Nintendo Switch Parental Controls
Some families rely on household rules to manage their gaming experiences and don’t feel the need for strict controls. For families who prefer a more controlled environment, you can set restrictions using the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app. Restrictions can also be set on the Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch system itself, but certain features can only be managed using the app.
Nintendo Account and internet connection required to use the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app. Data charges may apply.
Set family rules with the mobile app
You can set gaming and GameChat* restrictions via your smart device with the free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls mobile app.
Follow the directions in the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app to sync it with your Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch system and your Nintendo Account. Please note that the app will update once synced with a Nintendo Switch 2 system.
Determine the guidelines that work for your family
As a parent, it's not always easy to keep an eye on your children's time spent with entertainment devices. The Nintendo Switch Parental Controls smart device app is a free smart device app which you can link with Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch to easily monitor what and how your children are playing.
Here are some of the features of the parental control app:
- Monitor your child’s play time and set limits on how long or late the system can be used.
- Customize online features to fit your family’s needs.
- See which games they're playing. Knowing what kinds of games your child likes to play can make it easier for you to connect with them on something they care about.
- Choose whether to allow posting of game screenshots and videos taken on Nintendo Switch to social media (Nintendo Switch 2 does not include a feature to post to social media).
- If you approve use of a compatible USB camera in a GameChat video session, you will be prompted to set the camera's frame of view to manage how much of the camera feed is visible to other users, between face only, body only, and no filter.
- …and more.
A parent or guardian can access account-specific parental controls for supervised accounts via their Nintendo Account settings or by clicking to their account from the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls mobile app. The full list of possible restrictions can be found here. You can also set restrictions on who can make Nintendo eShop purchases via your Nintendo Account settings.
Stay connected with the GameChat feature on Nintendo Switch 2
GameChat lets players of all ages connect with faraway friends and family via voice chat (or video chat if you have a camera enabled). A parent or guardian needs to be involved in the set-up and use of GameChat by players aged 15 and younger, or those with a supervised account. In addition, they must manage the account by using the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on their smart device.
You can learn more about GameChat feature here.
You can get a more in-depth look at Parental Controls here.
*Internet, Nintendo Switch Online membership and Nintendo Account required for online features, including GameChat. Compatible USB camera required for video features. Not available in all countries. Terms and GameChat requirements apply. support.nintendo.com. Games, systems, memberships and some accessories sold separately. Until March 31, 2026, GameChat can be used without a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Afterwards, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required to use GameChat.