On the Switch, open Nintendo eShop with the user linked to your Nintendo Account. Select the account icon, open Account Information, scroll to Pass-enabled Console, then choose Deregister twice to confirm. Nintendo may ask for your account password. Nintendo’s North American support uses “pass-enabled console”; Nintendo UK uses “primary console” for the corresponding setting, so the label can vary by region.
Deregister the console while you still have it
- Launch Nintendo eShop on the Switch.
- Select the user linked to the Nintendo Account whose console status you want to change.
- Select the account icon to open Account Information.
- Scroll to Pass-enabled Console and choose Deregister. Confirm by choosing Deregister again; enter your Nintendo Account password if prompted.
Nintendo allows one pass-enabled console per Nintendo Account at a time. After deregistering, the next console that opens Nintendo eShop with that account is registered automatically. Check Account Information on that console to verify its status. Nintendo’s Switch instructions describe the console-based process.
If you no longer have the old console
Use the Nintendo Account Shop Menu website to deregister remotely:
- Sign in to the Nintendo Account associated with the console.
- Select Deregister Pass-enabled Console.
- Enter the account password and confirm deregistration twice.
- On the console you want to use next, open Nintendo eShop with the same account. That console will be registered automatically.
Nintendo permits website deregistration only once per year. If you have already used the remote option and cannot access the old console, contact Nintendo Support for help. Nintendo’s deregistration guidance explains the limit and the console-unavailable case.
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- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
If the old console was traded in or stolen, change your Nintendo Account password as well. Password changes and console deregistration are separate actions; changing the password does not itself deregister the console. Nintendo recommends a password change to help prevent access to the account on a console you no longer control. Nintendo Account security guidance
Choose the right action for your situation
| Situation | Action | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| You can use the current console | Deregister in Nintendo eShop under Account Information | The next console to access eShop with the account can become pass-enabled. |
| You cannot use the current console | Deregister through the Nintendo Account Shop Menu website | Remote deregistration is limited to once per year; contact Nintendo if that option has already been used. |
| You are moving to a replacement console | Link the same Nintendo Account to a user there, then open Nintendo eShop | Registration is automatic; save data requires separate handling. |
| You want to change virtual game card access between systems | Use Virtual Game Cards system linking or unlinking | This is separate from pass-enabled status; unlinking ejects virtual game cards loaded on that console but does not remove save data. |
What changing the console setting affects
The primary or pass-enabled console setting controls access to digital purchases. Nintendo UK says anyone using the primary console can play digital purchases made by the linked account. On a non-primary console, the account holder can access those purchases, but other users cannot access that account’s digital games. Labels and details may vary by region; see Nintendo UK’s primary-console guidance.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Deregistering does not move save data
Changing console status does not transfer saved games. Use a separate system-transfer process or, where eligible, Nintendo Switch Online Save Data Cloud to move or restore saves. Nintendo’s system-transfer guidance says that a transferred account, user, and save data are removed from the original console after transfer. Review the steps before proceeding: Nintendo’s user-data transfer instructions and Save Data Cloud instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do not confuse it with virtual game card system linking
Virtual game card system linking manages which Switch or Switch 2 systems can load virtual game cards; it is not the eShop deregistration flow above. Nintendo documents linking up to two systems for this feature. Unlink a system through the Virtual Game Cards settings or Account Home. A forced unlink through those routes is limited to once per year; unlinking ejects virtual game cards loaded on that console, while its save data remains. See Nintendo’s Virtual Game Cards guidance and Nintendo’s system-linking support instructions.
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Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
