So you want to unlink your Nintendo Account from your Switch?
With over 100 million Switches sold, this common question has a complicated answer. Your Nintendo Account and Switch user profile are bonded at creation – making them nearly inseparable.
I‘ll walk you through exactly why unlinking accounts is tricky, what you stand to lose in the process, and the steps needed to delete your user profile as the only path forward.
And with helpful screenshots and analysis along the way from my years as gaming tech specialist, you’ll really understand the Nintendo linking relationship.
Let’s get started!
Why Unlink Nintendo Accounts from the Switch?
Nintendo‘s account system differs from other consoles. While you can use a Switch without any account linked, an integrated Nintendo Account unlocks crucial features:
- eShop purchases
- Online multiplayer
- Cloud save backup
- Unlocking DLC content
Yet situations arise where unlinking becomes necessary:
- Selling your Switch but keeping account purchases
- Removing child accounts from a family Switch
- Starting fresh with a new Nintendo Account
The question becomes…is unlinking even possible with how the accounts connect?
The Tight Integration Between Accounts
You have two relevant accounts on your Switch:
Nintendo Account: Your overarching Nintendo ID controlling purchases, friends list, and data across devices.
Switch User Account: Profile allowing personalized gameplay saves and settings on one console.
Here‘s the key detail – when you create or link a Nintendo Account:
A profile is permanently generated linking your Nintendo Account to a unique Switch user.
You access Switch content through this created user profile. In turn, deleting the user removes that access point even though your Nintendo Account still exists!
There‘s no separating the two once created – explaining the complication with unlinking.
What Data Loss to Expect When Deleting a User
Because deleting the user profile removes the link to your Nintendo Account, you lose the following data stored locally on that Switch:
| Data Lost | Impact |
|---|---|
| Game Saves | Restart any uncompleted games |
| Play Activity | Lose tracked gameplay stats |
| Purchase Records | Owned games still tied to Nintendo Account |
| Redeemed Gold Points | Points return to Nintendo Account |
| Contacts List | Remove Switch-only friends |
Losing hundreds of hours of game progress gives most people pause before deleting! While frustrating, this data remains bound to the user account.
However, removing content ownership isn‘t one concern …let me explain why.
You Don‘t Lose Purchased Content
"What about all the money I spent buying games with my Account?"
This common question has an important reassuring answer!
Any digital purchases are permanently tied to your Nintendo Account.
- You can redownload owned games by adding the same Nintendo Account to a new user profile on another Switch.
Your purchase history moves forward with your account.
With that fear calmed, let‘s walk through the full account deletion.
How to Delete the Connected User Profile in 7 Steps
Through the Switch settings, we‘ll completely remove the user profile acting as conduit to the Nintendo Account:
Step 1) Power On Your Nintendo Switch
Turn on your console through the power button or Home button on your Joy-Con. Wait for the menu to load.
Step 2) Access System Settings
Scroll down and select the Settings cog icon on the bottom right of the screen:
Step 3) Navigate to "Users" Menu
Scroll left through the Settings options until you reach Users:
You’ll then see all user profiles on this console.
Step 4) Find "Delete User" Option
Scroll down to the bottom of the User page and select the red "Delete User" option:
Step 5) Confirm the Account & Data Deletion
Double check you’re deleting the correct profile! Then confirm you understand save data is also lost:
Step 6) Final Approval to Remove User
Last chance to change your mind! Select "Delete This User" in red to finalize removal:
Step 7) Return to the Home Screen
Once deleted, the settings menu reappears. Back out to finish!
That completes the account unlinking process.
Even I cringe losing hundreds of hours from certain games! But you retain the important Nintendo Account purchases to replay games later.
One alternative to maintain shared access…let‘s discuss family membership plans.
Sharing Content With a Family Membership
If completely deleting user accounts sounds too destructive, a Nintendo Switch Online family plan keeps everything intact and shared.
Up to 8 Nintendo accounts across multiple Switches can group into a family membership for Online play access. You can designate a "manager" handling the payment.
However, keep a few familial limitations around digital content in mind:
- Only the purchasing account retains ownership – family members only "borrow" access
- Managers can remotely revoke shared access anytime
- Child accounts have restrictions (game ratings, playtime limits, purchases)
For unrestricted, permanent access where purchases stay with you, a personal Nintendo Account remains the way to go. Family access suits shared gamers on a budget best.
I hope breaking down exactly how Nintendo Accounts operate on the Switch helps guide your decisions. It‘s admittedly less flexible than Xbox or PlayStation! But take control of your data and purchases with this walkthrough.
Let me know if any other questions come up on separating your gaming life across Nintendo consoles and accounts!
