Nintendo warns that Switch Online servers will be down on Christmas

Nintendo is warning gamers who pick up a Switch this Christmas that servers could be down on the day.

The warning was shared via the Japanese customer service account, meaning it has been translated to read:

“This weekend, access will be concentrated on the server of Nintendo Account, and it is expected that Nintendo Account will not be created immediately.

“If you are planning to use the Nintendo Switch family for the first time, we recommend that you create it in advance.”

This suggests that those gamers who don’t have a Nintendo account setup before receiving their gift could run into server issues.

The best way around this would be to set up the Nintendo Account beforehand so that they can log in and start playing online without so many issues.

And it should be noted that A Nintendo Account is required to use certain services from Nintendo, such as off-device game purchases and the My Nintendo loyalty program.

The good news is that a Nintendo Account can be linked to your Nintendo Network ID, Facebook, Twitter, Google, or Apple accounts.

Here is the official guide on how best to setup your Nintendo Account:

Go to the Nintendo Account website and click Sign in/Create account. Click Create a Nintendo Account.

Enter your date of birth and click Submit. Select the sign-in method you want to use.

If creating a Nintendo Account through a Nintendo mobile app on an iOS device (such as an iPhone or iPad), you will only be able to create your Nintendo Account using an Apple ID, Facebook, Google, or Twitter. You can still link these accounts after you create your Nintendo Account, or you can visit the Nintendo Account website through your internet browser to create your Nintendo Account.

If you would like to create a Nintendo Account without using a social media account, scroll down to the account information fields towards the bottom of the screen.

Once you have created a Nintendo Account, you will always have the option to link an NNID or social media service later.

Enter the following information into the fields:

• Nickname: 10 characters or less
• Email address: Your email address can be tied to one Nintendo Account only.
• Password: Passwords must be at least 8 characters long and include a combination of characters from 2 of the following categories: letters, numbers, and punctuation.
• Date of birth
• Gender (Optional)
• Country of residence
• Time zone
• Review the Nintendo Account User Agreement and click Submit if you agree to the terms and conditions.