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How to Create a Nintendo Network ID on Nintendo 3DS

Nintendo 3DS

In this article, you'll learn how to create a Nintendo Network ID on a system in the Nintendo 3DS family.

Note: If you have already created a Nintendo Network ID on the Wii U and would like to use your existing account with a system in the Nintendo 3DS family, read How to Link an Existing Nintendo Network ID.

Information

Each Nintendo Network ID can be associated to one Wii U console and one Nintendo 3DS family system.

The Nintendo 3DS can have only one active Nintendo Network ID registered to it at one time.

  • If a previous account exists on the system, it will need to be removed before a new Nintendo Network ID can be created or linked.

What to do

  1. Where do you live?
  2. How old is the person that the account is for?
    How old is the person that the account is for?
    How old is the person that the account is for?

  3. If you live in Quebec and wish to create a Nintendo Network ID for a child, please contact us by calling 1-800-255-3700 any time between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM Pacific Time, seven days a week.

    1. At any point after completing the initial system set-up, select System Settings from the HOME Menu.
    2. Select Nintendo Network ID Settings, then OK.
      • If you do not see this option in the System Settings, you first need to update your Nintendo 3DS family system to the latest menu version.
    3. Read the information on the screens, then select Next.
    4. Select Create a New ID, then select Next.
    5. Read through the information on the screen and select Understood to proceed.
    6. Click View the Network Services Agreement.
    7. Select a language.
    8. Read through the Network Services Agreement. Select I Accept to agree to the terms.
      • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accept this agreement before you can proceed.
    9. Enter the following information into the appropriate fields:
      • Birthdate (Month, Day, Year)
      • Gender
      • Country of residence
        • This setting cannot be changed once the account is created.
        • This will be filled in automatically with the country that the Nintendo 3DS is currently set to.
        • If the country listed is incorrect, you will need to correct it before proceeding with the account creation process. Select Back until you reach the system settings, and adjust the country.
        • Note that any remaining Nintendo eShop balance that does not match the currency for the Nintendo Network account's country of residence will be erased without refund. Your Nintendo Network account cannot be associated to Nintendo eShop accounts for two different regions.
      • Region
      • Time Zone
    10. Click the Nintendo Network ID field, then click OK.
    11. Enter a Nintendo Network ID, then click Confirm.
      • The Nintendo Network ID is a unique name that will represent you on the Nintendo Network.
      • The ID you choose will be visible to others using online services. Please do not include any personal information or offensive content in your ID.
      • Please choose your ID carefully - once it's set, it cannot be changed.
      • The Nintendo Network ID should be between 6 and 16 characters long, and can contain letters, numbers, periods, dashes, and underscores.
      • Punctuation cannot be used as the first or last character of the ID. Also, two or more punctuation characters cannot be used in a row.
    12. Enter a password for the Nintendo Network account, then select Confirm.
      • The password you choose should be between 6 and 16 characters long.
      • Passwords must use a combination of characters from two of the following categories: letters, numbers, and punctuation.
      • You cannot use the name you chose for your Nintendo Network ID as your password.
      • The same character cannot be used three or more times in a row.
      • For security, you should not use passwords that can be easily guessed or that you have used for other services.
    13. Enter the password one more time to verify. Select Confirm.
    14. Enter your e-mail address. Select Confirm.
      • If the e-mail address entered is invalid (for example, the domain used does not exist), you will be prompted to correct it. Please double-check the e-mail address and re-enter it.
      • A valid e-mail address is required to create a Nintendo Network ID.
    15. Enter your e-mail address one more time to verify, then select Confirm.
    16. Once all fields are filled out, select Done.
    17. Review the information you've entered to verify that it is correct. Select Link to confirm.
      • If any information needs to be changed, select Back to return to the previous screen.
    18. Verify whether you would like to receive promotional e-mail communications from Nintendo and its partners.
    19. Verify whether you'd like to be able to access Nintendo Network services from other devices (smartphones, PCs) where applicable.
    20. Select OK to complete the process.
    21. A confirmation e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Follow the instructions in the e-mail to complete the e-mail verification process.

    If you live in the United States or Canada and wish to create a Nintendo Network ID for a child, please contact us by calling 1-800-255-3700 any time between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM Pacific Time, seven days a week.

