How to Set Up a Nintendo Network ID

{Consideration provided by Nintendo}

One of my kids’ favorite gifts this past Christmas was their Nintendo 3DS system. My son is a huge Pokémon fan and has been progressing through the role-playing games Sun and Moon while my daughter channels her inner fashionista with Style Savvy: Fashion Forward. Until recently, my kids simply used their 3DS system to play games. Then we discovered all of the amazing things we can do once we set up a Nintendo Network ID. With a NNID, you can download free game demos, free-to-start games, watch video content, and more. Here is an infographic that shows you all of the benefits of setting up a NNID.

Why You Should Set Up a Nintendo Network ID

One of the advantages of setting up an NNID is access to free content. Does your child want to try a game before you purchase it? Or do you have a younger child who might enjoy one of Nintendo’s free-to-start games?

Nintendo 3DS Games - Nintendo Network ID

With Nintendo’s free content, you can “try before you buy” or simply enjoy hours of game play for free. To find free demos or free-to-start games, visit the Nintendo eShop. Here is a quick list of things you can do once you set up a Nintendo Network ID:

Download and play free-to-start games like Pokémon Picross and Nintendo Badge Arcade
Download more than 125 free game demos
Access video-on-demand services like Hulu and Netflix where you can view game trailers, Nintendo Minute videos, and play Nintendo content
Receive exciting Nintendo updates
Express yourself with family-friendly online gaming communities
Set up a free Nintendo account for a child to earn and redeem My Nintendo points , receive birthday discounts, reward offers, and My Nintendo Gold Points
Link to Nintendo Account to become a My Nintendo member and get extra bonus savings on the current Nintendo eShop sale. My Nintendo members get an extra 10 percent off participating games, including Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer, YO-KAI WATCH, Disney Art Academy and many more. Learn more details at Nintendo.com.

Nintendo Network ID

Nintendo Account - Nintendo Network ID

Setting up a Nintendo Network ID is easy and requires the consent of a parent or guardian for children under 13 years old.

Be sure your Nintendo 3DS is connected to WiFi
Access System Settings on your Nintendo 3DS
Select Nintendo Network ID Settings (you may need to update your system if you do not see this option)
Select “Create a new ID”
Create a Mii if you have not done so.
Accept the Network Services Agreement
Enter a birthdate, gender, country of residence, region and time zone (please note that this setting cannot be changed once the account is created)
Enter a NNID (this ID is a unique name that will represent you on the Nintendo Network. It will be visible to others so avoid personal information or offensive content in the ID. Once the ID is set it cannot be changed).
Enter a password
Enter an email address
Review the information to be sure it is correct before clicking Link.

The Nintendo 3DS can only have one active Nintendo Network ID registered to it at a time. Previous accounts need to be removed before creating or linking a NNID. For additional information or instructions, visit Support.Nintendo.com.