Nintendo Switch
These settings apply to the whole console. With more than one child, they follow the youngest.
Use the smart-device parental controls app for most options. eShop limits are on the Nintendo Account.
Restrict Nintendo eShop purchases
In a browser · about 5 min
Spending restrictions are on the Nintendo Account. They can disable purchases and auto-renewal on Switch 2, Switch, and the Nintendo Store, including physical orders.
- On the parent account, open the family group, then the supervised account, then Spending Restrictions.
- Turn off purchases and auto-renewal, then save.
- Set age-based content restrictions if you want those too.
Checked 30 Sep 2026
Link the app before Switch 2 GameChat
On your phone · about 5 min
Applies to players under 16 and to any player whose account is supervised through the Parental Controls app. On Switch 2, GameChat is only with friends a parent has approved, and only if the Parental Controls app is linked. Video chat needs a parent's approval every time. You can review GameChat history. Up to two parents can use the app.
- Link the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app before GameChat is used.
- Approve friends yourself. Do not leave video chat on for the whole day. It asks again each time.
Checked 30 Sep 2026
Restrict communicating with others
On your phone · about 4 min
Communicating with Others can be restricted, and the restriction can be set per game.
- Turn on the communication restriction.
- If one game needs it looser, set that exception per game instead of turning the restriction off everywhere.
Checked 30 Sep 2026
Set a restriction level or age rating
On your phone · about 3 min
Teen restricts games rated 17 and up, and does not restrict communication or social posting. Pre-Teen restricts games rated 13 and up, plus communication and social posting. Child restricts games rated E10 and up, plus communication, social posting, and VR. Custom lets you set communication per game, with a PIN of 4 to 8 digits. These preset details are from Nintendo's article for original Switch models.
- Choose Teen, Pre-Teen, or Child for the youngest player, or Custom if one game needs a different communication rule.
Checked 30 Sep 2026
Restrict posting screenshots and videos to social media
On your phone · about 2 min
On an original Switch, you can stop the console from posting screenshots and videos to social media. Posting to social media is not available on Switch 2, so there is no switch to set there.
- On an original Switch, turn on the restriction for posting screenshots and videos.
- On Switch 2, skip this. That posting feature is not on the console.
Checked 30 Sep 2026
Restrict VR mode
On your phone · about 1 min
The Child preset on an original Switch restricts VR mode. Labo VR is not available on Switch 2.
- On an original Switch, leave VR mode restricted unless you have decided it is appropriate.
- On Switch 2, there is no Labo VR mode to turn off.
Checked 30 Sep 2026
Set play time, bedtime, and suspend
On your phone · about 3 min
In the parental controls app, the play-time limit goes from No Limit up to 6 hours, and it can vary by day. You can add 5, 15, 30, or 60 minutes, or turn the limit off for today. Bedtime can start between 4:00 p.m. and 11:45 p.m., with a morning start between 6:00 and 9:00 a.m. Suspend Play When Time's Up stops the game. Without it, the console only shows a notification. Nintendo's long setup article is for original Switch models. On Switch 2, play-time limits are still set in the app.
- In the parental controls app, set the play-time limit. Six hours is the longest.
- Set bedtime and the time play can start again in the morning.
- Turn on Suspend Play When Time's Up if a notification is not enough.
Checked 30 Sep 2026