To create a Nintendo Network ID (NNID), use the setup menu on a Nintendo 3DS family system or Wii U. On 3DS, open System Settings > Nintendo Network ID Settings; on Wii U, start in User Settings. An NNID is a legacy account for these systems, not a Nintendo Account for Switch. Nintendo still publishes setup instructions, but those instructions do not confirm that new NNID registration is currently available.
Before you start
- Check whether you already have an NNID. Nintendo says one NNID can be associated with one Wii U and one Nintendo 3DS family system. A 3DS can have only one NNID registered at a time; an existing ID on the system must be removed before you create or link a different one. See Nintendo’s 3DS setup instructions and its NNID guidance.
- Choose the country carefully. Nintendo says the country of residence cannot be changed after the ID is created. Its 3DS instructions also warn that an eShop balance in a currency that does not match the NNID country will be erased without refund.
- Use the right account type. NNIDs are created and used on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS family systems. Nintendo Accounts are separate and are used for Switch services, smart-device apps, off-device software purchases, and My Nintendo. Read Nintendo’s explanation of the difference.
Nintendo’s support pages say NNIDs were used for Wii U online features before April 8, 2024, and were required for certain 3DS eShop downloads before March 27, 2023. The pages do not establish whether new NNID registration works now or which legacy features remain available. Check Nintendo’s current service information rather than assuming that following the setup screens will activate online services.
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Create an NNID on Nintendo 3DS
- Connect the system to the internet. If Nintendo Network ID Settings is not available, update the system as needed. Nintendo notes that you may need to create a Mii before continuing.
- From the HOME Menu, open System Settings, then select Nintendo Network ID Settings.
- Read the information and choose Create a New ID. Review the Network Services Agreement. If the user is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accept it.
- Enter the requested information, including date of birth, country of residence, region, time zone, and email address. Verify the email address and review the details before confirming.
- Choose an NNID and password, then follow the instructions in Nintendo’s confirmation email.
Choose a name and password you can keep
Nintendo says an NNID must be 6–16 characters and may contain letters, numbers, periods, dashes, or underscores. Punctuation cannot be the first or last character, and punctuation marks cannot appear consecutively. The ID is visible to other users and cannot be changed after it is set.
The password must also be 6–16 characters and include characters from at least two of these groups: letters, numbers, and punctuation. Nintendo advises against reusing a password or choosing one that is easy to guess.
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- Features: 3D Depth Slider, Wi-Fi Capability, Nintendo 3DS Sound, Mii Maker, 3D Camera, Front & Rear Camera, Touch Screen
- Includes: AC Power Adapter, Stylus
- Wired Connectivity: Wireless
- Model Compatibility: Nintendo 3DS
Create an NNID on Wii U
- Open User Settings for an existing Mii, or add a user from the user-selection screen.
- When asked whether you already have an NNID, choose the option to create a new one.
- Follow the prompts to accept the agreement, enter the requested identity details, choose a password, and provide an email address. For a user under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accept the agreement.
- Follow the email instructions to complete the setup.
Nintendo says an NNID created on Wii U can also be linked to a Nintendo 3DS family system. If you already have an ID, use the link option rather than creating a second one.
What if you need a Nintendo Account instead?
If you are setting up a Nintendo Switch account or need Nintendo’s current account services, create a Nintendo Account, not an NNID. NNID creation is specific to Wii U and Nintendo 3DS family systems; the two account types are not interchangeable.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does NNID registration still work?
Nintendo’s support pages continue to describe how to create an NNID on 3DS and Wii U, but published instructions alone do not confirm that registration is operational today. Nor do they establish that every legacy online feature is currently available. If the registration process fails, consult Nintendo support for current service information; buying a used 3DS or Wii U does not guarantee that a new ID or online feature will work.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #3
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- Complete with an adjustable stylus, 6 AR cards, and fun built-in software such as Face Raiders, Nintendo 3DS Sound, and the Mii Maker application.
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