What Is the Difference Between a Nintendo Account and Nintendo Network ID?
Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch - OLED Model, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U
Nintendo Accounts and Nintendo Network IDs are used for different purposes.
Nintendo Account
- A Nintendo Account is used for Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch online services (including Nintendo eShop), smart device applications (like Super Mario Run), off-device software purchases, and the My Nintendo loyalty service.
- A Nintendo Account is created off-device (through the Nintendo Account website).
- For more information, read the Nintendo Account Overview.
Nintendo Network ID
- A Nintendo Network ID (NNID) is created and used on a Wii U and/or Nintendo 3DS family system.
- NNIDs were used for online features on Wii U prior to April 8, 2024 and, prior to March 27, 2023, were used for purchasing downloadable software through Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS.
