Set up Nintendo Switch parental controls using the mobile app to manage play time, restrict games by age rating, and control online features.
The Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular gaming consoles for kids, offering both portable and TV-connected play. Nintendo provides excellent parental controls through a dedicated smartphone app.
The Switch is great for younger gamers. Use age-appropriate restrictions and gradually relax them as your child demonstrates responsibility.
Nintendo offers two ways to manage controls:
The smartphone app provides play time monitoring, remote management, and detailed activity reports—features not available through console-only settings.
The Nintendo Switch 2 (released June 2025) uses the same Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app and settings covered in this guide. The big addition is GameChat, the Switch 2's built-in voice and video chat: children under 16 can't use GameChat until parental controls are set up. Through the app you can approve each GameChat session, limit chat to friends you've approved, and review who your child chatted with and for how long.
Download "Nintendo Switch Parental Controls" from:
The app is free.
You'll need a Nintendo Account. If you don't have one, create it during setup.
The app will display a registration code. On your Switch:
Enter the registration code shown in the app.
Create a PIN for the console. This prevents your child from changing settings on the Switch itself.
Choose a PIN your child won't guess. You'll need it to override restrictions.
In the Parental Controls app:
Options:
Recommended starting limits:
Set a time when an alarm reminds your child to stop playing:
The Switch will display a notification when bedtime arrives.
You have two options:
"Suspend Software" can cause lost progress in games without autosave. Consider "Alarm Only" for older kids who can self-regulate.
The app shows:
This helps you understand your child's gaming habits even without strict limits.
Nintendo offers preset restriction levels:
| Level | Age | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Young Child | 0-5 | Only games rated for Everyone |
| Child | 6-11 | Games up to Everyone 10+ |
| Teen | 12+ | Games up to Teen |
| None | Adult | No restrictions |
For more control, choose "Custom" and configure:
Restricted Software Choose maximum game rating:
Posting Screenshots/Videos Prevent sharing to social media.
Communication with Others Restrict voice chat and messaging in games.
VR Mode (for Labo VR) Disable VR features if desired.
Control purchases and browsing in the eShop:
Options:
Additionally, don't store credit cards on the console. Use Nintendo eShop gift cards for controlled spending.
When restricted, the eShop won't show games above your set age rating.
Online multiplayer requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription ($20/year). If your child doesn't have a subscription, they can't play online with strangers.
Restrict to prevent:
Some games use voice chat through the console (GameChat on Switch 2) or require the Nintendo Switch App on a smartphone. Restricting communication blocks both.
Even with communication restricted, your child can still add local friends (in-person with another Switch nearby).
To fully restrict:
Disable "Receive Friend Requests."
Nintendo offers two account types:
Child accounts:
On the Switch:
Parental controls also restrict physical game cards:
This prevents borrowing inappropriate games from friends.
Parental controls work identically in both modes:
Time limits and content restrictions apply regardless of how the Switch is being used.
If multiple kids share a Switch:
Apply the same restrictions to the console (affects everyone).
Create separate user profiles with different Nintendo Accounts, then manage each child's account in your Family Group.
Even with separate profiles, play time limits apply to the console, not individual users. Consider separate Switches for kids with very different ages.
| Game | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mario Kart 8 | Everyone | Perfect for all ages |
| Super Mario Bros. Wonder | Everyone | Family-friendly |
| Animal Crossing | Everyone | Social simulation, online features |
| Minecraft | Everyone 10+ | Online multiplayer concerns |
| Splatoon 3 | Everyone 10+ | Online shooter (ink-based) |
| Super Smash Bros. | Everyone 10+ | Cartoon violence |
| Fortnite | Teen | Free, has voice chat, in-app purchases |
| Legend of Zelda | Everyone 10+/Teen | Varies by title |
When the time limit hits or your child wants to play a restricted game, they can request more time. You'll get a notification in the app.
You can also enter the PIN on the console to temporarily override.
If you forget your PIN:
Your Nintendo Switch is now configured for safe gaming. The app makes it easy to monitor and adjust settings as needed.
Follow these steps to configure parental controls. Check off each step as you complete it — your progress stays on this page.
