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How To Find Your Nintendo Network ID

By Author Jonah Matthes

Posted on Last updated:

Your Nintendo Network ID (NNID) is a unique identifier that helps you connect to online services and other players on Nintendo gaming systems. It’s used for linking your Nintendo Account with your Nintendo Switch console as well as for playing certain games, downloading content, and making purchases on the Nintendo eShop. But how exactly do you find your NNID?

You can use your Nintendo 3DS to find your Nintendo Network ID. Select ‘System Settings’ from the Home Menu. Choose ‘Nintendo Network ID Settings.’ Your ID will appear at the top of the screen next to the word ‘ID.’ The ID can also be found using a Wii U, a smartphone, or a computer.

Let’s take a closer look at how to find your Nintendo Network ID with each of these devices. We’ll also explain the difference between a Nintendo account and a Nintendo Network ID.

How Do You Find Your Nintendo Network ID?

Nintendo Switch

Forgot your Nintendo Network ID? No worries. You can still access it from your Nintendo 3DS family systems, Wii U, or a PC/Smartphone.

Your NNID is normally 6 to 16 characters long and contains letters, numbers, and symbols, and before we explain how to find it, you should also note we have some other related guides on understanding a Nintendo Account vs. an NNID, more details on what the NNID is and what it’s used for, and what to do if your Nintendo Account has been suspended!

Next let’s go through how to locate the ID on each device.

Using Nintendo 3DS

To find your NNID from the Nintendo 3DS (on Amazon), 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.

Using Wii U

Here’s how to locate your NNID from Wii U (on Amazon):

  1. Go to the Wii U Menu and select the user icon at the screen’s top left corner.
  2. Next, go to the user selection section and choose a user to find the Network ID.
  3. Your NNID will appear in orange text in the lower right corner.

Don’t confuse your Nintendo Network ID with your Mii name. The ID is in orange text, while your name appears in black text in the lower right corner.

Using a PC or Smartphone

Here’s how to locate your NNID from a web browser (using a PC/smartphone):

  1. Go to the Forgot NNIDD page.
  2. Enter your email address associated with your Nintendo account.
  3. Enter either your Birth Date or Nickname. Press Send.
  4. An email will be sent to your email address containing your Nintendo Network ID.

Is the Nintendo Network ID the Same as the Nintendo Account?

No, your Nintendo Network ID is different from a Nintendo Account. Your NNID is the “username” you use to log in to online services and connect with other players on Nintendo systems. It’s linked to your Nintendo console and is used for playing games, downloading content, and making purchases on the Nintendo eShop.

Your Nintendo Account is a separate account that you use to manage the settings and content associated with your console. It’s also used to keep track of your points, rewards, and activity on Nintendo services.

While the two accounts are different, you can link them together to access extra features, like transferring funds from one system to another.

Here’s how to link your Nintendo Network ID to your Nintendo Account:

  1. Go to the Nintendo website and select Sign In from the top right corner of the page.
  2. Sign in with your Nintendo Account username and password.
  3. Under the My Nintendo section, select Linked Accounts.
  4. On the Linked Accounts page, select Link Nintendo Network ID.
  5. Enter your Nintendo Network ID and Password, then select Link.

And that’s it. Your Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo Account are now linked together.

You can also use your Nintendo Switch or smartphone to link your Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo Account. To do so:

  1. Go to the Home Screen and select your user icon.
  2. Choose Friends Suggestions.
  3. Highlight the 3DS or Wii U icons and select Next.
  4. Enter your Nintendo Account Password and press Next.
  5. Sign in using your Nintendo Network ID username and password.

You have successfully linked the two accounts.

Conclusion

A Person Playing a Game on a Nintendo Switch

By now, you should be able to find your Nintendo Network ID with ease. Your NNID is important for accessing online services, playing games, and making purchases on the Nintendo eShop.

Be careful not to confuse your Nintendo Network ID with your Nintendo Account, as they are two separate accounts. Link these two (if you haven’t yet) to access extra features.