    1. At any point after completing the initial system set-up, select System Settings from the HOME Menu.
    2. Select Nintendo Network ID Settings, then OK.
      • If you do not see this option in the System Settings, you first need to update your Nintendo 3DS family system to the latest menu version.
    3. Read the information on the screens, then select Next.
    4. Select Create a New ID, then select Next.
    5. Read through the information on the screen and select Understood to proceed.
    6. Click View the Network Services Agreement.
    7. Select a language.
    8. Read through the Network Services Agreement. Select I Accept to agree to the terms.
      • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accept this agreement before you can proceed.
    9. Enter the following information into the appropriate fields:
      • Birthdate (Month, Day, Year)
      • Gender
      • Country of residence
        • This setting cannot be changed once the account is created.
        • This will be filled in automatically with the country that the Nintendo 3DS is currently set to.
        • If the country listed is incorrect, you will need to correct it before proceeding with the account creation process. Select Back until you reach the system settings, and adjust the country.
        • Note that any remaining Nintendo eShop balance that does not match the currency for the Nintendo Network account's country of residence will be erased without refund. Your Nintendo Network account cannot be associated to Nintendo eShop accounts for two different regions.
      • Region
      • Time Zone
    10. Click the Nintendo Network ID field, then click OK.
    11. Enter a Nintendo Network ID, then click Confirm.
      • The Nintendo Network ID is a unique name that will represent you on the Nintendo Network.
      • The ID you choose will be visible to others using online services. Please do not include any personal information or offensive content in your ID.
      • Please choose your ID carefully - once it's set, it cannot be changed.
      • The Nintendo Network ID should be between 6 and 16 characters long, and can contain letters, numbers, periods, dashes, and underscores.
      • Punctuation cannot be used as the first or last character of the ID. Also, two or more punctuation characters cannot be used in a row.
    12. Enter a password for the Nintendo Network account, then select Confirm.
      • The password you choose should be between 6 and 16 characters long.
      • Passwords must use a combination of characters from two of the following categories: letters, numbers, and punctuation.
      • You cannot use the name you chose for your Nintendo Network ID as your password.
      • The same character cannot be used three or more times in a row.
      • For security, you should not use passwords that can be easily guessed or that you have used for other services.
    13. Enter the password one more time to verify. Select Confirm.
    14. Enter your e-mail address. Select Confirm.
      • If the e-mail address entered is invalid (for example, the domain used does not exist), you will be prompted to correct it. Please double-check the e-mail address and re-enter it.
      • A valid e-mail address is required to create a Nintendo Network ID.
    15. Enter your e-mail address one more time to verify, then select Confirm.
    16. Once all fields are filled out, select Done.
    17. Review the information you've entered to verify that it is correct. Select Link to confirm.
      • If any information needs to be changed, select Back to return to the previous screen.
    18. Verify whether you would like to receive promotional e-mail communications from Nintendo and its partners.
    19. Verify whether you'd like to be able to access Nintendo Network services from other devices (smartphones, PCs) where applicable.
    20. Select OK to complete the process.
    21. A confirmation e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Follow the instructions in the e-mail to complete the e-mail verification process.
    1. At any point after completing the initial system set-up, select System Settings from the HOME Menu.
    2. Select Nintendo Network ID Settings, then OK.
      • If you do not see this option in the System Settings, you first need to update your Nintendo 3DS family system to the latest menu version.
    3. Read the information on the screens, then select Next.
    4. Select Create a New ID, then select Next.
    5. Read through the information on the screen and select Understood to proceed.
    6. Click View the Network Services Agreement.
    7. Select a language.
    8. Read through the Network Services Agreement. Select I Accept to agree to the terms.
      • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accept this agreement before you can proceed.
    9. Enter the following information into the appropriate fields:
      • Birthdate (Month, Day, Year)
      • Gender
      • Country of residence
        • This setting cannot be changed once the account is created.
        • This will be filled in automatically with the country that the Nintendo 3DS is currently set to.
        • If the country listed is incorrect, you will need to correct it before proceeding with the account creation process. Select Back until you reach the system settings, and adjust the country.
        • Note that any remaining Nintendo eShop balance that does not match the currency for the Nintendo Network account's country of residence will be erased without refund. Your Nintendo Network account cannot be associated to Nintendo eShop accounts for two different regions.
      • Region
      • Time Zone
    10. Click the Nintendo Network ID field, then click OK.
    11. Enter a Nintendo Network ID, then click Confirm.
      • The Nintendo Network ID is a unique name that will represent you on the Nintendo Network.
      • The ID you choose will be visible to others using online services. Please do not include any personal information or offensive content in your ID.
      • Please choose your ID carefully - once it's set, it cannot be changed.
      • The Nintendo Network ID should be between 6 and 16 characters long, and can contain letters, numbers, periods, dashes, and underscores.
