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If you’re like me, you may have recently purchased a Nintendo Switch. And if you’re also like me, you may have realized that you don’t need the console to enjoy Switch’s library of games.
Here’s how to deregister your Switch without the console:
1. Go to Nintendo’s website and log in to your account.
2. Select “Nintendo Switch” from the left-hand menu.
3. Click on the “Deregister” button next to your console’s serial number.
4. Confirm that you want to deregister the console by clicking “OK.”
And that’s it! You can now enjoy your Switch games without the console weighing you down.
Contents
- 1 Deregistering your Nintendo Switch
- 2 Why you might want to deregister your Switch
- 3 How to deregister without the console
- 4 What to do if you can’t find your Switch
- 5 How to deregister a stolen or lost Switch
- 6 How to deregister a Switch that was given to you
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions about deregistering your Switch
Deregistering your Nintendo Switch
If you no longer have access to the console, you can deregister the Nintendo Switch through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.
To deregister your Nintendo Switch using the app:
1. Select Settings from the bottom left of the screen.
2. Select Console Settings.
3. Select Deregister Console.
4. You will be prompted to enter your Nintendo Switch PIN. If you have forgotten your PIN, please contact us for assistance.
Why you might want to deregister your Switch
You might want to deregister your Nintendo Switch console if you sell it or give it away. Deregistering your Switch removes it from your Nintendo Account.
If you plan on selling or giving away your Nintendo Switch console, you should first deregister it from your Nintendo Account. Deregistering removes the console from your account, and anyone who uses the console will no longer have access to any content that was purchased with your account.
To deregister a Nintendo Switch console, you will need the following:
-The serial number of the console
-The console itself (you can’t deregister a console without having physical access to it)
-A method of payment (such as a credit card) associated with your Nintendo Account
How to deregister without the console
If you no longer have access to the Nintendo Switch console that is linked to your Nintendo Account, you can deregister it from your account using our online form.
Please keep in mind that you can only deregister one console at a time using this form. If you need to deregister additional consoles, please repeat this process for each individual console.
In order to use this form, you will need the following information:
-The email address or phone number associated with your Nintendo Account
-The serial number of the Nintendo Switch console that you would like to deregister (this can be found on the bottom of the console)
-An image of the front and back of the Nintendo Switch box
What to do if you can’t find your Switch
If you’re unable to find your Nintendo Switch, there are a few steps you can take to try and locate it.
First, check all the places it could be hidden in your house. It’s often easy to misplace small electronics like the Switch, so be sure to check under furniture, in cabinets, and anywhere else it could be hiding.
If you still can’t find it, try contacting Nintendo support. They may be able to help you locate your console remotely.
Lastly, if you suspect your Switch has been stolen, you should contact local law enforcement and file a police report.
How to deregister a stolen or lost Switch
If your Nintendo Switch console is lost or stolen, you can deregister it in your Nintendo Account settings so that no one else can use it.
Here’s how:
1. Go to account.nintendo.com and sign in to your Nintendo Account.
2. Select “Sign-in and security settings.”
3. Under “Linked consoles,” select “Edit.”
4. Select the checkmark next to the console you want to deregister, then select “Deregister.”
5. When prompted, enter your password, then select “Deregister.”
6. If you have any other devices linked to your Nintendo Account, be sure to re-register them in the same way if you want to continue using them.
How to deregister a Switch that was given to you
If you were given a Nintendo Switch that was previously registered to someone else, you’d need to deregister it before you can register it in your own name. To do this, you’ll need to contact Nintendo’s customer support.
You can reach Nintendo’s customer support or by chat at https://support.nintendo.com/help.
Frequently Asked Questions about deregistering your Switch
I just got a new Nintendo Switch. Do I need to deregister my old one?
No, you don’t need to deregister your old Switch. You can keep it as a spare or give it to someone else.
How do I deregister my Nintendo Switch?
You can deregister your Nintendo Switch through the “System Settings” menu. Just head to “System,” then “Console,” and then “Deregister.” From there, follow the on-screen instructions.
Why would I want to deregister my Nintendo Switch?
Deregistering your console will free up one of your Nintendo account’s five total active console slots. So, if you have more than one console, you may want to deregister unused or spare consoles to make room for new ones. Additionally, if you’re selling or giving away your Switch, you’ll want to deregister it first to prevent the new owner from having access to your Nintendo account and any digital games or content you’ve purchased.
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