To unlink your Nintendo Account from someone else’s Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, delete the console user linked to your account on that system. Nintendo says the user-account link cannot be removed separately. Deleting the user does not delete your Nintendo Account or purchases, but it does erase that user’s save data stored on the console. If you only want to use your account on another Switch, you do not need to unlink it first.
Before deleting the user: protect any saves you need
Deleting the user is the step that removes the Nintendo Account link, and it also deletes that user’s save data stored on the console. Check whether the saves you care about are backed up before proceeding. Do not delete the user if you need to keep saves that are not supported by Save Data Cloud. Nintendo’s official unlinking guidance explains the account and save-data consequences.
Your Nintendo Account and digital purchases are not deleted with the console user. You can use the account again to access eligible purchases on another console.
Delete your user if you can access the other Switch
- On the Switch, open System Settings.
- Open Users and identify the user linked to your Nintendo Account.
- Choose the option to delete that user, then confirm only after checking that you selected the correct profile and understand its save data will be removed from the console.
Nintendo’s unlink article establishes that the linked user must be deleted, but consult the console’s current on-screen prompts as menu wording can vary by system software version.
#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
You can use the same Nintendo Account on another Switch without unlinking
If you still have access to the account and simply want to use it on a different console, link it there instead. Nintendo says one Nintendo Account can be linked to more than one Nintendo Switch 2 and/or Nintendo Switch at a time. Unlinking the old console is not a prerequisite for using the account on another one. See Nintendo’s account-linking guidance.
If you have both consoles and want to move your user and saves
Use Nintendo’s user-and-save transfer procedure rather than deleting the old user first. After a completed transfer, Nintendo says the associated account, user, and save data are removed from the original console. Follow the steps in Nintendo’s user and save data transfer guidance and verify the transfer destination before starting.
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 no longer have the old console
Sign in to your Nintendo Account on a new console to access the account and redownload eligible digital games. Nintendo’s transfer guidance says cloud-backed saves can be downloaded there when the Nintendo Switch Online membership is active. Signing in or redownloading games does not, by itself, establish that the account was removed from the old console.
Changing the primary console is a separate action
If by “unlink” you mean changing which console has pass-enabled-console status, that is separate from deleting the user linked to your Nintendo Account. Nintendo allows deregistration through the Nintendo Account Shop Menu website after signing in and confirming your account password. Website deregistration is available only once per year. If you used that website option during the previous year and cannot access the console, Nintendo says to contact Nintendo Support.
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- 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)
Do not initialize the whole console to remove just your account
Initializing the system removes all console content and unlinks Nintendo Accounts from the system, so it is much broader than deleting one user. Nintendo also warns that initializing without an internet connection leaves the console registered as the primary console. Use initialization only if your goal is to clear the entire system, not merely remove your account. See Nintendo’s initialization guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Parental Controls app unlinking is different
If you mean unlinking the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, that removes the app’s system restrictions; it does not remove the Nintendo Account link from a console user. Use Nintendo’s separate Parental Controls unlink instructions for that task.
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.