      • Punctuation cannot be used as the first or last character of the ID. Also, two or more punctuation characters cannot be used in a row.
    12. Enter a password for the Nintendo Network account, then select Confirm.
      • The password you choose should be between 6 and 16 characters long.
      • Passwords must use a combination of characters from two of the following categories: letters, numbers, and punctuation.
      • You cannot use the name you chose for your Nintendo Network ID as your password.
      • The same character cannot be used three or more times in a row.
      • For security, you should not use passwords that can be easily guessed or that you have used for other services.
    13. Enter the password one more time to verify. Select Confirm.
    14. Enter your e-mail address. Select Confirm.
      • If the e-mail address entered is invalid (for example, the domain used does not exist), you will be prompted to correct it. Please double-check the e-mail address and re-enter it.
      • A valid e-mail address is required to create a Nintendo Network ID.
    15. Enter your e-mail address one more time to verify, then select Confirm.
    16. Once all fields are filled out, select Done.
    17. Review the information you've entered to verify that it is correct. Select Link to confirm.
      • If any information needs to be changed, select Back to return to the previous screen.
    18. You will be prompted to enter your Parental Control PIN. Tap OK.
      • If you have not yet set up a Parental Control PIN, you will be asked to set one up at this point. Select Yes to set up Parental Controls.
    19. Select No to verify that you do not live in the United States or Canada.
    20. Verify whether you would like to receive promotional e-mail communications from Nintendo and its partners.
    21. Verify whether you'd like to be able to access Nintendo Network services (such as Miiverse) from other devices (smartphones, PC's) where applicable.
    22. Select OK to complete the process.
    23. A confirmation e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Follow the instructions in the e-mail to complete the e-mail verification process.
    1. At any point after completing the initial system set-up, select System Settings from the HOME Menu.
    2. Select Nintendo Network ID Settings, then OK.
      • If you do not see this option in the System Settings, you first need to update your Nintendo 3DS family system to the latest menu version.
    3. Read the information on the screens, then select Next.
    4. Select Create a New ID, then select Next.
    5. Read through the information on the screen and select Understood to proceed.
    6. Click View the Network Services Agreement.
    7. Select a language.
    8. Read through the Network Services Agreement. Select I Accept to agree to the terms.
      • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accept this agreement before you can proceed.
    9. Enter the following information into the appropriate fields:
      • Birthdate (Month, Day, Year)
      • Gender
      • Country of residence
        • This setting cannot be changed once the account is created.
        • This will be filled in automatically with the country that the Nintendo 3DS is currently set to.
        • If the country listed is incorrect, you will need to correct it before proceeding with the account creation process. Select Back until you reach the system settings, and adjust the country.
        • Note that any remaining Nintendo eShop balance that does not match the currency for the Nintendo Network account's country of residence will be erased without refund. Your Nintendo Network account cannot be associated to Nintendo eShop accounts for two different regions.
      • Region
      • Time Zone
    10. Click the Nintendo Network ID field, then click OK.
    11. Enter a Nintendo Network ID, then click Confirm.
      • The Nintendo Network ID is a unique name that will represent you on the Nintendo Network.
      • The ID you choose will be visible to others using online services. Please do not include any personal information or offensive content in your ID.
      • Please choose your ID carefully - once it's set, it cannot be changed.
      • The Nintendo Network ID should be between 6 and 16 characters long, and can contain letters, numbers, periods, dashes, and underscores.
      • Punctuation cannot be used as the first or last character of the ID. Also, two or more punctuation characters cannot be used in a row.
    12. Enter a password for the Nintendo Network account, then select Confirm.
      • The password you choose should be between 6 and 16 characters long.
      • Passwords must use a combination of characters from two of the following categories: letters, numbers, and punctuation.
      • You cannot use the name you chose for your Nintendo Network ID as your password.
      • The same character cannot be used three or more times in a row.
      • For security, you should not use passwords that can be easily guessed or that you have used for other services.
    13. Enter the password one more time to verify. Select Confirm.
    14. Enter your e-mail address. Select Confirm.
      • If the e-mail address entered is invalid (for example, the domain used does not exist), you will be prompted to correct it. Please double-check the e-mail address and re-enter it.
      • A valid e-mail address is required to create a Nintendo Network ID.
    15. Enter your e-mail address one more time to verify, then select Confirm.
    16. Once all fields are filled out, select Done.
    17. Review the information you've entered to verify that it is correct. Select Link to confirm.
      • If any information needs to be changed, select Back to return to the previous screen.
    18. Verify whether you would like to receive promotional e-mail communications from Nintendo and its partners.
    19. Verify whether you'd like to be able to access Nintendo Network services from other devices (smartphones, PCs) where applicable.
    20. Select OK to complete the process.
    21. A confirmation e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Follow the instructions in the e-mail to complete the e-mail verification process.

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