New User Account on Nintendo Switch

Instructions on creating a new user account on the Nintendo Switch, and linking the new user account to a Nintendo Account during the set up process.

If you already have a user account on a different console, you can transfer your existing account and save data instead of creating a new account.
User accounts are used to manage each player’s save data and personal settings.
Up to 8 user accounts can be created on the Nintendo Switch.
A user account can also be linked to a Nintendo Account at any time after it is created.
Once a Nintendo Account is linked to the account, the system's online features will be available.

Select “System Settings” on the HOME Menu.
Scroll down to highlight “Users,” then select “Add User.”
Click “Next.”
Select the icon you would like to have associated to your account.
- Tap “More Options” for additional characters / backgrounds to choose from.
- If you would like to add a Mii instead of a picture, click “Mii” to create one.
Once you have selected a character, enter a nickname when prompted. Select “OK.”
- Your nickname can be seen by other players, so don’t include any personal information.
- Your nickname can be changed at any time once your account is created.
Select “OK” again to confirm.
At this point, you will be given the option to link a Nintendo Account to your user account.

Select “Sign In and Link” to link an existing Nintendo Account.
Sign in to your Nintendo Account using one of the available sign-in methods.
- If you have forgotten your Nintendo Account sign in information, click here.
Review the Nintendo Account details to confirm that you are linking the correct account, then select Link.
- Once a Nintendo Account is linked to a user account, this link cannot be undone.
You will receive a confirmation message that your Nintendo Account is now linked to your Sign-in account. Click OK to return to the System Settings.
Select “Add User” if you would like to add additional accounts, or press the B Button to return to the HOME Menu.

Select “Create Account” to set up a new Nintendo Account.
- Optional - On the following screen, you can request an email with instructions to link your Nintendo Account with a confirmation code.
On your PC or smart device, visit http://accounts.nintendo.com and create a Nintendo Account.
Once you have created the Nintendo Account, return to the Nintendo Switch and click “Sign in.”
Sign in to your Nintendo Account using one of the available sign-in methods.
- If you have forgotten your Nintendo Account sign in information, click here.
You will receive a confirmation message that your Nintendo Account is now linked to your sign-in account. Click “OK” to return to the system settings.
Select “Add User” if you would like to add additional accounts, or press the B Button to return to the HOME Menu.

Select Later if you do not wish to create or link a Nintendo Account at this time.
- Note that many of the console’s online features are not available until a Nintendo Account is linked.
Once your account is created, you will return to the system settings. Select Add User if you would like to add additional accounts, or press the B Button to return to the HOME Menu.