Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →It depends on what you want to change. To change a child account into a general Nintendo Account, the account holder must be at least 13 and complete Nintendo’s conversion process in a web browser. To move the account to another family group, use Nintendo’s family-group transfer instructions. But you cannot replace the Nintendo Account linked to an existing Switch user with a different one.
Choose the change you mean
| What you want to change | What to do | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Change a child account into a general Nintendo Account | Use Nintendo’s conversion process; the account holder must be at least 13. Conversion cannot be reversed. | Computer or smartphone browser |
| Move supervision to another parent or family group | Follow Nintendo’s current family-group combining or transfer instructions. | Nintendo Account website |
| Replace the Nintendo Account linked to a Switch user | Nintendo says an existing link cannot be changed to a different Nintendo Account. | Not available for an already-linked user |
These are separate changes: moving an account between family groups does not replace the account linked to a Switch user, and converting a child account does not itself remove the restrictions already set on it.
Change a child account to a general Nintendo Account
Nintendo allows a child account to be changed to a general Nintendo Account once the account holder reaches age 13. Nintendo describes child accounts as intended for people aged 0–17; the age-13 threshold is the point at which conversion becomes available. See Nintendo’s child-account guidance.
Before you convert
- The account holder needs a personal email address to register to the account.
- Conversion is permanent: Nintendo says the account cannot be changed back into a child account.
- Restrictions already set by the parent or guardian carry over. Conversion does not automatically clear them.
- The parent or guardian will no longer be able to manage the account’s password through the parent account and will stop receiving the listed child-account notifications.
Complete the conversion in a browser
- On a computer or smartphone, open Nintendo’s child-account instructions and follow the conversion process on the Nintendo Account website. This process cannot be completed on the Switch console.
- Register the child’s personal email address as prompted.
- Complete the verification steps. Nintendo sends a code to the email address on the parent or guardian’s family-admin account and a code to the child account’s email address.
After conversion, the account holder can use their own email address to sign in. Read Nintendo’s on-screen prompts carefully before confirming, because the change cannot be undone.
#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
Move the account to another parent or family group
If you want another parent or household to supervise the account, use Nintendo’s Combining family groups together instructions. Make family-group changes on the Nintendo Account website; the Switch can show family-group membership but cannot change its settings.
Follow Nintendo’s current instructions for the account and family groups involved. The transfer steps and eligibility can depend on the situation, so do not assume that conversion instructions or Switch user settings will move the account to a different group. Nintendo states that a family group can contain up to eight accounts, including child accounts and the admin.
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
If you mean the account linked to a Switch user
A Switch user can be linked with one Nintendo Account. Nintendo states that once linked, it cannot be changed to a different Nintendo Account. Check that you are using the intended Nintendo Account before linking a user; the restriction is about replacing the link on that existing user, not moving family-group membership. See Nintendo’s Switch account-linking guidance.
Changing play-time or eShop restrictions
“Supervised” can refer to account-level restrictions, but those are not the same as limits on Switch use. Nintendo Account restrictions, such as eShop purchasing and product-viewing limits, are managed separately from console usage restrictions. Nintendo says child-account restrictions on the Nintendo Account website are not enabled by default and must be set separately. For play time or console access, use the console’s parental-controls settings or the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app; converting the account does not by itself change those controls. See Nintendo’s parental-controls guidance.
Recommended Free Tools
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)
Accounts, balances and deletion
A family relationship does not combine balances. Nintendo says eShop funds and My Nintendo points are managed independently between parent and child accounts; funds and points cannot be shared or combined. The child-account guidance also says a deletion request takes 30 days to complete and that recovery is possible before deletion finishes. Do not use deletion as a substitute for conversion or a family-group move.
Quick Recap
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
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.




