Will I lose my progress if I unlink My Nintendo account?

Will I Lose My Progress if I Unlink My Nintendo Account?

As a Nintendo Switch user, you might be wondering what happens to your progress if you decide to unlink your My Nintendo account. Will you lose all your hard-earned data and progress? Fear not, as we’ll guide you through the process and answer this question once and for all.

Deleting vs. Unlinking: What’s the Difference?

Before we dive into the details, let’s clarify the difference between deleting and unlinking a Nintendo account. Deleting an account permanently erases all associated data, including your save data, profiles, and purchase history. Unlinking, on the other hand, only separates the account from the device or profile it’s linked to. Unlinking doesn’t delete your account or data, but it does break the connection between the two.

What Happens to Your Save Data?

If you unlink your My Nintendo account, your save data will remain intact on your Nintendo Switch console. This means that you can still access your games, save files, and progress even after unlinking the account. However, keep in mind that if you update your game to a new version or install a new game, you might need to re-authorize your account to access certain features or online content.

Cloud Saves: What About Online Games?

Online games that use cloud saves, such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, will still retain their save data even after unlinking your account. These games store their save data locally on your console, so you won’t lose your progress.

Games that Don’t Support Cloud Saves

Not all games support cloud saves. Games that don’t support cloud saves, such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons, will not retain their save data after unlinking your account. In this case, you’ll need to back up your save data manually using the game’s built-in save feature.

Backing Up Your Save Data

To ensure that you don’t lose your progress, it’s always a good idea to back up your save data regularly. You can do this by using the Nintendo Switch’s built-in backup feature or by using third-party software.

Nintendo Online Membership and Cloud Saves

If you have a Nintendo Online membership, you’ll have access to cloud saves for certain games. In this case, if you unlink your account, you’ll no longer have access to those cloud saves. However, if you reactivate your account within 180 days, you’ll be able to regain access to your cloud saves.

Automatic Renewal: What Happens to My Membership?

If you have a Nintendo Online membership, you might be wondering what happens to your membership if you unlink your account. If you turn off automatic renewal, your membership will expire when the subscription period ends. However, if you leave automatic renewal enabled, your membership will continue to renew even after unlinking your account.

Conclusion

In conclusion, unlinking your My Nintendo account won’t result in the loss of your progress or save data. However, it’s essential to understand that some games might not retain their save data, and you should always back up your data regularly. If you’re unsure about your game’s save data or online features, it’s always best to check the game’s settings or contact Nintendo support for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What happens to my save data if I unlink my My Nintendo account?
  A: Your save data will remain intact on your Nintendo Switch console.
• Q: Will I lose my online game progress if I unlink my account?
  A: Only games that use cloud saves will retain their save data. Games that don’t support cloud saves will not retain their save data.
• Q: How do I back up my save data?
  A: You can use the Nintendo Switch’s built-in backup feature or third-party software.
• Q: What happens to my Nintendo Online membership if I unlink my account?
  A: If you turn off automatic renewal, your membership will expire when the subscription period ends. If you leave automatic renewal enabled, your membership will continue to renew even after unlinking your account.

Additional Tips

• Always back up your save data regularly to avoid losing your progress.
• Check the game’s settings or contact Nintendo support for information on save data and online features.
• If you’re unsure about unlinking your account, consider consulting the Nintendo Support website for more information.

By understanding what happens to your save data and online progress when you unlink your My Nintendo account, you can make informed decisions about your gaming experience. Happy gaming!