PSA: By default, Nintendo now collects data via Google Analytics On Switch eShop (North America)

Nintendo Life

It turned out that – for at least some Switch users in North America – the Switch eShop now connects to Google Analytics by default. Likely introduced in the latest firmware update, it looks like anyone with a US Nintendo Account (and possibly other non-EU / Australian accounts) will now be automatically enabled for data sharing between the platform owner. -form and Google.

This was pointed out by Reddit user u / coors_girth after noticing a previously invisible option appearing at the very bottom of the Profile Info screen on the console. We could not find the option on our European eShops, possible due to differences in European privacy laws, but the setting is present on our US Nintendo accounts. Another user noted that the option also appears on the Japanese Switch eShop.

In a world where extensive data collection is the norm, this might not bother you at all. However, if you don’t want to share this data, it’s easy to change your preferences.

To turn off data collection, open the Switch eShop on your console, select your profile icon at the top right of the screen to view your profile information, scroll to the bottom and change the Google Preferences setting Analytics on “ Do not share ” (you will have to repeat this operation for all affected accounts):

You will also need to launch the new Nintendo Switch Online menu app provided as part of the latest update and change your preferences there.

To do this, select the Nintendo Switch Online app at the bottom left of the console’s home screen and, once open, select your subscription information (the large rectangular box with your icon in the upper left corner ):

Navigate to the bottom of the larger menu that appears and you will see the fine print “Google Analytics Preferences Here‘ basically:

Again, this doesn’t appear as an option on EU eShops, and may not even show up on all non-EU accounts – complex privacy rules may vary depending on the state or country in which one you are on and other factors. Still, if online privacy is something you take seriously, it’s always good to be in the know.