Keep your family’s experiences fun and safe with the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app
24 June 2025
24 June 2025
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Playing games with your kids is a great way to connect with them over something they care about, while also giving you an idea of what they’re up to. But what about the times you’re not playing together? The free Nintendo Switch™ Parental Controls app* might be what you’re looking for!
With this smart device app, you can easily review and manage how your family is using the Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch systems. Set gaming restrictions right from the app, check out what games they’re playing (and for how long), and access more options to support your parenting style. You can also use the app to manage GameChat**—a brand-new communication feature that’s exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 system.
Here's a quick rundown of what the app can do!
As the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun. The Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app lets you set the amount of time your family can play the system. You can monitor play time, set time limits of how long the system can be used before they get reminders in the game, and—if all else fails—suspend their game session. That’s more of a last resort, though!
There’s also a deeper level of customisation to fit your family’s needs. For example, you can set a start and stop time for using the system or set limits based on the day of week.
Need a closer look? The app also lets you see your child’s most played games. It may even lead to fun discussions about their games—what they like, how they play, and what they’ve experienced.
You can also set restrictions based by age rating. This ensures that the ratings of the games they play follow your family rules.
Finally, we have GameChat, a brand-new feature exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2. Up to 12 friends can voice chat with each other using the built-in microphone, and up to four friends can share their game screens and/or connect via video chat (camera sold separately). The idea is that friends and family can hang out together and play games like they’re in the same room.
Of course, we want this experience to be safe and fun for everyone. After you connect your Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app to your Nintendo Switch 2, you’ll be able to manage how your child uses GameChat. Only friends you approve will be allowed to chat, which you manage in the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app. If a child wants to use video chat, their parent or guardian will need to grant permission using the app to make sure camera use is acceptable at that time.
Going over Nintendo’s Community Guidelines with your family is a great way to make sure younger players understand our expectations for their behaviour online, in addition to any rules your family follows. Players can also report any GameChat interactions that don’t comply with Nintendo’s Community Guidelines. Reports are made on the Nintendo Switch 2 system itself and not in the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app.
To get the free Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, please visit this site. We hope you and your family have an amazing time with Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch!
*Nintendo Account, persistent internet and compatible smart device required. Data charges may apply.
** Additional games, systems and/or accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. To use online services, you must create a Nintendo Account and accept the related agreement. The Nintendo Account Privacy Policy applies. Internet connection required. Until 31 March, 2026, GameChat can be enjoyed for free. Afterwards, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required. Mobile phone number registration required to use GameChat. Children must get approval from a parent or guardian via the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app to use GameChat.
Internet, Nintendo Switch Online membership and Nintendo Account required for online features, including GameChat. Compatible USB camera required for video features. Terms and GameChat requirements apply. nintendo.com/au/support/
Games, systems, memberships and some accessories sold separately.
