The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be a huge hit with kids when it launches, thanks to adorable characters like Mario and Kirby. Children are allowed to have plenty of fun on their new console, but parents are worried that they might play for too long. Luckily, the Switch 2 comes with parental controls for concerned parents and caregivers.
Because of these concerns, we will detail how to set up parental controls on the Switch 2. It’s always good to monitor your child’s play habits and how certain games affect their behavior. From setting up the parental controls to monitoring what your kids play, here’s what you need to know.
How Do You Set Up Parental Controls on Switch 2?
Turn on your Switch 2, go to System Settings, choose the Parental Controls option, then Parental Controls Settings. After this, download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your Apple or Android device.
While the name of this app only has “Switch” on it, rest assured that this app will also work on your Switch 2 console. Nintendo designed this app to work on both consoles, so fans with the original Switch can also follow these instructions. Either way, you now have access to the Parental Controls for these consoles.
How Do You Adjust Play Time on The Switch 2’s Parental Controls?
Simply head to the Play Time Limit option on the app and decide how much time your kid can play on the Switch 2.
It doesn’t matter if the game is Mario Kart World or Tears of the Kingdom; your kids shouldn’t play the Switch 2 for too long. With this option, parents can decide if their kids can play for an hour or even longer. This way, parents can give them shorter play time on weekdays and longer play time on the weekend.
Once the play time has been exceeded, parents can choose to let their kids play for a bit longer or suspend the system automatically through the parental controls app. Nintendo suggests that suspension should be a final option, so make sure to give your kid a thorough talk about game time.
Can You Decide Who Your Kid Talks to in GameChat?
Yes. Children under 16 can’t use GameChat unless their parents let them through the app. Parents can also decide if their kids can keep talking with certain people on GameChat and even delete strangers who might cause them harm.
Letting your kid play online games on Switch 2 can be a risk, even if it’s a kid-friendly game like Splatoon. There’s always a risk of them talking to people with bad intentions or bullies with a big mouth. Just make sure you talk to your kids and let them now the dangers of online gaming.
GameChat will also be open to the public temporarily. After March 31, 2026, parents will need an NSO subscription to use this feature.
Can you restrict what Switch 2 games your kid can play?
Yes. Through the Switch Parental Controls app, head to Restrictions, and put an age limit on the child’s chosen profile.
If you don’t want your kids to see the sex and drug-filled world of Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2, absolutely use this feature. Nintendo wants this console to appeal to everyone, but that doesn’t mean your kid should play everything. Unless you trust your kid or have talks with them, it might be best to limit what they play.
For more on the Switch 2, stick with us here at Gfinityesports.com, the best site for Switch 2 coverage.
If you are interested in finding out Switch 2 stock availability, click here to access our stock checker for stock in the USA, and click here for Switch 2 UK stock availability.