Keep your family’s experiences fun and safe with the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app

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!

Play-Time Limit

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 customization 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.

Check on what your child is playing

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 ESRB ratings of the games they play follow your family rules.

GameChat

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 behavior 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.

How to get the 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!