How to Cancel Nintendo Online: Step-by-Step Guide

Canceling your Nintendo Switch Online membership might seem daunting, but it’s actually a straightforward process. Whether you’re looking to save money or simply don’t use the service anymore, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the cancellation process and address important considerations regarding your save data, game vouchers, and family memberships.

Methods to Cancel Nintendo Switch Online

There are two primary methods to cancel your Nintendo Switch Online membership: directly through your Nintendo Switch console or via the Nintendo Account website. Let’s explore both options in detail.

Canceling on Nintendo Switch

1. Access the Nintendo eShop
2. From your Nintendo Switch HOME Menu, select the Nintendo eShop icon.
3. Navigate to Your Account
4. Select the account associated with your active Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
5. Tap your account icon in the upper-right corner to access Account Information.
6. Find Nintendo Switch Online Settings
7. On the left side of the screen, locate and highlight “Nintendo Switch Online”.
8. Turn Off Auto-Renewal
9. Select “Cancel Your Subscription by Turning Off Automatic Renewal”.

Canceling via the Nintendo Account Website

1. Log In to Your Nintendo Account
2. Visit accounts.nintendo.com and sign in using the credentials associated with your Nintendo Switch Online membership.
3. Access Subscription Settings
4. Navigate to the “Subscriptions” tab.
5. Cancel Auto-Renewal
6. In the “Nintendo Switch Online Membership Status” section, select “Cancel your subscription by turning off auto-renewal”.

Important Considerations When Canceling

Before you finalize your cancellation, keep these crucial points in mind:

1. Timing is Key: Ensure you turn off auto-renewal at least 48 hours before your membership is set to expire.
2. Service Continuation: You’ll retain access to Nintendo Switch Online services until the end of your current membership period.
3. No Refunds: Nintendo does not offer refunds or credits for the remaining time on your subscription.
4. Family Memberships: If you’re canceling a family membership, all members of the family group will lose access to the service when the membership ends.

Impact on Save Data and Cloud Backups

Canceling your Nintendo Switch Online membership affects your save data and cloud backups. Here’s what you need to know:

Save Data Cloud Backups

• Limited Access: Upon expiration of your membership, you’ll lose access to your Save Data Cloud backups.
• Temporary Storage: Nintendo will store your cloud backups for 180 days after your membership ends.

System Memory Saves

• Unaffected Data: Save data stored on your system memory remains accessible even after your membership expires.

Regaining Access to Cloud Backups

• Reactivation Window: To regain access to your cloud backups, reactivate your paid Nintendo Switch Online membership within the 180-day period.
• No Guarantees: While Nintendo may retain your data beyond 180 days, it’s not guaranteed. Act within this timeframe to ensure data recovery.

Game Vouchers and Membership Expiration

If you’ve purchased Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers, here’s how cancellation affects their usage:

1. Active Membership Requirement: You must have an active, paid Nintendo Switch Online membership to redeem vouchers.
2. Redeeming After Expiration: Unused vouchers can still be redeemed after restarting a paid membership, provided they haven’t expired.
3. Expiration Date: Vouchers expire one year from the purchase date, regardless of membership status.
4. Regional and Game Restrictions: Ensure vouchers are used for eligible games in the same region where they were purchased.

Family Membership Cancellation

Canceling a family membership requires special attention:

1. Cancellation Process:
2. Log in to your Nintendo Account via the eShop or website.
3. Navigate to “Nintendo Switch Online” settings.
4. Select “Turn Off Automatic Renewal”.
5. Impact on Family Members:
6. All family group members lose access to Nintendo Switch Online services once the membership ends.
7. Cloud save data may not be retained indefinitely after membership expiration.
8. No Refunds Policy: Nintendo doesn’t offer refunds for remaining time on canceled memberships.
9. Service Continuation: The family group can use Nintendo Switch Online until the current membership period ends.

Conclusion

Canceling your Nintendo Switch Online membership is a simple process, but it’s crucial to understand the implications for your save data, game vouchers, and family members. By following this guide and considering all aspects, you can make an informed decision about your subscription and manage the cancellation process effectively. Remember to back up important save data and use any remaining benefits before your membership expires to get the most out of your subscription.