What is the Difference Between Username and Nickname in Pokémon GO?
As a passionate Pokémon GO player and content creator, one question I see asked a lot is "what is the difference between your username and nickname?"
Your username is directly connected to your Pokémon Trainer Club account, while your nickname is your public display name in Pokémon GO that other players see.
Clear as a bell, right? Let‘s dive deeper into what sets these two important identifiers apart.
Pokémon Trainer Club Username
Your Pokémon GO username is essentially your login ID. When you sign up for an account, you register with the Pokémon Trainer Club and create unique username that is tied to your email address.
According to the official Pokémon support site:
Your username is the name you chose when you signed up for your Pokémon Trainer Club account. To retrieve your username: From the Pokémon Trainer Club sign-in page, select Forgot your username? Enter the Email Address associated with your Pokémon Trainer Club account.
So in simple terms, your username allows access your specific account profile and Pokémon game data. Usernames need to be one-of-a-kind since they are directly linked to an email.
You cannot change this username later on. It stays static for your account.
Pokémon GO Trainer Nickname
In contrast to your permanent account username, your Pokémon GO nickname is fully customizable display name as you play the game.
Other players can your nickname when interacting in Gyms or Raids for example. It expresses your personal flair.
According to Niantic‘s Help Center:
Your screen name is displayed in public areas of the website if you have opted to share your public profile.
You first set your nickname when creating your account. But here‘s an important difference from username – you can change your nickname ONCE for free.
Reason Behind the One Free Nickname Change
As an avid Pokémon GO player myself, only allowing one free nickname switch makes sense. By limiting changes, your nickname becomes part of your unique identity among other trainers.
Frequent name changing could be confusing and make it harder to connect with the same players over time.
According to various Pokémon GO surveys and analysis by avid players, approximately 65-70% of trainers do customize their pokemon with nicknames. So changing just once allows flexibility while maintaining recognizability.
Getting Creative with Your Nickname
One of my personal favorite parts of Pokémon GO is seeing the creative names people come up with for their pokemon. As you start capturing and battling with your virtual creatures, nicknames can help form a deeper bond and personalization.
Got a Venusaur? Maybe name her Ivy. How about a fiery Charizard called Inferno? I‘ve even seen funny nicknames like Squirtley for a Squirtle or Pikabprobs for Pikachu.
Other great examples I‘ve come across include:
- Blastoise = Shellshocker
- Jigglypuff = Marshmallow
- Gengar = Casper
- Dragonite = Toothless
The options are endless so have some fun with it! Just remember you only get one free switch if you have regrets.
Key Differences Summarized
To recap the username vs nickname debate in Pokémon GO:
| Username | Nickname |
|---|---|
| Permanent account identifier | Customizable display name |
| Links account to email | Visible to other players |
| Must be unique | Can duplicate nicknames |
| Handles login access | Allows personalization of pokemon |
| Cannot change after account creation | Can change ONCE for free |
So in summary, your Pokémon GO username handles technical logistics while your changeable nickname enables you to put your own personal spin and creativity into the game for others to see.
Both are key pieces that serve different purposes, but nicknames are where you and other trainers can let your inner pokemon master‘s style shine!
Any other Pokémon GO players out there have nickname suggestions or stories to share? I‘d love to hear them!
