WhiteRabbitEXE
Member
There seems to be a lot of confusion going around regarding these services, what exactly they are, and how they interact with each other. Here's a brief explanation:
What is it?
How do I create one?
Why do I need this? I already made a Nintendo account on my Wii U/3DS! Is that being replaced?
But what about this "nickname" field?
Do I need a Nintendo Network ID to have a Nintendo Account?
Do I need a Nintendo Account to have a NNID?
What is it?
How do I create one?
Is this being replaced by Nintendo Accounts?
What does this change for me on Wii U/3DS?
Do I need a Nintendo Network ID to have a Nintendo Account?
Do I need a Nintendo Account to have a NNID?
What is it?
How do I create one?
Do I need a Nintendo Account to create a MyNintendo account?
Do I need a NNID to create a MyNintendo account?
Hopefully that will help clear up some of the confusion. If you have any questions, corrections, or additional comments, please post them and I'll update my post accordingly.
What is it?
Your Nintendo Account is your master account for all Nintendo services. Similar to a Google Account or Microsoft Account, it provides a single, unified login for all services under its umbrella, along with basic information (name, email, age, Mii, etc.). It's simply the connective tissue for all things Nintendo.
How do I create one?
You can create a Nintendo account one of 3 ways. First off, go to this address: https://accounts.nintendo.com/ From there you will either be able to create a Nintendo Account by 1) filling out the form at the bottom of the page, 2) linking a Twitter, Google+, or Facebook account, or 3) signing in with your Nintendo Network ID. If you have one, method 3 is the preferred method.
Why do I need this? I already made a Nintendo account on my Wii U/3DS! Is that being replaced?
Your Nintendo Account will not be replacing your NNID, but is rather a master account that will be absorbing it.
But what about this "nickname" field?
Your Nintendo Account nickname is a non-unique display name that can be changed infinitely, without restriction. By default, it takes the name of your attached Mii character, assuming you have one.
Do I need a Nintendo Network ID to have a Nintendo Account?
No, you do not. Currently NNIDs are only used for services provided on Nintendo consoles, such as the eShop, online gaming, and Miiverse. For upcoming services like MyNintendo and Miitomo, as well as future Nintendo smart phone apps, only a standard Nintendo Account will be required.
Do I need a Nintendo Account to have a NNID?
Currently? No. This may change in the future however, possibly with the Nintendo NX.
What is it?
The Nintendo Network is Nintendo's collection of online gaming services, which currently includes your unique online identifier ("Nintendo Network ID"), Wii U/3DS friends list, eShop account, and Miiverse account. This is very similar to an Xbox Account/Gamertag, if your are familiar with this.
How do I create one?
Currently it is only possible to create a NNID through a Wii U or 3DS console.
Is this being replaced by Nintendo Accounts?
No, NNIDs are being folded into the Nintendo Account collection of services. Your Nintendo Account will serve as the bridge between your NNID and any and all other Nintendo services you sign up for going forwards.
What does this change for me on Wii U/3DS?
Right now? Nothing. Going forward though you will be able to connect your NNID and MyNintendo accounts through your Nintendo Account in order to earn various rewards. Additionally, regardless of whether you do or do not create and link a Nintendo Network account, you will continue to log into your Nintendo devices with the same login information, and you will continue to use your NNID as your unique online identifier.
Do I need a Nintendo Network ID to have a Nintendo Account?
No, you do not. Currently NNIDs are only used for services provided on Nintendo consoles, such as the eShop, online gaming, and Miiverse. For upcoming services like MyNintendo and Miitomo, as well as future Nintendo smart phone apps, only a standard Nintendo Account will be required.
Do I need a Nintendo Account to have a NNID?
Currently? No. This may change in the future however, possibly with the Nintendo NX.
What is it?
MyNintendo is a completely new service that will be launching under the Nintendo Account umbrella of services. It's a rewards program, similar to (though hopefully much, much better than) Microsoft's Xbox Rewards program, as well as Nintendo's old Club Nintendo service. You will earn points through purchases made through Nintendo Account services (such as eShop purchases) and well as actions such as "pre-registering" for Miitomo, and presumably other Nintendo apps and services.
How do I create one?
MyNintendo has not yet launched, but when it does you will be able to create an account through your Nintendo Account, and it will be accessible from this address: https://my.nintendo.com/
Do I need a Nintendo Account to create a MyNintendo account?
Yes! As MyNintendo is a new service from Nintendo, it is launching directly under the Nintendo Account collection of services, and will require a Nintendo Account to access.
Do I need a NNID to create a MyNintendo account?
No. Only a standard Nintendo Account will be required to create a MyNintendo account. However, if your Nintendo Account has a linked NNID, purchases made on the NNID will earn rewards points towards your MyNintendo account balance.
Hopefully that will help clear up some of the confusion. If you have any questions, corrections, or additional comments, please post them and I'll update my post accordingly.