Parents can also set up parental controls on the new Nintendo Switch 2. With advanced features available since June 2025, you can customize age ratings, play times, and communication features.
Setting up parental controls on Nintendo Switch 2: First download the Parental Controls app
Once you have connected the new Nintendo Switch 2, as a parent you want to make sure that your children can play in an age-appropriate manner and, above all, that they cannot play for endless hours. The new chat feature also carries risks that you can minimize. To do this, first download the Nintendo Switch Parental Control app. It is available for iOS and Android. With this app, you can conveniently monitor and control your child’s console from your smartphone. Here’s how to set it up:
- Download the Nintendo Switch 2 parental control app to your smartphone. This app is available for free from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the app and log in with your Nintendo account. If you don’t have an account yet, create a new user by entering the required information.
- Next, you need to link the Nintendo Switch 2 to your smart device. To do this, navigate to “System Settings,” then “Parental Controls,” and finally “Set via Smart Device.”
- To finally connect the Nintendo Switch 2 to your smart device, enter the six-digit code displayed in the app.
Configure parental controls in the app
You can then set up the desired parental control settings in the app itself. Among other things, you can set restrictions for internet access, purchases, and social features.
- Set age ratings: This setting allows you to determine which games your child is allowed to play. The decision is based on age ratings. This ensures that your child only has access to age-appropriate content.
- Set playtime limits: To prevent your child’s screen time from getting out of hand, you can set daily or weekly playtime limits. The app will notify you when the set time has been exceeded. Optionally, you can set the console to automatically enter pause mode.
- Restrict communication features: Since June 2025, parents can restrict how much their children under the age of 16 can use the new GameChat feature via the C button. Using the app, you can specify that your child can only chat with friends you have approved. Before your child can start a video chat request, you must approve it.
- Control spending in the eShop: To prevent your child from simply buying any games, you can restrict spending in the Nintendo eShop. This also prevents your child from exceeding the budget without your control.
- Activity reports: Parents can also view detailed reports on their children’s gaming activities, including games played and playing times.
Set up parental controls via the console
If you don’t want to use the app, you can also use the console itself to set which access your child should or should not have.
- To do this, go to “System Settings” and “Parental Controls” and then “Use this console.”
- Then select an age rating or adjust the settings manually. For example, you can specify whether a “child” or a “teenager” is playing.
- To prevent anyone from tampering with the settings, set a PIN.
- The catch: You cannot set restrictions as specifically as you can with the app via the console.
