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Here’s How To Locate Your Network ID On A Nintendo 3DS

If you want to access the online features on the Nintendo 3DS but can’t remember your Nintendo Network ID, there’s no need to panic. There are a few ways to easily locate your Network ID, including by using your Nintendo 3DS.

To locate your Nintendo Network ID (NNID) on the Nintendo 3DS Family System, open the Home Menu, go to ‘System Settings’ and select ‘Nintendo Network ID Settings.’ Your Nintendo Network ID appears at the top screen next to the word ‘ID’ in gray text.  

Let’s take a closer look at the Nintendo Network ID, its uses, and how you can locate it using your Nintendo 3DS. It’s not a difficult procedure, and it shouldn’t take you long.

What Is a Nintendo Network ID (NNID)?

Nintendo 3DS home screen

First, the basics. A Nintendo Network ID (NNID) is a service by Nintendo that provides games and other content through the internet. An NNID gives you access to a range of services, such as playing online games with users worldwide, sending and receiving messages, and downloading software.

The NNID is usually unique, is between 6 and 16 characters long, and may include letters, numbers, and symbols.

How to Find Your Network ID on a 3DS

To locate your NNID from the Nintendo 3DS Family System, you first have to have to access the NNID settings menu. To do this, proceed as follows:

  1. From the Home Menu, select System Settings.
  2. Choose Nintendo Network ID Settings.

Your Nintendo Network ID appears at the top screen next to the word ID in gray text. 

Nintendo Account vs. Network ID: What’s the Difference? 

It’s easy to confuse the Nintendo Network ID and a Nintendo Account, but the two have different uses. A Nintendo Account is an account used to access various Nintendo services like purchasing games from the eShop. It was created in 2016 and is the primary account for all downloads and online games.

A Nintendo Account helps make purchases on the Nintendo Switch, while a Nintendo Network ID is used to make purchases on 3DS and Wii U. You can link your NNID and Nintendo Account to facilitate the transfer of funds between the two.

What to Do if You Forget Your Network ID

It’s not a big deal if you can’t remember your Nintendo Network ID. You can always go back to your 3DS (as explained above) and locate your NNID.

You can also use other platforms like Wii U and your PC or smartphone to check your Nintendo ID. 

Setting Up a Nintendo Network ID on 3DS

Red 3DS

Here’s how to create a Nintendo Network ID on your 3DS:

  1. Connect your Nintendo 3DS to a Wi-Fi connection.
  2. On the main menu, select System Settings.
  3. Choose Create a New ID.
  4. Select I Accept after reading through the Nintendo’s Agreement.
  5. Next, key in your personal info, such as country of residence, region, time zone, gender, and birthdate. You can’t change your country after confirming it.
  6. Tap on Nintendo Network ID and select OK.
  7. Choose a Nintendo Network ID and enter it. It must be between 6 and 16 characters long and may contain letters, numbers, dashes, underscores, and periods. You can’t change your Nintendo ID after creating it.
  8. Create your password. It must also be between 6 and 16 characters long and can’t be the same as your Nintendo Network ID. Select Confirm.
  9. Enter your email address and click Done

Wrapping Up

Now that you have your NNID, you can enjoy lots of online features and make online purchases. You can also view your Network ID via your smartphone or Wii U, and it’s a good idea to link your NNID to your Nintendo Account in order to facilitate the transfer of funds.