How to Link an Existing Nintendo Network ID to a Nintendo 3DS Family System

Once a Nintendo Network account has been associated to a system in the Nintendo 3DS family, it can only be moved to a different Nintendo 3DS family system through the System Transfer process.

1. Format the system to remove the current Nintendo Network ID.
   • Only one Nintendo Network ID can be linked to the system at a time.
   • Formatting the system will not delete the Nintendo Network account. The account can be re-linked to this system again in the future.
2. Go through the first-time system setup process.
   • Make sure to set your country correctly. You will not be able to link the Nintendo Network ID if the country settings do not match.
3. Once you have returned to the HOME menu, select System Settings.
4. Select Nintendo Network ID Settings, then select Next.
5. Select Link an Existing ID.
6. Read through the information on the screen and select Understood to proceed.
7. Enter the Nintendo Network ID, password, and email address for the account that you want to link. Click Done.
8. Select Link.

1. From the HOME menu, select System Settings.
2. Select Nintendo Network ID Settings, then select Next.
3. Select Link an Existing ID.
4. Read through the information regarding Nintendo eShop, Country settings, account deletion, linking, and Parental Controls. Select Understood to proceed.
5. Enter the Nintendo Network ID, password, and email address for the account that you want to link. Click Done.
6. Select Link.

1. Set up Parental Controls if you have not already done so.
2. Once Parental Controls are complete, an authentication code will be sent to the e-mail address that is associated to the parent. When prompted, select Yes.
3. Select OK.
4. An email will arrive within an hour, with a 5-digit authorization code. Enter the code and select Confirm.
5. If the Nintendo Network ID was originally created on the Wii U or by contacting Nintendo, select the Mii character to associate with the account. Select OK.
   • If you have not created a Mii character on the Nintendo 3DS, this will default to the Mii from the Wii U or a generic Mii.
6. Select Next to link the Nintendo Network ID to the system.
   • If an error message appears that says the region settings do not match, you will need to correct the system's region settings and try again. Select Back until you reach the system settings, and adjust the country.
7. Select OK to complete the process.

1. If the Nintendo Network ID was originally created on the Wii U, select the Mii character to associate with the account. Select OK
   • If you have not created a Mii character on the Nintendo 3DS, this will default to the Mii from the Wii U.
2. Select Next to link the Nintendo Network ID to the system.
   • If an error message appears that says the region settings do not match, you will need to correct the system's region settings and try again. Select Back until you reach the system settings, and adjust the country.
3. Select OK to complete the process.

1. Set up Parental Controls if you have not already done so.
2. Once Parental Controls are complete, an authentication code will be sent to the e-mail address that is associated to the parent. When prompted, select Yes.
3. Select OK.
4. An email will arrive within an hour, with a 5-digit authorization code. Enter the code and select Confirm.
5. If the Nintendo Network ID was originally created on the Wii U or by contacting Nintendo, select the Mii character to associate with the account. Select OK.
   • If you have not created a Mii character on the Nintendo 3DS, this will default to the Mii from the Wii U or a generic Mii.
6. Select Next to link the Nintendo Network ID to the system.
   • If an error message appears that says the region settings do not match, you will need to correct the system's region settings and try again. Select Back until you reach the system settings, and adjust the country.
7. Select OK to complete the process.

1. If the Nintendo Network ID was originally created on the Wii U, select the Mii character to associate with the account. Select OK.
   • If you have not created a Mii character on the Nintendo 3DS, this will default to the Mii from the Wii U.
2. Select Next to link the Nintendo Network ID to the system.
   • If an error message appears that says the region settings do not match, you will need to correct the system's region settings and try again. 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 when the account is linked. Your Nintendo Network account cannot be associated to Nintendo eShop accounts for two different regions.
3. Select OK to complete the process.