Things you can do before wrapping up your Nintendo Switch for the holidays
If the Nintendo Switch console will be given as a gift, there are a few things you can do to ensure the recipient is ready to play as quickly as possible.
If the recipient is an adult, they will most likely want to get everything set up themselves. Directing them to the information on first time set up on this page is a good place for them to start if they have any questions.
If the recipient is a child, there are a few things you can do to get the system prepared. Doing these now will prevent your needing to take time to get things set up when everyone is ready to play!
- for the parent or guardian of the child.
Children whose age makes them subject to verifiable parental consent laws require a parent or guardian to have a Nintendo Account in order to set one up for themselves. Having this ready first will help you to set up the child account more quickly.
- to the Internet.
Completing the online connection beforehand will ensure the system is ready to go.
- from the Nintendo eShop.
If you also purchased any game download codes, getting these downloaded now will ensure the game is ready to go right away and will avoid any possible delays in downloading the game due to high eShop traffic on Christmas day.
- If you are planning on playing online, purchase a .
In addition to providing access to online gaming, a membership also gives you access to libraries of classic NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64, and SEGA Genesis games!
- Review our to learn about the features of the system that allow you to manage what content and interactions your child can engage in.
A quick overview for setting up your Nintendo Switch
Setting up your Nintendo Switch is quick and easy.
- First, for the player(s) that will be using Nintendo Switch.
- If there are multiple players in your household, you can into one .
- Connect your Nintendo Switch and .
- for each player on Nintendo Switch, and to it.
- if you want to use the system’s online features (like online multiplayer).
- Start a game — you’re ready to play!
A quick overview of the Nintendo Account
Having a Nintendo Account provides many benefits, including:
- Access to the Nintendo eShop, where digital games and other content, and .
- The ability to .
- Access to the , where you can earn points towards exclusive rewards and discounts on games.
- The ability to sign up for the , which enables the ability to play online and provides over a hundred classic NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64, and SEGA Genesis games.
Steps to set up a Nintendo Account
- Go to the Nintendo Account website and click Sign in/Create account.
- Click Create a Nintendo Account.
- Enter your date of birth and click Submit.
- Select the sign-in method you want to use.
Note: Users whose age makes them subject to verifiable parental consent laws cannot create a Nintendo Account on their own. They can only be created within an existing parent/guardian’s Nintendo Account.
Have questions or need a little more help? You may find our information on helpful.
Securing Your Nintendo Account
In addition to using a password to secure your Nintendo Account, you should also consider setting up 2-step verification, registering a passkey, and/or registring a phone number. These options create additional layers of security that can help prevent unauthorized access to the account while ensuring you can easily access it yourself.
If you would like to add additional security to your account, the following information can help:
Move all player and system data to another system
If you have a new system and you are wanting to move everything from one system to another (digital software purchases, Nintendo Accounts, save data, etc.), the information in can help you out.
Move one player to a new system
Many times, when a new Nintendo Switch system is added to the household, there are one or more players that want to move their user profile and Nintendo Account to the new system. provides the steps to do this.
Move save data only
If you alternate between playing on two systems (perhaps you decided to make one a home system and the other a traveling system), save data may be all you want to move back and forth. If you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership, the Save Data Cloud Backup feature can be used for most games. provides information on this feature. Otherwise, has the info you need.
Move Animal Crossing: New Horizons data
With Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you can move individual players or your entire island to another system. Save data can also be backed up and restored when needed. has information that can help with all of these.
Move save data only
If you alternate between playing on two systems (perhaps you decided to make one a home system and the other a traveling system), save data may be all you want to move back and forth. If you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership, the Save Data Cloud Backup feature can be used for most games. provides information on this feature. Otherwise, has the info you need.
Playing games across multiple systems
The steps for playing a game across multiple systems can vary depending on several factors. Our information on can help you navigate your way to the steps for your particular set up.
