How To Create A Free Nintendo Account (Picture Guide)

Today, I’ll be showing you how to make a free Nintendo Account.

Navigate to Nintendo’s account creation page, login with various social network profiles or create a new account, fill in a few fields, and reap the benefits of being a Nintendo Account member.

I’ll be going over all the details of creating an account, step-by-step, in this picture guide.

But before we begin, what exactly is a Nintendo Account and why should you make one?

If you are interested in checking out the most popular Nintendo Switch games, you can find them by clicking here.

What is a Nintendo Account?

mario holding a star in front of a blue background — Image: Nintendo

This post may contain Amazon affiliate links we earn from. Please assume all links are affiliate.

A Nintendo Account is a free account that provides exclusive services and features to members.

A Nintendo Account provides access to Nintendo content such as

the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo devices
the Nintendo eShop through web browsers
social media functions on the Nintendo Switch
online functionality on the Nintendo Switch
an exclusive customer reward program called My Nintendo that provides points back on purchases, digital goodies, discounts, and more.
compatibility with Nintendo smartphone apps

A Nintendo Account is must-have for all Nintendo fans.

Better yet? You can sign up for a Nintendo Account even if you do not have a Nintendo system. Nice!

Why should you make a Nintendo Account?

There are two main reasons you should make a Nintendo Account:

To access the Nintendo eShop
To gain access to My Nintendo rewards

To access the Nintendo eShop

As mentioned above, a Nintendo Account is necessary to be able to access the Nintendo eShop.

What is the Nintendo eShop? It’s the digital store for each of Nintendo’s console, including the Nintendo Switch family line of consoles.

You need a Nintendo Account (connected to your Nintendo Switch profile) in order to access the Nintendo Switch digital store AND most online functionality on the console.

Due to this, a Nintendo Account is essential for Nintendo Switch owners and digital downloaders.

To access My Nintendo rewards

A Nintendo Account is also needed to join My Nintendo.

What is My Nintendo? My Nintendo is Nintendo’s customer loyalty program as mentioned above.

Earn free cash-back reward points from most digital and physical purchases, gain access to digital rewards such as exclusive wallpapers and game discounts, and much more.

My Nintendo member is free to join but requires a Nintendo Account to do so.

How To Create A Free Nintendo Account

It’s time to make a free Nintendo Account.

This method uses direct account creation through Nintendo
You can optionally create a Nintendo Account using a social network login
I’ll be using a desktop computer and web browser to create a Nintendo Account although account creation can be done on a smartphone

You will need basic personal information and a valid email account (along with internet connection) to create a Nintendo Account.

Details you’ll need to know when creating a Nintendo account include

A nickname
a valid email address
your date of birth
your gender
a password
your region
and your time zone

NOTE: Account creation steps, details, and methods are current at the time of publication.

1) Go To Nintendo Accounts Site

Gray screen with Nintendo Account creation details, fields, and information — How To Create A Nintendo Account

Open a web browser (such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, etc.).

Type Accounts.Nintendo.com into the address bar.

You will be taken to Nintendo’s account creation page with options to sign in or to create a new account.

Scroll down until your see Create a Nintendo Account.

2) Click Create A Nintendo Account

Click on the Create a Nintendo Account button to start the account creation process.

You will be taken to a screen that will ask for your date of birth.

3) Submit Your Date Of Birth

Enter your date of birth which includes the month, day, and year by using the dropdown menus.

Click on Submit when you are done.

You’ll be taken to the account creation page.

ATTENTION: You cannot change your birth date later.

4) Chose Your Creation Method

You can create a Nintendo Account easily by using a social network login.

In this handy guide, we’ll make a Nintendo Account directly with Nintendo.

Scroll down to see additional information you must fill out.

5) Enter Name And Create Password

Enter a nickname for your account. Your username must be 10 characters or less.

Your nickname will not be shown to others and will only be used in communication with Nintendo

Enter a valid email address not tied to another Nintendo Account.

Enter a password. Your password must be at least 8 characters in length.

Scroll down to continue entering information.

6) Enter Additional Information

Confirm your password by reentering your password.

Verify your date of birth is correct.

Choose your gender.

You can select Male, Female, and Choose Not To Answer as your gender

Select your country or region from the dropdown menu.

Finally, select your time zone from the dropdown menu.

Scroll down.

7) Review The User Agreement

Decide if you want receive emails from Nintendo.

Then, read the Nintendo Account User Agreement in full.

Click on the box next to each.

ATTENTION: You must accept the Account User Agreement and click on the box next to it before continuing on to the next page.

8) Submit Account Information

Click on Submit once you have read the Account User Agreement and checked the box.

You will be taken to a verification page.

9) Account Creation Is Not Yet Complete

Your account creation is not yet complete.

A verification code has been sent to your email address, and you must enter the code into the verification box below.

The code will expire in 24 hours.

You’ll find a verification box along with additional information as you scroll down the page.

10) Check Your Email For Verification Code

Check your email for the code. DO NOT close the Nintendo Account creation page.

Memorize or copy the code and return back to the Nintendo Account verification page.

11) Enter Verification Code

Enter the verification code emailed to you in the verification field.

Click Verify to be taken to the next step.

12) Your Nintendo Account Has Been Created

Your Nintendo Account has been successfully created.

Make sure you save your email, password, and account details so you’ll be able to sign in.

Scroll down.

13) Click OK

Click the OK button to be taken to your Nintendo Account dashboard where you can manage various settings.

14) Sign Out

When you are done with your Nintendo Account session, click on your profile picture in the upper right hand corner (on desktop).

A dropdown menu with the option to sign out will appear. Click on Sign out.

A sign out confirmation page will appear, reminding you to keep your login credentials safe and saved for repeat logins.

Click Sign out to sign out of your Nintendo Account.

15) Use Your New Nintendo Account

Congratulations! You now have a Nintendo Account.

If you are a Nintendo Switch owner, you can now connect it to a Nintendo Switch profile from a Nintendo Switch console in order to access online features, the Nintendo eShop, and much more.