Nintendo Network ID on Nintendo 3DS

Is registering a Nintendo Network ID compulsory?

It’s up to you if you wish to register a Nintendo Network ID on Nintendo 3DS. Registering a Nintendo Network ID has a whole host of benefits however: you can join the ever-growing gaming community on Miiverse, download free software and demos from Nintendo eShop, and combine your balance with Wii U if you register the same Nintendo Network ID on both systems.

A Nintendo Network ID is required to download free software and demos from Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS, as well as to post content to Miiverse. If you wish to use these services, please register a Nintendo Network ID.

Does registering a Nintendo Network ID affect my friend list?

No, your friend list will not change if you register a Nintendo Network ID.

Can I register the same Nintendo Network ID on more than one Nintendo 3DS system?

No, this is not possible. Your Nintendo Network ID is tied to your software and/or additional content you have purchased and downloaded. As the rights of usage for software you have purchased apply only to a single Nintendo 3DS family system, you can only register your Nintendo Network ID on one system.

Can I register multiple Nintendo Network IDs on a single Nintendo 3DS system?

No. Each Nintendo 3DS system can only have one registered Nintendo Network ID at a time.

If I create a Nintendo Network ID on Nintendo 3DS, can I use it on Wii U at a later date?

Yes, this is possible. If you don’t already have a Nintendo Network ID on Wii U, you can create one on Nintendo 3DS and use it on your Wii U at a later date.

To link an existing Nintendo Network ID to a Wii U user account, please see our Tutorial: How to register a Nintendo Network ID on Wii U.

I have used Nintendo eShop in different countries, and I have funds in multiple currencies in my balance. What will happen to these funds after I register a Nintendo Network ID?

After registering a Nintendo Network ID, you will be unable to change countries and use multiple currencies – for instance, pounds and euros – in Nintendo eShop. The funds in the currency that corresponds to the country setting of your Nintendo Network ID will remain, and any funds in other currencies will be deleted and no longer usable. Please make sure to use up funds in any other currencies before registering a Nintendo Network ID to your Nintendo 3DS system.