Will Deleting Nintendo Account Delete Games?
In this article, we will explore the consequences of deleting a Nintendo Account on your games and data. Will your games be lost forever, or will they remain accessible? We’ll delve into the details of Nintendo’s policies and user experiences to provide you with a comprehensive answer.
What Happens When You Delete a Nintendo Account?
Deleting a Nintendo Account will not delete the digital games associated with that account. However, the physical games will remain playable, unless you have DLC (Downloadable Content) associated with the game, in which case it will notify you to delete the "unusable" DLC.
Save Data Cloud Backups
Save Data Cloud backups are linked to the Nintendo Account that created them. If your Nintendo Switch Online membership expires, you won’t be able to access your Save Data Cloud backups. However, if you resubscribe within 180 days, you’ll be able to access your previous Save Data Cloud backups.
Moving Data to a New Switch
If you’re moving to a new Switch console, you can transfer your data and usage history by linking your Nintendo Account to the new console. If you didn’t link your Pokémon HOME to a Nintendo Account on your old console, you won’t be able to move your data to the new console.
Family Group Settings
The Family Group setting allows you to group up to eight Nintendo Accounts (including Child Accounts) together as one Family Group. This setting allows for easy sharing of games and data across family members.
Multiple Nintendo Online Accounts
You can have multiple Nintendo Online Accounts, but each account needs an Individual Membership or must be part of a Family Membership to access Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack benefits.
Game Availability After Deleting Account
Physical Games: Physical games remain playable, unless you have DLC associated with the game, in which case it will notify you to delete the "unusable" DLC.
Digital Games: Digital games are tied to the Nintendo Account that purchased them. If you delete your Nintendo Account, the digital games will remain available to play, but the account information will no longer be linked to the games.
Pokemon Games
Pokémon HOME data is linked to a Nintendo Account. If you didn’t link your Pokémon HOME to a Nintendo Account on your old console, you won’t be able to move your data to the new console.
Consequences of Deleting Account
Deleting a Nintendo Account will:
- Remove your account information from the Nintendo ecosystem
- Prevent access to Save Data Cloud backups
- Disassociate games from your account (digital games will remain playable)
- Prevent linking of new consoles to your account
Conclusion
Deleting a Nintendo Account will not delete your digital games, but it will remove your account information from the Nintendo ecosystem. Physical games will remain playable, unless you have DLC associated with the game. Save Data Cloud backups are linked to the Nintendo Account that created them, and you’ll need to resubscribe within 180 days to access them. Pokémon HOME data is linked to a Nintendo Account, and you’ll need to link it to an account on your new console to access your data. We hope this article has provided you with a clear understanding of what happens when you delete a Nintendo Account.