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    • Welcome to Nintendo Support

    Get support for your Nintendo systems, software and services

    Getting Started with Nintendo Switch

    Description:

    Complete the following steps to set up your Nintendo Switch console and Nintendo Account.

    Complete These Steps:

    Is this your first Nintendo Switch, or a later console?

    1. First, create a Nintendo Account for the player(s) that will be using the Nintendo Switch console if they do not have one already.
      • If there are multiple players in your household, you can combine up to 8 members into one Nintendo Account family group.
    2. If you created a Nintendo Network ID (NNID) for Wii U or Nintendo 3DS and you want to merge your funds, link your NNID to your Nintendo Account.
    3. Switch on your Nintendo Switch console and complete the initial setup.
    4. Create a user account for each player on the Nintendo Switch console, and link that player's Nintendo Account to their user.
    5. Purchase a Nintendo Switch Online membership if you want to use the console’s online features, including like online multiplayer.
      • For information about the Nintendo Switch Online service, Click Here.
      • For information about the different types of available memberships, Click Here.
    6. Start a game – you’re ready to play!
    1. Connect your new Nintendo Switch and complete the initial set-up.
    2. Create a user account for each player on Nintendo Switch, and link your Nintendo Account to it.
      • If you already have a user account on a different Nintendo Switch, you can transfer your existing account and save data instead of creating a new user.
    3. If you don't already have one, purchase a Nintendo Switch Online membership if you want to use the console’s online features (like online multiplayer).
      • For more information, see our Nintendo Switch Online service FAQ and additional information on membership types.
    4. Start a game – you’re ready to play!
      • If you're playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons and you previously played it on an earlier console, don't forget to transfer your island and save data to your new console!

    You may also find our information on playing your games across multiple systems as well as the differences between primary and non-primary Nintendo Switch consoles helpful.

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