Nintendo Switch Online: Customize Your Profile Icon with Platinum Points

Nintendo Switch Online's Icon Maker: what it is and why it matters

Guess what? Nintendo's Icon Maker is an official way to refresh your Switch user icon without needing external image editors. The reason's simple: Nintendo wants consistent, copyright-safe icons while giving players creative options using assets from franchises like Mario, Animal Crossing and Splatoon.

Imagine a narrow alley in Tokyo. You could be there in spirit by choosing a 桜 (sakura, cherry blossom)-themed background for your icon, or you could pick Mario to show off your gaming taste to friends on Nintendo Switch Online. Trust me on this one: a well-chosen icon makes joining online matches feel more personal.

How to access the Icon Maker on your Nintendo Switch and online

It's early morning in Kyoto. You turn on your Switch and want to change your icon right away. Here's how: on the console, go to System Settings > Users, select your user, then choose Change Icon and pick Icon Maker. That route works on Nintendo Switch models and Nintendo Switch Lite, using assets tied to your Nintendo Account.

No joke: you can also use the Icon Maker through your Nintendo Account on the web by visiting the Icon Maker page on Nintendo.com and signing in. That method's handy if you prefer a mouse or want to assemble your icon before syncing it to the console.

Platinum Points: what they are and how to spend them

That reminds me: Platinum Points are part of My Nintendo, Nintendo's rewards program that launched in 2016 as a replacement for Club Nintendo. You earn Platinum Points by completing simple My Nintendo missions, registering software in some regions, or through special promotions tied to Nintendo services.

Where Platinum Points fit into Icon Maker

Quick detour: certain decorative elements in Icon Maker, like special character poses, themed backgrounds, and ornamental frames, are unlocked with Platinum Points. Characters often include icons from Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Splatoon and Animal Crossing, which gives you plenty of options depending on your favourite series.

Oh, almost forgot: Platinum Points don’t expire quickly, so you can save them for seasonal items or rare frames that appear during promotions. My tip? Check the Icon Maker periodically around major Nintendo events such as Nintendo Direct streams or game anniversaries, because new items sometimes show up then.

Practical steps and examples

Before I forget: to spend Platinum Points on the web, sign into your Nintendo Account, open the Icon Maker tool, select an element you want, and confirm the Platinum Points payment. The chosen item will be added to your icon and synced to your Switch user profile via your Nintendo Account.

Speaking of which... if you want a cute Animal Crossing look, try pairing Isabelle with a pastel background and a wooden frame. If you're going for competitive flair, pick a Splatoon character with a bold frame to stand out in online lobbies. My tip? Mix and match until your icon matches your online persona.

Practical advice for Japan learners and fans

Trust me on this one: your icon is a tiny cultural statement. If you study Japanese or love Japanese culture, use ローマ字 (romaji, romanization)-friendly elements like sakura backgrounds or 抹茶 (matcha, green tea powder) colour palettes to hint at your interests. That can be a conversation starter when you meet players from Tokyo or 大阪 (Osaka, Osaka) during online play.

Personally, I like swapping icons to match in-game events. For example, during a festival-themed update in Animal Crossing, I used a festival frame and got asked about 花火 (hanabi, fireworks) and 祭り (matsuri, festival) by other players, which led to a short language exchange. Sounds weird, but it's true.

Small caveats and final tips

Guess what? Not all Icon Maker items are available worldwide at the same time. Regional promotions vary, and some character assets may be limited. The reason's simple: licensing windows and My Nintendo promotions differ by region, so check both your Nintendo Account and local Nintendo news pages for availability.

My verdict? If you use Nintendo Switch Online regularly, spending a modest number of Platinum Points to personalise your icon is a low-cost way to stand out and express fandom. It's simply brilliant for players who want a profile that reflects their favourite series.

Sources

1. Nintendo - Freshen up your profile pic with the Icon Maker
2. My Nintendo