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To sign in on a Nintendo Switch, link your Nintendo Account to the Switch user profile you want to use: select that user on the HOME Menu, open Profile, then choose Link Nintendo Account. Follow the prompts to enter an available sign-in method and any requested verification code. Check that you have selected the right profile and account before confirming: Nintendo says a Switch user can be linked to only one Nintendo Account and cannot later be relinked to a different one.
Link your Nintendo Account to a Switch user
- On the Switch HOME Menu, select the user icon for the profile that should use the account.
- Open Profile, then choose Link Nintendo Account. The wording may vary slightly by language.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and sign in with an option available for that account.
- Before confirming the link, make sure the selected Switch user and Nintendo Account are the intended pair. Nintendo’s instructions describe this path and the one-account-per-user restriction in its Switch account-linking guide.
Nintendo requires sign-in when linking an account to a Switch user and when launching Nintendo eShop, according to its Nintendo Account sign-in guidance.
Choose the sign-in method for your account
General Nintendo Account
Depending on the account setup and the options shown on the console, sign in with the registered email address and password, a sign-in ID and password, a passkey, or a linked Google or Apple account. Use only a method offered in the on-screen flow.
Child Nintendo Account
A child account signs in with its sign-in ID and password; it cannot use an email address as the sign-in credential, set up a passkey, or enable Nintendo Account two-step verification. The parent or guardian establishes the child’s sign-in ID and password when creating the account. See Nintendo’s sign-in guidance for account-specific details.
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#1 Best Overall
- 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
Phone-assisted easy sign-in
If the Switch presents an easy sign-in option, scan the displayed QR code with a smartphone or enter the displayed access key on the phone if scanning is not possible. This is an option when offered by the console, not a requirement for every sign-in. Nintendo describes the flow in its easy sign-in instructions.
Enter a verification code when prompted
There are two different code prompts to be aware of. Nintendo may ask you to enter a code sent to the email address registered to the account, even when two-step verification is not enabled. If two-step verification is enabled, first enter the account password, then enter the time-sensitive code displayed in Google Authenticator. Nintendo identifies this as an RFC 6238 TOTP code and confirms operation with Google Authenticator in its two-step verification instructions.
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
Nintendo provides 10 backup codes when two-step verification is set up. Each code works only once. If you cannot access the authenticator, use an unused saved backup code if available and follow Nintendo’s account-recovery instructions. Store remaining codes somewhere secure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the sign-in prompt does not look like a Nintendo Account prompt
A Nintendo Account password, a parental-controls PIN, and a game publisher’s account password are different credentials. If a game asks you to sign in to a service such as Epic Games or Microsoft, that is a third-party account prompt; use that provider’s account support rather than resetting your Nintendo Account password. Nintendo’s Switch sign-in troubleshooting guidance distinguishes these kinds of prompts.
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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.
