Nintendo confirms that hackers may have accessed 160,000 accounts

You might want to reset the log-in information for your Nintendo account, as the company has confirmed that hackers may have gained access to 160,000 accounts.

In response, Nintendo has discontinued the ability for users to access their Nintendo Accounts via the Nintendo Network ID program. However, due to this being an ongoing investigation, Nintendo is not releasing more information about how the hackers gained unauthorized access to these accounts in an effort to “deter further attempts of unauthorized sign-ins,” according to an official statement. The company also stated that “there is currently no evidence pointing toward a breach of Nintendo’s databases, servers or services.”

According to Polygon, some users have reported that hacked accounts have been used for purchasing “large amounts” of V-Bucks, Fortnite‘s in-game currency.

While it continues its investigation, Nintendo is encouraging users to set up two-step verification for their accounts. Thankfully, Nintendo has confirmed that the only viewable information from third parties would have been the user’s nickname, date of birth, country or region, and email address. Credit card numbers were not viewable in the information that hackers accessed. However, users who had the same password for their Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo Account are at risk for their balances or registered credit card or PayPal being used illegally at the My Nintendo Store or Nintendo eShop.

The Nintendo Network ID system was a way for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U users to make online purchases and download demos, though it has largely been phased out in the Switch era, when Nintendo launched Nintendo Accounts.